Iraqi medics enhance trauma skills

Photo By Spc. Allison Churchill | Pvt. Ali Ibrahim Zuqier, medic, 8th Motor Transport Regiment, applies a bandage to a comrade's wound during a trauma care lanes exercise April 24 at the end of training taught by medics in Co. C, 589th Brigade Support Battalion on Forward Operating Base Delta.  

AL KUT, IRAQ

04.27.2009

Story by Spc. Allison Churchill 

Multi-National Division-South East Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq — Iraqi army 8th Motorized Transport Regiment medics put their skills to the test during a lanes exercise at the troop medical clinic here April 24.

The lanes were the culmination of a six-day class taught by medics in Company C, 589th Brigade Support Battalion, 41st Fires Brigade.

"We changed the conditions on them," said Capt. Jake Bustoz, medical advisor, 8th MTR Military Transition Team.

Bustoz, a native of Post, Texas, said the medics in the Numaniyah-based unit are very skilled in clinical medicine, but haven't had much experience in trauma care.

The medics typically stay in the ambulance during patrols and therefore rarely have to perform in combat situations, said Petty Officer 1st Class Curtis Derrick, medic with the 8th MTR MiTT and Albuquerque, N.M. resident.

The lanes were designed to be similar to the end of a combat lifesaver class, said Staff Sgt. Reginald Lockett, of Cleveland, a class instructor.

To pass the class, each medic had to quickly get to the patient, get their patient into a safe zone, assess and start treating injuries, start an intravenous line and call a litter team to transport the patient to the ambulance — all while Lockett and his fellow instructors yelled, imitated gunfire and splashed water to recreate a hostile situation.

The Iraqis said they look forward to working with the FOB Delta medics for more training.

"We thank you for what you did for us, but we have to get more information," said Pvt. Ali Ibrahim Zuqier.

Bustoz said he's found inspiration while working with the Iraqi medics.

"The more time we spend with them, I see their passion coming out," said Bustoz. "Their innovation to do more with less gives me motivation."

• Date Taken: 04.27.2009
• Date Posted: 04.28.2009 11:07
• Story ID: 32964
• Location: AL KUT, IQ