Iraqi police learn to sustain life during the ‘golden hour’

Photo By Staff Sgt. Garrettgarrett Ralston | Iraqi police officers and members of the 239th Military Police Company, pose for a group photo during a training course held on Contingency Operating Site Kalsu Tuesday. The weeklong course covered techniques for first-responder medical treatment using basic medical supplies. By the course end, the officers had expressed a new level of confidence in their ability to save lives.  

BABIL, IRAQ

04.05.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Garrettgarrett Ralston 

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

BABIL, Iraq – Iraqi police officers from Babil and Karbala provinces completed training on first-response medical techniques, March 30, at the Iraqi Police Academy on Contingency Operating Site Kalsu.

The 239th Military Police Company, a supporting unit of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, provided comprehensive training for the officers aimed to familiarize them with the basic skills they need to save lives.

“When the classes first begin, the guys are impatient and just want to get done,” said Staff Sgt. Kimberly C. Havis, the academy’s senior enlisted leader, originally from Choudrant, La. “By the end of the course, they want to train for another week.”

The officers worked both in the classroom and received hands-on training, using basic medical supplies and equipment. They trained on methods for treating hemorrhages, burns, entry and exit wounds and CPR.

“I think the training was very good,” said Lt. Salah Alsaedy, an investigations officer from Karbala province. “I enjoyed all of the training, especially the part on CPR. I can take that back to my colleagues and share it with them.”

The trainers focused on keeping the instruction at a level consistent with what the officers would see on a daily basis, while emphasizing the importance of always working quickly when dealing with a trauma victim.

“We teach them to concentrate on the treatment they give in the first five minutes,” said Staff Sgt. Daishia N. Chandler, instructor and senior medic for the company, and a native of Leesville, La. “That is part of the ‘golden hour’ rule, which dictates the time they have to provide initial care and get the patient to the next level of treatment.”

The policemen rounded out the week conducting trauma lanes where they were required to demonstrate the skills they had learned. Split into separate teams, the officers took turns acting as the responder or the casualty. All of the officers successfully passed through the lanes, applauding each other as they completed them.

“Some of this training they may also find useful in their own homes,” said Chandler. “I just think it’s awesome that we get the opportunity to teach them our own methods, and that will increase their ability to save lives.”

• Date Taken: 04.05.2011
• Date Posted: 04.06.2011 09:31
• Story ID: 68344
• Location: BABIL, IQ