US team sets Iraqi medics up for success

U.S. Forces Iraq ^ | Senior Airman Mindy Bloem, USAF

[SandRat]

KIRKUK -- A U.S. Air Force medical team here continues the Army tradition of training Iraqi clinic personnel to utilize the millions of dollars of equipment they possess; ensuring both man and machine work in harmony to save lives.

Members of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron conduct continuous four-week periods of instruction here at the K-1 Iraqi medical clinic to prepare their counterparts for what they will see in real-world situations.

"They're not fully trained so it gives them the foundation they need to be able to function independently in the clinic or the field," said Capt. Adam Christopher, 506th EMS critical care nurse. "A lot of the tasks we're training on are just the basics. It's not just training medics, but also getting the instructors where they need to be so that, when we leave, they can function independently."

The training covers all aspects of medical care, as the medics are presented with different scenarios ranging from minor cases to severe trauma. They learn about triage, evacuation, transportation to the hospital, patient prioritizing, air evacuation, and much more. At the end of the course the medics must pass a 100-question test. On graduation day, they perform a six-mile march while carrying all of their medical and military equipment.

One Iraqi Army medic and instructor, 1st Sgt. Aray Anwar, has been teaching the course since Coalition forces established the base in 2005. He said his hope is to provide his men with the expertise they need to handle real cases.

"They are practicing with real cases for the first time and they like it, which gives me a good sensation," Anwar said of his class. "I never give up even if I have just one student because I know the result. Maybe this one will save the lives of 10 people later."

The Iraqi Army sergeant said one of the goals of partnering with U.S. forces is to take over responsibility for keeping their country safe.

"If it continues in this way, I look to a bright future," he said. "I think this will be very good in the future and people will feel better. I like working with the Coalition forces, especially American forces, because they provide supplies for treatment and give good lectures. They have much experience. The civil people know that the Iraqi Army is for the people, and the American forces are coming to help the Iraqi people. They share their knowledge with us so they can go home. It is our country and we should take care of it."

Helping to establish stability in Iraq is one of the main reasons Iraqi Army Cpl. Hamad-Awad-Muhammed wanted to take the course.

"I keep asking my commanders to send me to any courses for medics because I want to learn," he said through an interpreter. "I hope my country lives in peace like brothers. This is our country and we love it and want to see the best for it.

"We have a good relationship with the U.S. forces because they came here to teach us," he added. "They have a lot of knowledge, and it helps us to train with them."

Army medics have been helping at the K-1 clinic since 2005, but the Air Force medics have just recently started helping with the training. Currently, two members from Kirkuk's EMS spend anywhere from two to six days at K-1 training the Iraqi medics.

Both Christopher and fellow team member Staff Sgt. Andrew Salas are hoping for more of these training opportunities in the future.

"Hopefully, we'll get an opportunity to come back," Christopher said. "This is only the second rotation to come out here, so it's still in the planning phase. The needs are being identified; our resources are being looked at to see what can be allocated. I am hoping it will be reoccurring training."

"I like the interaction," Salas added. "Just to interact with them has been a great experience. I love teaching medical skills, and it's the only reason I came is to teach them. I just hope they learn from it."

If they are looking for volunteers, Salas' hand is up.

"I'm going to try to come back out; I would live out here if I could," he joked.

Both medics say they are grateful for just being able to take part in the training.

"Coming out here, working directly with the Iraqi Army, has been a massive opportunity," Christopher said. "I'm hoping others will be able to take a look at that."

Ultimately, the training is another step toward Iraqi independence.

"It's important because it's enabling our Iraqi counterparts to stand on their own two feet," Christopher said. "When they have patients roll through the door, they have the training and experience to take care of those patients. That will allow us to slowly back off and let them stand on their own two feet and take over the medical mission on their own."

[SandRat]

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