Iraqi Soldiers Undergo Medical Training

American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, Nov. 15, 2007 – The 514th Medical Company from Fort Lewis, Wash., held the first event of a basic medical skills training series with four Iraqi soldiers Nov. 11 at Camp Liberty here.
The Iraqi soldiers and their American counterparts, spent the day together reviewing proper techniques and procedures for safely moving a casualty from the point of injury to the transport vehicle and then on to the medical treatment facility safely and efficiently. The training also included each step of the basic trauma assessment that should be executed prior to casualty movement.

Army Capt. Rodemil Fuentes, commander of 514th Medical Company, stressed the importance of events such as this training exercise.

"These training events were developed based on the Iraqi soldiers' needs," Fuentes said. "Starting from the ground level of medical care on up, we will train with this group to be proficient in their medical skills, and our goal is that they may go out spread that knowledge."

The Iraqi soldiers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn such life-preserving skills. They understand the large role that proper medical aid and transportation play in the well-being of fellow soldiers.

The consensus from the Iraqi soldiers was that while the training was new and different, they enjoyed it and looked forward to the opportunity to teach other Iraqi soldiers.

This event is the first in a series of training events that members of the 514th Medical Company will conduct each Sunday. Topics will vary from week to week, to include basic life support, advanced medical assessment and wound treatment.

The collaborative effort between 514th Medical Company and the Iraqi Ground Forces Command will give these Iraqi soldiers a comprehensive knowledge of basic medical skills to execute in a time of need, U.S. officials said.

During World War II, a wounded servicemember had a fifty percent chance of survival.  Today, a wounded soldier has almost a ninety percent chance of survival.  New medical techniques, instant medical treatment on the battlefield and quick transport to a treatment facility are increasing survival rates for those wounded.   Army Captain Rodemil Fuentes is the Commander of the United States 514th Medical Company.  His command is now training four Iraqi soldiers to provide similar medical training to meet the needs of Iraqi soldiers.   The Iraqi soldiers are being taught methods of self-aid, buddy-aid and making use of medical equipment.  They are learning some basic knowledge of what types of wounds they can expect to see, and how best to treat them.  The Iraqi trainees are looking forward to teaching other Iraqi soldiers.