Iraqi Soldiers Undergo Medical Training

American Forces Press Service

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.

(From a Multinational Corps Iraq news release.)