Iraqi police learn from US Army medics

It’s not often that positive news comes out of Iraq. So it’s refreshing to hear that medics from the 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team are teaching Iraqi federal police medical skills used to treat traumatic injuries. Part of the Iraqi Security Agreement, security forces in Baghdad are learning the skills they’ll need to stand on their own when the US forces eventually leave.

Army medics have taught classes in assessment, stabilizing patients before transport, controlling bleeding and treating burns. “What we’re trying to get these guys to do is be self-sufficient” said Sgt. John Montgomery, the battalion’s medical training officer. “What we’re trying to do is give them the type of basic medical skills…to be more effective in responding to traumatic types of injuries.”

“We’ve learned how to treat bleeding and fractures, and today we’re learning how to treat burns” said FP officer Aboot Adnan Abood. “I like it. If we have an emergency, we learn how to react. If there’s any accident, for example, I’m always ready to…treat the bleeding and get them to the hospital.”