|
FOB RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq (March 7, 2008) - In continuing efforts to
increase proficiency, self-sufficiency and survivability of Iraqi
security forces, National Police Transition Team (NPTT) Soldiers
conducted a Combat Life Savers Course (CLSC) for Iraqi National
Police (NP) officers Feb. 25-27, at Combat Outpost 799.
NPTT Soldiers for 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National
Police Division, who are attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division - Baghdad,
conducted the course for policemen from the NP's 2nd Bn., 4th
Bde.
The CLSC encompassed teaching NPs self aid and buddy aid,
including administering an IV, proper procedures in treating a
penetrating wound, and tourniquet application. The training also
covered basic pharmacology, said Sgt. Nelson Rodriquez, a medic
with 2-4-1 NPTT, who calls San Juan, Puerto Rico, home.
As a CLSC instructor, Rodriquez said he connected and engaged
with NP to more effectively convey the CLSC curriculum, despite
language barriers.
"I try to keep it simple," said Rodriquez.
Indeed, his strategy paid handsome dividends among the NP.
"We have a lot of things to learn, and I think it will be a
benefit for us," said Salman Midji, NP officer. "We need this
course."
Upon successfully completing the course, Midji said he plans to
share what he learned with fellow NP. The two most important
lessons he learned was stopping bleeding and applying a
tourniquet.
Once NP conceptualize the necessity of having these skills, they
will realize how the medical aspect of their job affects the
overall success of their missions, said Rodriquez. They will more
fully understand the importance of what the NPTT is teaching them
in the CLSC.
Rodriquez finds himself falling back on his prior medical
experience and training as a nurse in Puerto Rico, and he uses that
as a tool training NP here in Iraq.
"I find satisfaction ... teaching them what I know and trying to
make them teach their people…how to perform these steps. This seems
kind of simple sometimes, but it's the simple stuff that could
actually save your life," said Rodriquez. "Something as simple as
putting on a tourniquet to stop bleeding could actually save
somebody's life. I take a lot of satisfaction in what I do, and I
like that I am passing down what I know so they can also pass down
what they know."
|
