Combat medics are technically advanced

Spc. Thomas Brown, of Billings, places a bandage on a young boy in Achin on Nov. 14. The child had a wound loosely wrapped in plastic and doctored with a traditional Afghan remedy of black paste, which is believed to fight infection. The boy's hand was oozing and swollen, so Brown gave him medical attention. (Photo submitted by ADT IV)

By Spc. Thomas Lohmann and Spc. Thomas Brown/ Agri-business Development Team IV
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

NANGARHAR PROVIDENCE, Afghanistan - Today, combat medics must be an expert in emergency medical care, force health protection, limited primary care, evacuation, and warrior skills. Combat medics with the Missouri National Guard's Agri-business Development Team IV are honing in on their skills while in the field in Afghanistan.

The history of the combat medic is rich in pride and tradition. The Grande Armee of Napoleon was the first to use trained and equipped Soldiers to aid those on the battlefield. During the American Civil War surgeon Jonathon Letterman, medical director of the Army of the Potomac, developed an integrated medical and evacuation system. This system with its own dedicated vehicles, organizations, facilities and personnel was first used at the Battle of Antietam. However, it wasn't until World War I that medics fought alongside fellow Soldiers. After World War I, medics received medical advanced training. Soldiers in World War II had a survival rate over three times that of World War I.

The Korean War saw the advent of mobile surgical hospitals. The Vietnam War was the first time medics rode along side of the wounded and gave birth to the flight medic. Today, evacuation of the wounded is performed through the high mobility multipurpose wheeled ambulance, MRAPS, armored tactical vehicles and Blackhawk helicopters.

The purpose of the ADT medics is to carry on this tradition. They are equipped with three medics with at least one medic accompanying every mission.

The medics are Sgt. Jason Crapps, of Kearney; Spc. Thomas Lohmann, of St. Peters; and Spc. Thomas Brown, of Billings.

"Being a medic is a stressful yet rewarding job," said Brown. "It really feels good to be able to make a difference. When I see my treatment help one of my Soldiers or one of the local children, it gives me a real sense of pride in what I do."

The medic's job is to preserve the fighting strength. They accomplish this with training in advanced airway techniques, bandages, dressing, and coagulants that slow down or completely stop bleeding. Other skills include training in intravenous fluids and medications, treatment of burns, musculoskeletal injuries, abdominal and head injuries, and treatment of shock.

Lt. Col. North Charles, ADT deputy commander, said, "The ADT medics are highly skilled, extremely professional Soldiers who make significant contributions to each mission. They're trained and equipped for the entire range of medical requirements. They are capable of bandaging an Afghan child's scrapped-up knee one minute or saving a Soldier's life the next minute."

The medic's job also includes training fellow Soldiers in combat lifesaver skills, which includes use of tourniquets, pressure dressings, basic splinting, chest needle decompression, and litter carries.

One of the biggest concerns a medic has is environmental injuries - heat injuries in particular, which include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

"We often have to wear many hats," said Lohmann. "We may need to be doctor, psychologist, teacher and fighting Soldier. Our mission is summed up best in the medic prayer."

"Oh Lord, I ask for your divine strength to meet the demands of my profession. Help me to be the finest medic, both technically and tactically. If I am called to the battlefield, give me the courage to conserve our fighting forces by providing medical care to all who are in need. If I am called to a mission of peace, give me the strength to lead by caring for those who need my assistance. Finally, Lord, help me take care of my own spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. Teach me to trust in your presence and never failing love."

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-888-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.