Photo By Spc. Laura Bigenho | Army Col. Gregg Hammond, special functions team chief, 358th Civil Affairs Brigade,...... read more read more
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By Army Spc. Laura M. Bigenho
28th Public Affairs Detachment
BAGHDAD -- Several Iraqi troops spent weeks acquiring new skills and knowledge during the Basic Medical Clinic Assistant Course at the Community Military Outreach Clinic at Victory Base Complex.
Sixteen troops walked away from the CMOC toting certificates and a sense of accomplishment Sept. 7.
BMCAC, formerly known as the Preparatory Iraqi Nursing Course, initially kicked off in January. Its early success as an all-female class encouraged instructors to open it to other Iraqis and clinics in Iraq.
Army Col. Gregg Hammond, special functions team chief, 358th Civil Affairs Brigade, said students must attend nine classes over a five week period, participate in hands-on training and pass a final exam before graduating from the course. The goal is to have all Iraqi medics go through the course so they can teach it to their own troops. Hammond also said they expect the Iraqi army will officially take over teaching BMCAC by the end of September.
"The plan is to have the Iraqi army transition to take over and also to start expanding their influence in their surrounding communities," Hammond said.
"We'll still be in the background assisting whenever they need it, but they will pretty much have control over (the course)."
Dr. Ahlam Turki, BMCAC instructor and native of Baghdad, said students learn about a variety of topics including anatomy and physiology, conducting physical exams, specimen collection, wound care and checking vital signs. Turki said she also incorporated abdominal trauma and hemorrhage control into the latest course.
"This is the first Iraqi army graduation, so I added some new articles because they are army and they need it," Turki said. "It is important because (the soldiers) will be able to help themselves, their families and their neighborhoods with the information they learned here."
One of the students, Spc. Rad Sabah Jabbar, Iraqi army, said he enjoyed the entire course, but his favorite part was hands-on training during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
"It was fun because there was a (mannequin) on the floor and it was very interesting and realistic," Jabbar said. "For sure these skills will help me as a soldier."
Hammond said the skills Jabbar spoke of are the skills he hopes the rest of the IA will grasp.
"Our eventual plan is that the Iraqi army helps to assist patients here and at the (nearby) airport clinic," said the Peru, Ind., native. "Treating the patients will help build a trust between civilians and the Iraqi army."
Turki said the Iraqis' enthusiasm and determination will assist tremendously in making the plan unfold successfully.
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 09.14.2007 01:18 |
| Story ID: | 12330 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 245 |
| Downloads: | 202 |
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