Third Army conducts medical training with Kuwait National Guard

Courtesy Photo | Third Army's 3rd Medical Deployment Sustainment Command, 343rd Ground Ambulance Medical Company, Medics Spc. George Hutchins and Spc. Mark Black, instruct Kuwait National Guard soldiers during a Combat Life Saver course held at the Kuwaiti National Guard Base in Kuwait City, Feb. 18. The instruction focused on sharpening the Kuwaiti's life saving skills in addition to promoting continued good relations between our two countries. The 343rd is an Army Reserve unit based out of Richmond, Va. (Photo by Sgt. Dominic Hauser, 1st Theater Sustainment Command)  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

02.21.2010

Story by Maj. Ellis Gales 

U.S. Army Central   

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait —Soldiers from the Third Army's 3rd Medical Deployment Support Command's 343rd Ground Ambulance Medical Company trained with members of the Kuwait National Guard, Sunday, exchanging first-responder medical techniques at Camp Tahreer.

Sgt. 1st Class Steven Graham, medical plans and training noncommissioned officer in charge, 3rd MDSC, coordinated the training. The exchange is part of an ongoing initiative among medical units deployed with Third Army to foster relationships with our partners.

First responder medical techniques include first aid procedures, evacuating injured personnel from vehicles, treating for shock and dealing with bodily trauma.

"We are in a unique position to learn from the Kuwaiti Guardsmen, just as they learn from us," said Graham. "The medical knowledge that we are learning together will go a long way to help improve first-responder techniques, timing and teamwork. All resulting in the saving of lives, whether it's Kuwaiti or American."

Unlike our U.S. Army National Guard, the Kuwait National Guard is fully mobilized year-round. Kuwait's Guardsmen provide security to designated areas around Kuwait City, and must also be prepared to support the Ministries of the Interior and Defense.

"I believe that working hand-in-hand with the Kuwait National Guard is always a good thing," added Graham. "It's an opportunity that most medical Soldiers will never see or get the chance to do throughout their time in the Army. Soldiers from both countries involved walk away with the experience and knowledge of a lifetime."

• Date Taken: 02.21.2010
• Date Posted: 02.22.2010 09:29
• Story ID: 45674
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW