Medical capability grows in Afghan province

  • Published
  • By Capt. Bob Everdeen
  • Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat
QALAT, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  A joint Air Force and Army team helped build Afghanistan's medical capability as five men from the Zabul Province completed a three-month basic emergency medical technician training course Jan. 8 here.

The course was facilitated by Provincial Reconstruction Team Qalat members and is similar to a basic first-aid class or the military's self-aid and buddy care training.

The new Afghan medics will treat injured locals in an area where Taliban attacks and improvised explosive devices are commonplace. 

"We teach the students how to stop blood flow in an emergency situation and to provide care that will keep a patient alive long enough until more advanced medical experts arrive or until transportation -- either by vehicle or aircraft -- is available," said Mobariz Shaheen, an EMT course instructor.

In addition to basic EMT training, students receive two weeks of drivers training. At the graduation ceremony, each graduate received an individual basic EMT kit.

The EMT course is an important first step in helping to build the medical capability in a province that suffers from a 15 percent literacy rate and a 40 percent unemployment rate. 

"We hope the training will help you to help your Afghan brothers and sisters," said Master Sgt. Keith Renken, a PRT Qalat EMT course facilitator, to the Afghan graduates during the graduation ceremony.

The graduates said in unison, "Tashakor," which means thank you.

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