Surgeon cell provides medical training for commanders

By 1st Lt. Michael Anderson, 15th Sustainment BrigadeFebruary 5, 2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq - Soldiers from the 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), surgeon cell taught 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th SB leaders about different medical processes that could benefit their Soldiers here Jan. 13.

The leaders participated in a three-day leadership conference, and one of the main training points was the medical training provided by the surgeon cell Soldiers.

"Col. Phelps wanted this training to be given to the battalion, so this presented a perfect opportunity because our units are uniquely challenged by geographic dispersion and this was a great way to provide the brigade standard to all of them at the same time," Lt. Col. Paula Lodi, the 15th STB commander and a Franklin, Mass., native, said.

Staff Sgt. Edward Closson, brigade medical planner and a Killeen, Texas native, presented a class on training combat life saver personnel in the units.

"CLS training allows Soldiers to increase their medial effectiveness and survive injury. Soldiers have to retain and constantly practice their training because they will never know when they might be called upon to use those skills," said Closson.

Another class was about the nine-line medical evacuation request, or MEDEVAC.

"Leaders have to be creative and use their imagination in their training. This will help Soldiers remember the proper procedures and be comfortable and confident enough to call for a MEDEVAC," said Closson.

Finally, 1st Lt. Joshua Singleton, medical operations officer-in-charge, and Beaufort, S.C., native taught a class on establishing a proper landing zone.

"The key to successfully establishing a landing zone is to know the basics and to constantly practice the procedures until it becomes second nature," said Singleton.

1st Sgt. Enrique Gomez, first sergeant of 387th Human Resources Company, and a San Antonio, Texas native, was one of the leaders to participate in the training.

"It is imperative that our Soldiers become familiar with this medical training and equipment. As Leaders we are responsible in making sure that our Soldiers make these skills and procedures part of their tasks to focus their training on," said Gomez.

Lodi said after the training the battalion was more prepared for any situation that might occur and the leaders would continue to be engaged with their Soldiers to prepare them for any challenges they may face in the future.