345th CSH trains Kosovo Security Force on new medical equipment

PRISTINA, Kosovo - U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers serving in Kosovo led a two-day tactical medic class for members of the Kosovo Security Force, Feb. 3-4 at the KSF Academy in Pristina, Kosovo. KSF members earned certificates for completing the class and were given new field medical bags donated through a coordinated effort by the Kosovo Force NATO Liaison Advisory Team.

"We are providing a tactical combat medical class to KSF medics so they can get familiar with rapid point-of-injury treatment, stabilization and evacuation care," said Sgt. Keenan Hurley, a combat medic from the 345th CSH and one of the instructors for the course.

"Our purpose was to train KSF medical personnel attending the course on the equipment in the donated bags so they can train other personnel in their units on what they learned," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Lance, also from the 345th CSH.

There was a good exchange of information that took place during course from both the instructors and KSF, Lance said, which helped the U.S. Army medics know their lessons were received and understood.

On the last day of the course, a short graduation ceremony was held, involving Col. Vincent Valinotti, the 345th CSH commander, along with KSF Brig. Gen. Gëzim Hazrolli and Finnish Army Col. Matti Lehesjoki, who is the KFOR NLAT's medical adviser.

Part of NATO's Kosovo Force peace support mission is for multinational forces to assist with providing emergency response training to Kosovo law enforcement entities as a means to serve and support the citizens of Kosovo.