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Iraqi Police Receive Medical Training

Jun- 7-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

Written by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle

QAIRAWAN, Iraq (June 3, 2006) -- During the month of May, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducted medical training for Iraqi police officers in Qirawan, Iraq.

The purpose of the training was to increase or refresh the basic medical knowledge of local Iraqi policemen. This knowledge and training will enable the IPs to treat their own casualties and increases their survivability in the fight against the insurgency.

"The Iraqi police are Iraq's first line of defense against crime and terror,” said 1st Lt., Gerald O'Dowd, 4th Bn., 23rd Inf. “The medical training conducted by 4th Bn., 23rd Inf Rgt., only reinforces the training that the IPs received during their individual training at institutes like the Jordanian International Police Training Center and the Mosul Public Safety Academy. They continue to provide security for all of the Iraqi citizens and increase their ability to stop terror and crime on a daily basis."

Should an officer get wounded in the line of duty, having another officer there to perform first aide and the basic medical care could result in saving a life. The IPs are out there everyday in harms way, so at any moment something could go bad.

The training consisted of basic CPR, treatment of a sucking chest wound, and a class on how to prepare and utilize an IV. The IPs were allowed (after instruction) the practical exercise of giving an IV to fellow policemen.

“This is very good training to learn,” said one officer. “It could mean the difference of life and death out there on the streets.”

The IPs are a very important asset in securing Iraq to help make it safer for the people. The more officers they have trained and able to handle the insurgency, the faster coalition forces will be able to pull back into being a quick reaction force, and be available only if the IA and IP need their help.

The leaders of the IP are trying to make sure all their officers are trained not only in their daily patrol responsibilities, but to make sure they have a fighting chance to survive should they become injured in the line of duty.

"The Iraqi police have made strides in their ability to protect the Iraqi citizens in the past 10 months,” said Dowd. “Their ability to stop crime and terror can be seen in the stories of Hammam Al Alil, Nimrud, and Tal Afar. All of these locations were hotbeds of terror less than a year and a half ago, but thanks to the help of the Iraqi police, these towns have become great success stories in the rebuilding of Iraq."


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