Golden Hour...

Spc. Cortni Berger, a combat medic with the 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment’s evacuation platoon, shows Iraqi Police how to properly use a protective gauze. Berger is a native of Clio, MI.
Photo by Spc. Anthony Hooker


"The golden hour is the first sixty minutes after the occurrence of multi-system trauma. It is widely believed that the victim's chances of survival are greatest if they receive definitive care in the operating room within the first hour after a severe injury."

Evening...again...

It has been a while since I have blogged twice in one day. However, the work of combat medics with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment's evacuation platoon is more than worthy of another blog.

The combat medics for the 2nd SCR highlighted in this article face challenges well beyond their job. I am humbled by their efforts and so very glad to have them in the fight...especially during that golden hour when they first reach a warrior who has been wounded.

See what you think...

Here is a tip of the hat to these brave women who would tell you..."just doing my job." - well done!

Enjoy...

v/r,
- Collabman

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They’re no damsels in distress: Medics from 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment Help Shape the Battlefield
Expeditionary Times
Story by: SPC Anthony Hooker

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Spc. Cortni Berger and Pfc. Nicole Walsh, combat medics with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment’s evacuation platoon, show the kindof enthusiasm of young adults not far removed from high school. Jokes and smiles come easy when they’re in conversation, and the pair see themselves as simply doing their job. But by doing their job, Berger, 21, and Walsh, 23, give their peers and patients a different outlook on the world - a world that must acknowledge the presence of female Soldiers on the battlefield.

The Department of the Army has declared that women are excluded from military occupational skill positions which routinely engage in direct combat, according to DA pamphlet 611-21, table 13-1. Thirty-nine military occupational specialties ban females, but thousands of women since World War II have worked in combat zones and today’s volunteer force is trained and qualified to defeat any opposition with deadly force.

Berger, a native of Clio, Mich. said that anyone in this conflict understands that the enemy isn’t worried about classifying troops by gender or job.

“Everyone always says over here there’s no front line,” said Berger. “The enemy doesn’t meet us head on. They just don’t care.”

The two estimate their vehicles have taken six direct hits from improvised explosive devices.

“We’ve been hit by little IEDs where the convoys just continued to roll,” said Berger. “We’ve also been in an IED attack that has stopped the convoy.”

Often paired together on convoys, Walsh said she’s familiar with and confident of Berger’s skills.

“When we’re out together, we seem to find those IEDs . . . but I know she will do a good job if something happens,” said Walsh, a native of Milford, Conn. “We have credibility with each other.”

Thirteen of the 16 people in the duo’s section are women. The line units they support were hesitant to accept the squadron at first, but Walsh said the heat of battle flashed a light on her team’s abilities. The skeptics became believers.

“Our aid station has so many trauma patients come in – the line units usually help us manage the incoming casualties,” said Walsh. “When they see us working on these people, we gain their credibility. They learn we can do our job when the time comes and they get more comfortable with us.”

Walsh finished her thought, saying that nobody cares if a guy or girl is helping them if they’re seriously hurt.

Walsh said she also has experienced some rejection when treating Iraqi civilians. The clash of cultures may have left both feeling frustrated but Walsh said her dedication to duty may have left a permanent impression.

“Maybe he could see that women are able to be smart and competent,” Walsh said. “Not much is expected from their women, so I hope I gave him an idea that ‘Wow! Women can do things.”

The two assist in other duties as well. They can support a unit with armed defense if a vehicle breaks down or someone needs assistance, serve as occasional instructors when visiting Iraqi Police stations and help facilitate the turnover of humvees to the Iraqi Army.

Master Sgt. Keith Tester is Berger’s and Walsh’s platoon sergeant. Tester, a 21-year veteran, said it’s not uncommon to see a woman lay down suppressive fire. “We’ve had (women) man .50 caliber gunner positions,” said Tester. “If someone gets hurt, a female may have to take over the gunner’s spot, depending on the situation.”

Walsh and Berger know that their presence in combat will draw attention. They acknowledged the significance of their acts, but said they were only following in others’ footsteps.

“Clara Barton, who founded the Red Cross, said ‘If I can’t be a Soldier, I’m going to help a Soldier,’” said Walsh. “She was a nurse receiving guys from the front line. Now, we have an opportunity to get our guys and help them during the golden hour (the first hour, considered the most critical to determine a rate of recovery).”