The Lieutenant Perez Medical Treatment Facility located at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq in Babil province is staffed with Soldiers who provide initial treatment for a broad range of injuries and illnesses 1st Lt. Richard E. White, C Company, 172nd Support Battalion physician assistant, works at the aid station and provides basic medical care for patients.
“A physician assistant does pretty much what a doctor would do except surgeries,” said White, a native of Groves City, Ohio. “We can identify and treat injuries, diabetes, high blood pressure and other illnesses that are common.”
The medical clinic has seen a viral disease recently that has been causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. While this virus is not threatening to life, the symptoms can last from three to five days.
Treatment can be as simple as keeping hydrated and taking some anti-nausea and diarrhea medicines.
“The best prevention from getting this virus is to wash your hands before eating meals and an extra couple of times a day,” stated White.
Doctors and physicians assistants have around 200 to 250 patients a week while working three shifts. Medics are there as well to help provide patient care.
“We do triage, which is evaluating injured patients and ensure they are placed in the appropriate category for urgency of treatment, and help with sick call when it gets busy here in the morning,” said Sgt. Timothy M. Hobbs, a C Company, 172nd Support Battalion medic and a native of Bristol, Tenn.
New medics may not always know if they are going to continue with a medical or Army career and have to find out through experience.
“I want to go into the Physicians’ Assistant Program like 1st Lt. White and stay in the Army, because I really like interacting with my patients and helping them,” added Samudio.
The 172nd Support battalion is part of the 172nd infantry brigade, Blackhawks, headquartered at FOB Kalsu and currently assisting the government and people of Iraq in their transition to becoming able to provide essential services and security in their country.
