COB ADDER, Iraq – Across the Army, the primary job of medics is to provide medical treatment to wounded soldiers. They are a staple of Army combat functionality, and are found in every stage of medical treatment in a combat zone.
Yet, their job encompasses much more than emergency care on a battlefield.
The medic section at the Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division, fulfills many critical roles at Contingency Operating Base Adder and the outposts in the surrounding areas.
The ten-person section, headed by Capt. Isaritza Rosello, from Puerto Rico, is trained to initiate medical treatment at the accident or injury location, maintain medical treatment during evacuation to healthcare facilities and provide medical treatment in the medical facilities. However, many civilians may not realize what a key role they play in the day-to-day medical treatment of Soldiers.
Medics Pfc. Bianca Ragan and Pfc. Erin Lake currently work at the 10th Combat Support Hospital. They screen patients, administer vaccinations and assist the physician’s assistants and doctors with procedures. They do rotations through the emergency room and are involved in all patients who are triaged through the CSH.
Several of the medics also see to patients through “sick call” Monday through Saturday.
“Ninety percent of the injuries and illnesses that people have can be treated through sick call, because we have a physician’s assistant assigned to the battalion,” said Sgt. Sarah Jean Wicker, Woodbury, Minn., native and noncommissioned officer in charge for the medic section. “Most people we can treat without having to send them to the Combat Support Hospital.” Specialized requirements, such as physical therapy and internal medicine, are sent to the Combat Support Hospital.
Medic Spc. Courtney Sloat, from Grand Blanc, Mich., is currently serving a rotation at Joint Security Station Soto, an outpost in the COB Adder area. JSS Soto is named for Sergeant Joshua Soto, who was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device June 16.
“My primary job is to provide medical coverage for the Special Troops Battalion’s Military Police there,” Sloat said, “but I also assist with any emergencies that arise with the armor unit at Soto.”
The Special Troops Battalion medic section is also hosting a post-wide Mass Casualty exercise at COB Adder. It will include Army and Air Force personnel, as well as civilian contractors.
“It allows us to refine our coordination between units and companies in the event of a successful attack,” said Wicker. “The MASCAL also makes sure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.”
