In this edition:
ANA, Special Operations troops treat thousands throughout Afghanistan
ISAF surgeon saving Afghan lives
KABUL, Afghanistan - A British Royal Navy Surgeon, Commander Steve Bree, is currently serving with other International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) medics in the Camp Bastion Role 2 Medical Facility. As the Clinical Director, he oversees the staff providing medical care to ISAF and Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) troops, as well as local civilians.
Having deployed in February, Commander Bree’s two-month tour will soon end with his return to the UK, where he works at a military hospital. In providing medical care at the Camp Bastion facility, he dealt with patients experiencing a range of illnesses and injuries and also helped deliver babies. Despite the Role 2 facility being an ISAF hospital, the vast majority of people receiving emergency treatment have been
Commander Bree’s long career involved medical service all over the world, in Bosnia, Iraq, Northern Ireland, Africa and two previous tours in Afghanistan.
As the Role 2 Clinical Director, he is the senior medical officer at the hospital; responsible for organising and mentoring staff, improving the clinical service of the hospital and acting as a lead for the doctors. Commander Bree is also involved with patient diagnosis, treatment and anaesthetic procedures. He plays his part in manning the Medical Emergency Recovery Team (MERT) helicopters, and the rapid reaction helicopter which carries medical teams to both ISAF and Afghan emergencies.
Commander Bree explained the challenges of his role: “It has been a hugely rewarding role, but incredibly hard work – the recovery of casualties back to the hospital involves great team work.
“The majority of my patients are Afghans and some of these have been extremely difficult cases. I was recently involved in the delivery, by caesarean section, of a premature baby from a local woman who had internal bleeding. I was responsible for the resuscitation and initial care of the baby. The child was very small, under 2 kg. I’m glad to say both mum and baby are now doing well.”
The staff at Camp Bastion Hospital regularly treat emergency cases, stabilising them prior to transferring them into the Afghan health system or releasing them to their families. Although Commander Bree will soon return to the UK, the work of the ISAF doctors and nurses will continue by providing specialised medical care to ISAF and Afghan patients.
ANA, Special Operations troops treat thousands throughout Afghanistan
March 28, 2009 KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Commandos and ANA soldiers working alongside Special Operations Forces troops provided medical care for more than 1,300 Afghan villagers at SOF clinics throughout the southern and western parts of Afghanistan this week.
Hundreds of men, women and children gathered at healthcare facilities in the Farah, Helmand and Herat provinces to receive medical and dental care from ANA Commando and ANA doctors and medics, as well as Afghan civilian doctors and nurses.
The Afghans traveled from near and far to visit the clinics, bringing with them an array of ailments and injuries. One elderly gentleman was all smiles after he had two painful teeth removed by the dental team in Shindand district, Herat province. Also in Shindand, a small child with a burned foot and a young man with a dog bite were among many who found relief from a Commando doctor. Another man came to the clinic seeking follow-up care after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound.
The clinics open their doors multiple times throughout the week, welcoming Afghans who would otherwise find no relief from the medical hardships they face.
“The Afghan National Army’s Commandos and soldiers are taking the lead in Afghanistan’s healthcare. The welfare of the Afghan people is uppermost in the minds of the country’s security forces,” said Maj. Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi.
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