Givati Brigade medics administered IVs and evacuated wounded in the Medic’s Competition, sharpening their emergency capabilities- photos inside
Date: 15/10/2012, 6:35 PM
Author: Hadas Duvdevani
The Givati Brigade holds many training exercises, but the Medic’s Competition is of a different breed. More than a competition, the exercise is a showcase of expertise in the medical field. The medics’ motivation flourishes and the professionalism improves, especially when soldiers are covered in fake blood. Take a look at some of the photos below.
A mass casualty event is a challenge for the IDF. With a large number of casualties, medics have to sort and prioritize the wounded according to the severity of their condition. The responsibility falls on the shoulders of the young medics, who with the help of those around them, must decide whether treating a head injury is more important than rushing to an unconscious soldier.
The makeup is the handiwork of soldiers from the medical field.
After simulating a mass casualty event, medics practice the case of a single casualty. They rehearse common events, such as heat stroke. Heat, a common characteristic of Israeli terrain that stalks all soldiers, needs to be dealt with seriously. The medic decides to run an IV, but first checks pulse, respiration and consciousness.
In goes the needle, and then the IV
“It is a tradition in the Brigade. The medics work very hard during the training and undergo special medical training. In addition, they participate in all the battalion exercises like any other soldier, with all the weight and equipment,” said Brigade medical officer Capt. Michael Malkin. “It’s very important to us that we are as ready as possible for the next area we are deployed to. Another incident is always lurking around the corner where there will be casualties and medics will be required to provide a solution. I trust they know how to do this.”
“The Medic’s Competition helps maintain capabilities, creating a bond between the medical staff during this training, raising the level of professionalism, combining fitness with passion,” described Capt. Neta Geva, the commander of the clinic and the Givati Brigade’s training base.
