FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, Afghanistan — Medics from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, recently received hands-on training on splinting and casting on Forward Operating Base Shank, Logar Province, Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Maj. James Mautner, a doctor with a forward surgical team attached to 4th IBCT, led the training, and his experience inspired confidence in the medics who attended the class. Mautner is on his second deployment to Afghanistan.
The major, a New Orleans native, demonstrated how to splint and cast multiple types of fractures. He said the most important thing to remember is to have all the supplies gathered and ready in case a medic has to splint and cast by themselves.
U.S. Army Pvt. Kimberly Chaffin, a combat medic with Company C, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th IBCT, said it was good to receive training from experienced medics who know what they are doing.
Chaffin, a first time deployer and an Elk Grove, Calif., native, said it would be helpful to her if she ever needed to place a cast or teach someone else.
The hands-on training reinforced a PowerPoint presentation given the week prior on splinting and casting. The training was organized by the leadership of Co. C, 703rd BSB, also known as Charlie Med.