"Charlie Med"

The Red Crescent is an International Symbol for a Medical Institution

The FST is fortunate to be located adjacent to Company C of the Brigade Support Battalion.  It is affectionately referred to as “Charlie Company.”  This unit is an active duty component of the 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division, out of Fort Polk, LA.  They succeeded the 173^rd Airborne BCT out of Germany.

The Entrance into the Charlie Med Aide Station

Charlie Company takes care of the medical needs of the BCT, whereas the FST supplies emergency trauma surgical services.  The combat medics (68Ws) assist us when helicopters arrive with wounded soldiers.  They meet the chopper and help transport the wounded into the FST. 

Sick Call Registration

One of the Patient Treatment Bays in the Charlie Med Tent

C-Med has a patient holding area for sick soldiers who need to be cared for in a hospital setting until they can return to duty.  They also run a walk-in sick call clinic.  Most of the people using these services have colds, upset stomachs, need stitches, have sprains, etc.  If someone needs non-emergent surgery (i.e. – gallbladder removal), he will be sent to Bagram, where the surgery can take place in a controlled, more sterile environment.  Our surgeons could easily take care of them, but we would not be available for trauma cases, should they arrive.

Two Highly Capable C-Med Medics, Ready for Action!

The Charlie Med Pharmacy

The medics of Charlie Company are also tasked to support missions outside the wire.  Many of the 173^rd earned the Combat Medic Badge during such missions.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author only, and not necessarily of the US Army or the US Government.  None of the information given is classified in nature.