Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

Medical treatment for wounded Soldiers in a war zone has changed significantly since World War I and World War II, and as far back as the Civil War. During the Civil War, a wounded Soldier was sometimes lucky enough to be treated by someone with medical training on the battlefield or in an aid station. In many cases movement to a field hospital for further treatment was not an option and many died as a result of their wounds, or of an illness. Had immediate treatment been available they would have survived.

The big change in medical care on the battlefield came during Vietnam when helicopters were used to quickly swoop in and pick up the wounded, getting them to field hospitals for treatment in a short time. Now, medical treatment is almost immediately available, except under extreme conditions. Today, the 600 strong medical personnel team from the 31st Combat Support Hospital is in Iraq set up in two different locations. They provide medical care for the troops, which runs the gamut from sore throats to major surgery – and they are doing a magnificent job. Two soldiers told us their stories and how well they were treated.

Staff Sgt. Ryan M. Allman, cavalry scout assigned to the HHC 1-77th Armor, 1st Infantry Division in a four vehicle convoy was on patrol when his humvee hit a land mine. The left side of the vehicle where Allman was riding was completely destroyed and he was severely wounded in both legs. The other members of the patrol took action, immediately forming a protective barrier, removed him from the vehicle and called for a MEDEVAC. He recalled that he kept wiggling his toes just to make sure he could still feel them. In less than 20 minutes he was in triage at the 31st CSH receiving treatment. Allman had nothing but praise for the medical treatment he received at the CSH. Allman said, "one night they gave me medication for pain and I could not feel my toes and I could not go to sleep, so I asked one of the nurses if she would come by during the night and check my toes." Doctors who did his followup treatment at the hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, commented on the professional and expert care he had been given at the CSH.

This story has a happy ending in a way. Spc Tyler D. Offutt assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade, 1103 MP Det., Ky. Army National Guard, and his three vehicle humvee convoy were providing security for the unit when he heard a loud explosion from his position in the gun turret. His immediate reaction was shock, surprise and then the shrapnel came raining in on the crew from an improvised explosive device. Fortunately, injuries were minor, but again 31st CSH was in the right place at the right time. As a result of the prompt care Soldiers were treated immediately and released back to duty.

This is only two examples of the great work the 31st Combat Support Hospital is doing in providing care for Soldiers in theater. The 31st CSH medical team is augmented by personnel from William Beaumont Army Medical Center and other medical professionals from around the country. Thanks to them, hundreds of military personnel are being treated with care and compassion, and more importantly they can return home to family and friends after receiving the best medical treatment in the world. Our hats are off the 31st CSH and their homecoming will be a welcome home for heroes.

Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane
Fort Bliss Commanding General



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	July 22, 2004

	Troop Talk Medical treatment for wounded Soldiers in a war zone has changed significantly since World War I and World War II, and as far back as the Civil War. During the Civil War, a wounded Soldier was sometimes lucky enough to be treated by someone with medical training on the battlefield or in an aid station. In many cases movement to a field hospital for further treatment was not an option and many died as a result of their wounds, or of an illness. Had immediate treatment been available they would have survived. The big change in medical care on the battlefield came during Vietnam when helicopters were used to quickly swoop in and pick up the wounded, getting them to field hospitals for treatment in a short time. Now, medical treatment is almost immediately available, except under extreme conditions. Today, the 600 strong medical personnel team from the 31st Combat Support Hospital is in Iraq set up in two different locations. They provide medical care for the troops, which runs the gamut from sore throats to major surgery – and they are doing a magnificent job. Two soldiers told us their stories and how well they were treated. Staff Sgt. Ryan M. Allman, cavalry scout assigned to the HHC 1-77th Armor, 1st Infantry Division in a four vehicle convoy was on patrol when his humvee hit a land mine. The left side of the vehicle where Allman was riding was completely destroyed and he was severely wounded in both legs. The other members of the patrol took action, immediately forming a protective barrier, removed him from the vehicle and called for a MEDEVAC. He recalled that he kept wiggling his toes just to make sure he could still feel them. In less than 20 minutes he was in triage at the 31st CSH receiving treatment. Allman had nothing but praise for the medical treatment he received at the CSH. Allman said, "one night they gave me medication for pain and I could not feel my toes and I could not go to sleep, so I asked one of the nurses if she would come by during the night and check my toes." Doctors who did his followup treatment at the hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, commented on the professional and expert care he had been given at the CSH. This story has a happy ending in a way. Spc Tyler D. Offutt assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade, 1103 MP Det., Ky. Army National Guard, and his three vehicle humvee convoy were providing security for the unit when he heard a loud explosion from his position in the gun turret. His immediate reaction was shock, surprise and then the shrapnel came raining in on the crew from an improvised explosive device. Fortunately, injuries were minor, but again 31st CSH was in the right place at the right time. As a result of the prompt care Soldiers were treated immediately and released back to duty. This is only two examples of the great work the 31st Combat Support Hospital is doing in providing care for Soldiers in theater. The 31st CSH medical team is augmented by personnel from William Beaumont Army Medical Center and other medical professionals from around the country. Thanks to them, hundreds of military personnel are being treated with care and compassion, and more importantly they can return home to family and friends after receiving the best medical treatment in the world. Our hats are off the 31st CSH and their homecoming will be a welcome home for heroes. Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane Fort Bliss Commanding General