DAY 34: Pararescuemen

Thu, 29 September 2005

The pararescuemen – affectionately known as “PJs” – are the combat rescuers that provide on-the-spot medical treatment for patients out in the field. One of their unclassified and non-combat rescue missions is to provide field health care for the local Afghans. Outside of Afghanistan’s major cities, a majority of people don’t have access to health care facilities and thus suffer from various medical conditions that are usually easily treatable. Thus, when the PJs open a temporary clinic, word travels quickly with many Afghans traveling hours to attain this free health care service. Children in particular comprise a large portion of these patients. Many Afghan kids are injured due to contact with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). IEDs are custom-made, small explosive devices designed to kill or maim anyone who touches them. The Taliban, al-Qaeda and other enemy forces will scatter these IEDs along the roads with the intent of taking out a Coalition vehicle and its passengers. Unfortunately, some kids will come upon these dangerous devices without realizing its danger until too late. Thus, the PJ’s medical role is vital in providing on-the-spot medical attention for a community of people with no health care access.