2005 press releases

Lebanese Armed Forces Save Lives After U.S. Army Medical Training

July 1, 2005

Twenty-six members of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) participated in a six- week Emergency Medical Training course led by the United States Army Medical Command, at Beirut Military Hospital, May 26-July 1, 2005. The training included a multiple casualty exercise held at the Beirut Marina, June 29. The simulated casualties included head injuries, traumatic amputations, shrapnel wounds, multiple fractures and lacerations, hemorrhages, and burns and other traumatic injuries. Five LAF participants have already applied what they learned in the course to save lives in three car accidents and to assist a heart attack victim. U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman, at a graduation ceremony July 1, 2005, congratulated the course participants in acquiring skills to save precious lives. He also underscored the importance the U.S. accords to Lebanese-American military cooperation.

A U.S. team led by Army Lieutenant Colonel Kimberly Armstrong trained 26 noncommissioned officers and soldiers from various LAF units in basic skills necessary to intervene and stabilize patients during a variety of medical emergencies. The U.S. team presented course participants with medical equipment for their units to treat casualties. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Counter Terrorism Training Program funded the training. Initiated in Lebanon this year, the program aims to strengthen U.S.-Lebanese cooperation against terrorism. Enhanced emergency medical readiness skills means the LAF can respond to a broad range of emergencies, including explosions, automobile accidents and fires, as well as more common traumas and medical emergencies.

Under the Counter Terrorism Training Program, the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation trains Lebanese Armed Forces members in both Lebanon and the United States: Lebanese Armed Forces officers are currently in California, Georgia, Kansas, and Washington DC, on funded Counter-Terrorism Fellowships. The Office of Defense Cooperation also supports the Lebanese Armed Forces through Foreign Military Sales, the International Military Education and Training (IMET) Program, Traditional Commander’s Activities, Humanitarian Mine Action, and Humanitarian Assistance.

Following are Ambassador Feltman’s remarks at the conclusion of the Emergency Medical Training, at Beirut Medical Hospital, on July 1, 2005:

I’m happy to be here with you today as you conclude six weeks of Emergency Medical Training offered by the United States Army Medical Command. This training is important for many reasons, but the most important reason of all is that this training will mean lives can be saved. Human life is precious—and on this point there can never be political disagreement. I was very pleased to learn that five of the Lebanese Armed Forces participants in this course have already applied what they learned to save lives in three car accidents and to assist a heart attack victim. You embody the professionalism, commitment and competence that the U.S. has come to expect from members of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

This training is also important because it reaffirms—once again—the importance the U.S. accords to its military-to-military relationship with Lebanon. The U.S. commitment to helping the LAF modernize its operations, through training and equipment, attests to America’s confidence in the Lebanese Armed Forces. During this challenging time in Lebanon’s history, the U.S. looks to the LAF with confidence to provide stability. The LAF’s professionalism, restraint and maturity during the recent months bear testament to the LAF’s abilities. The United States stands ready to work with you now and in the future to ensure that the Lebanese people enjoy the security and sovereignty, freedom and independence, they desire and deserve.

I would like to thank the U.S. team, led by Army Lieutenant Colonel Kimberly Armstrong, for the skills they have helped you to develop to intervene and stabilize patients during a variety of medical emergencies. I hope the medical equipment donated by the U.S. will also help you treat casualties more effectively. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Counter Terrorism Training Program funded the training. Initiated in Lebanon this year, the program aims to strengthen U.S.-Lebanese cooperation against terrorism. Enhanced emergency medical readiness skills means the LAF can respond to a broad range of emergencies, including explosions, automobile accidents and fires, as well as more common traumas and medical emergencies. I congratulate you all—the dedicated men and women of the Lebanese and American armed forces—on the successful completion of this training.