U.S. Army medic Staff Sgt. Jeremy Coleman, of Soddy-Daisy, left, teaches how to properly bandage an arm while talking to Iraqi Army ambulance corps medics inside Baghdad, Iraq.
Cut. 2. Staff Sgt. Jeremy Coleman, of Soddy-Daisy, far left back, and Spc. Ryan Flores, bottom left, teach Iraqi Army medics.
Contributed photoLike most doctors, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Coleman, of Soddy-Daisy, works long hours - often on call 24 hours a day. But when he reports to work, it is not to a hospital.
"We do not have the luxury of emergency rooms; our emergency room is a bag we carry that can and does at times weigh in excess of 40 to 50 pounds plus the body armor we wear," said Coleman. "We are basically a walking ambulance or emergency room and can function in hostile conditions with minimal equipment."
As a medic with the 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt. in Baghdad, Iraq, Coleman said he tells his medics to think of themselves as "trauma specialists."
This summer Coleman trained Iraqi Army ambulance corps medics to help them function efficiently together to treat life-threatening injuries. He also taught them how to apply pressure and treat shrapnel wounds while immobilizing a broken neck, ensuring the person's airway is clear. He also showed them how to dress wounds and how to apply a sling and splint.
Coleman said he trains his own medics to be able to think four steps ahead and foresee what is about to happen medically. He is a member of the Dragon Battalion Medics, to which there are currently 38 medics and four platoon leaders assigned.
"All [Army] medics are nationally registered EMTs, but we have the luxury of an extended scope of practice compared to our civilian counterparts," said Coleman. "We handle everything from runny noses to shock trauma."
Coleman works sick call in the mornings and goes on foot patrol in the evenings prepared to help his fellow wounded soldiers.
"I will and do respond from a dead sleep to a medical emergency and I also respond from wherever I am on the Joint Security Station," he said.
Coleman began serving in Baghdad, Iraq, in November, but this marks his third deployment overseas.
"Things are definitely improving [in Iraq]," he said. "Since I took part in the invasion in 2003-2004 and another deployment in 2008-2009, I have seen a definite improvement, even from my last deployment until now. Things are looking up. It's real encouraging."
Coleman said he is active duty in the military and plans to retire in nine years. He said the best part of being in the Army is "the brotherhood."
"I have friends and soldiers from all walks of life and backgrounds," said Coleman. "The Army is the only place that I know of that as a 33-year-old, I can be responsible for millions of dollars of equipment and have the privilege and honor to serve and lead soldiers of the same caliber of person that I am."
Coleman graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School in 1996 and is currently pursuing a degree through an Army tuition assistance option from GOARMYED.com. He plans to use GI Bill funding when he retires to continue furthering his education.