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DIMO Takes Trauma Training to Tajikistan

  • Published
  • By Captain (Dr) Heather Hancock
  • 59th Medical Wing
Lackland AFB, Texas --  The Defense Institute for Medical Operations, a unit of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) currently based at Brooks City-Base, San Antonio, presented medical professionals in the Central Asian country of Tajikistan a training course focused on regional trauma and disaster response in August 2009. The course was presented in conjunction with a U. S. Central Command (CENTCOM) large regional exercise in Tajikistan entitled "REGIONAL COOPERATION 2009."
The DIMO team, led by Lt. Col. W. Tracey Jones, presented DIMO's "Leadership Course in Regional Disaster Response and Trauma Systems Management" to 26 senior-level physicians representing Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. Among the senior participants was Colonel Mirzomiddin, the chief of all Tajikistan military physicians. DIMO team members included Lt. Col. Thomas Barry, Capt. Heather Hancock, and Capt. Francis Obuseh.
The trauma and disaster course included presentations covering initial principles for the approach to the trauma patient, environmental health impact and management after natural disasters, public health and preventive medicine in disasters, introduction to disaster planning, and setting up a regional trauma system, to name a few. Break-out groups, designed to allow trainees to practice application of newly-learned skills, garnered wide approval from the participants. A group of Russian translators facilitated the exchange of information. Class sessions often extended after hours when informal question-and-answer sessions provided an opportunity for trainees to share their experiences.
In the post-Soviet era of civil war, the health care system of Tajikistan had deteriorated with the loss of many Russian doctors. Insufficient funding had left the country and the areas around it at high risk for natural disasters and disease outbreaks. With recent political stability in Tajikistan and increased wages for health care workers, the current Ministry of Defense has renewed focus on rebuilding the health care infrastructure--reinforcing the fact that this DIMO course could not have been provided at a more opportune time.
In keeping with the spirit of cooperation, the governments of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan agreed to move towards a regional health care program. Many individuals expressed an enlightened opinion of their fellow physicians and of their American instructors as well, and all three nations articulated a desire that this course be offered in their country.
A Kazakhstani representative was specifically tasked to incorporate the knowledge learned at the course into an immediate plan for enhancement of his region's trauma/disaster response capabilities.
The importance of Central Asia within the current world climate cannot be overstated. Through medical information-sharing missions such as those DIMO provides, the U.S. seeks to establish strong and long-lasting bonds that are constructive for everyone involved.
DIMO, established in 2002, utilizes volunteer instructors from a vast pool of U.S. Government organizations including, but not limited to, the Department of Defense, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the U. S. Public Health Service. DIMO instructional teams help partner nations improve their medical capabilities and build healthcare capacity. Courses range from basic first responder training to health systems management. DIMO is part of USAFSAM's organizational structure, within the International and Expeditionary Education and Training group.