ANP get lifesaving lessons from 5 SCOTS
The Afghan National Police (ANP) in Helmand have taken a further step in their continuing development after receiving first aid training from medics of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS).
Specialist soldiers from the Scottish regiment have been showing how to deal with potentially fatal injuries and now Afghan civilians living along Highway 601 in Helmand will be feeling safer in the knowledge that their local police officers are better equipped to administer emergency medical care.
After the training sessions, the police were issued with bandages designed to stem bleeding from serious wounds. With their new skills and equipment they are able to patrol into the local communities offering support and, in turn, building important relationships.
Lieutenant Luke McDonagh, who is in charge of the instructional teams, said:
The police get involved in local patrols to the village and pop down to the bazaar.
The relationship between the [soldiers] and the ANP is great, there is loads of banter between them and they have a lot of fun.
Whilst the interaction between the instructors and the students may seem light-hearted, the training is part of a crucial package that is forming a more serious and professional Afghan police organisation day by day.
This is critical for the long term independence of the ANP and the security of Helmand’s most important road.