TEN YEARS LATER
#8 "Medevac..Medevac…Medevac"
Night photo of wounded being received and treated by STP
medical personnel at FOB Edinburgh, March 2, 2012
March 2, 2012…Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, Helmand province,
Afghanistan…It is at last, heading towards midnight. It's been a busy
day, although it started out slow. I did not think it would be busy
today. I was wrong.
The night before I had also been up late. So, when I arose around
sunrise, 0600 hrs, I was already tired and the day had not even started
yet. Coffee from the make-shift DFAC would be the first order of
business. It is the one item they do very well. It's hot, smooth and has
a great flavor to it as the sun comes up over "Edi". After coordinating a
few things with my belongings and once again re-organizing my things,
I found myself nodding out around noon time in a fold out chair in
front of the TV in the gathering place where the operations tent is. At
some point in time thereafter, the first call came in…"medevac,
medevac, medevac". I leaped out of my chair, grabbed my two cameras
and hustled out to the aircraft which already had two pilots and a crew
chief at it. Now, I am pretty quick on my feet but I have yet to see how
these crews beat me to the aircraft every time. I never see them
heading out to the aircraft. I only see them in the aircraft after I think
I'm going to be the first one there. These guys always beat me. One of
these days, I may win, but I think I would have to sleep
in the aircraft in order to make that
happen.
The first call was for a small child
that had been reported shot. I've
been told this happens from time to
time and no one ever knows how it
happens. The theory is the bad guys
use kids as bait. What happens after
such a thing transpires is usually
more casualties. In very short order,
we were airborne and about seven
minutes later landed at a place where
litter bearers rushed a child of about 8-
years-old to the helicopter. A relative
had been selected to accompany the child.
Turns out it is not the parent, but an older
brother. There was no emotion recognizable on
the brothers' face. It seems as though life has
little meaning in these parts among the rural population.
The doors were shut and the medic with the assistance of the crew
chief began life saving measures. The flight back to the FOB was brief.
Upon arrival we were met by additional medical personnel who rushed
to the litter bearing the child. The small patient was taken into the
facility in an attempt to save his life. That was the last I saw of the
child. It was told to me later he did not make it. His aorta had been
severed by the bullet. That was the beginning of the day, which was in
the afternoon sometime. It is hard to keep track of time here. It all
just blends together. There is daytime, and then there is night time. I
never know what day it is, I just know whether it is hot or cold, wet or
dry, daylight or night. That's all one needs to know.
Soon, another call came in announcing the now familiar word,
"medevac" three times. My gear was left in the aircraft from before and
I was sure this time I would be first out to the aircraft. Not so. I was
last, again. I now realize I will never win this race. These dust off
soldiers are just too quick. I don't know how they do it. But they beat
me every time to the aircraft. Even when I'm on top of my game.
The call first was for one patient. As we prepared inside the aircraft, it
came over the radio it would be two. By the time we were airborne, it
was three. Now space on the aircraft would become a consideration.
Other aircraft could be pressed into action if need be. The flight once
again was brief and the actual flying was superb. It was seemingly low
level with some interesting maneuvering along the way. The quick
approach and subsequent landing spot which was marked with colored
smoke was even more impressive. As we landed, I noticed the crew
chief had his weapon at the ready and scoured the LZ from side to side
on full alert as did the medic who exited the aircraft to confer with the
US soldier on the ground working with the Afghan troops. On the way
in I noticed ANA soldiers had taken up positions in a defensive posture
as if to be ready for the unexpected.
Three injured were brought to the aircraft. One on a litter, one being
assisted by two others, and one bandaged and bloodied being led by
the hand were all coming to the aircraft. I snapped what photos I could
from my place inside the helicopter. I have little wiggle room but
enough to move the camera a bit as the scene unfolds before my eyes.
It seems as though each time the ambient light is coming from the
wrong direction. I miss my old film camera where using black and
white film I could compensate perfectly. Digital just kicks my butt.
Once all the patients were loaded, we departed the LZ and headed back
to the FOB where once again, the medical folks from the STP (shock-
trauma platoon) rushed to receive the incoming casualties. This group
is new on the scene here at Edinbugh and in their first couple of days,
they've already had much to do. In times like this, there is no room for
slowly coming up to speed. They must already be on top of their game
upon arrival and ready to go the moment they took over. From what
I've seen, that is for sure the case. It is like they've been doing this all
along. Not one heartbeat has been skipped.
After repositioning the aircraft for
fueling and then back to its'
parking spot, those not on the
mission greeted the aircraft and
immediately began assisting the
crew in resupplying more medical
items for the next mission or
missions that would be for sure be
coming. Sure enough, that was the
case and once again the call for
medevac came down and the now
familiar process of hurrying out to
the aircraft and buckling in for the
flight heading to the LZ was in play.
This time there
would be one patient, first, which we would pick up
and bring back to the FOB. Then, we would be tasked immediately to
return to the LZ and pick up two others. However, due to
circumstances on the ground, we had to circle for a bit and then land.
Two patients were brought to the aircraft, one of them in serious pain.
It looked to me that both his legs were injured but he would be fine.
Daylight was now waning and getting a good photo was challenging.
We arrived back at the STP on the FOB where the medical crew now had
a full day of experience from the war taking place here in Helmand
province, Afghanistan. They once again received these wounded and
did their thing.
Now what would happen is patient transfers
would be in order as some of the more
critically wounded would be transferred to
other locations for additional medical care. I
stayed back on those trips as the night time
was beginning to take hold. While I was
taking care of my own logistical things
another call came in for medevac which I was
not in close enough proximity to make the
mission. This one I would photograph from
the ground at the STP. It would be dark but
perhaps one or two shots would be
acceptable.
The helicopter arrived and again, the STP
crews did their things. These two patients
were really in a world of hurt. One had both
legs torn apart and would lose them for
sure. The other was not so bad, but still
hurt. Eventually, I was told the one with the
two legs gone, died. That would make two
deaths today and seven injured, some
critically. All were Afghans.
The end of the day brought a few challenges
to me. One of my lenses stopped working on
automatic and now has to be used on
manual. That's a problem for me because my
eyesight is not what it used to be. Just
another obstacle for me to overcome. This is
once again where a good photographer would
have spent a small fortune on excellent
equipment and plenty of backups. I will
settle for being a photographer that has
limited resources and can perhaps still get
the job done. That is what goes on in war
zones anyway from what I have seen. One
works with what he has, not necessarily with
what he wants. Make the best of any
situation.
I looked over the photos and decided I still
need to learn again. The ones I put with this
story are so all those reading can just see
what I saw. That is the only reason I put
them up. There is no other reason. This is
what I saw, and these are the photos I took
under the circumstances laid before me. The
flights I was on
today were exhilarating to say the least. The skill of all the pilots I flew
with was exceptional. I must say that I do indeed enjoy being here.
But I also am tempered by the fact that the day ended with two people
that were alive the day before are no longer alive. Seven others were
injured by things that happen in war. I am reminded that I am indeed
in a war zone. The vantage point I have now is one I've not had before.
I'm used to being on the ground on patrols. Now I am seeing from
above what it is like to land on the ground and fly away with patients
that get hurt on the ground. This is just one day in this journey. It
was busy. I did not think it would be busy this day. I was wrong.
Jim Spiri
jimspiri@yahoo.com
Afghanistan…It is at last, heading towards midnight. It's been a busy
day, although it started out slow. I did not think it would be busy
today. I was wrong.
The night before I had also been up late. So, when I arose around
sunrise, 0600 hrs, I was already tired and the day had not even started
yet. Coffee from the make-shift DFAC would be the first order of
business. It is the one item they do very well. It's hot, smooth and has
a great flavor to it as the sun comes up over "Edi". After coordinating a
few things with my belongings and once again re-organizing my things,
I found myself nodding out around noon time in a fold out chair in
front of the TV in the gathering place where the operations tent is. At
some point in time thereafter, the first call came in…"medevac,
medevac, medevac". I leaped out of my chair, grabbed my two cameras
and hustled out to the aircraft which already had two pilots and a crew
chief at it. Now, I am pretty quick on my feet but I have yet to see how
these crews beat me to the aircraft every time. I never see them
heading out to the aircraft. I only see them in the aircraft after I think
I'm going to be the first one there. These guys always beat me. One of
these days, I may win, but I think I would have to sleep
in the aircraft in order to make that
happen.
The first call was for a small child
that had been reported shot. I've
been told this happens from time to
time and no one ever knows how it
happens. The theory is the bad guys
use kids as bait. What happens after
such a thing transpires is usually
more casualties. In very short order,
we were airborne and about seven
minutes later landed at a place where
litter bearers rushed a child of about 8-
years-old to the helicopter. A relative
had been selected to accompany the child.
Turns out it is not the parent, but an older
brother. There was no emotion recognizable on
the brothers' face. It seems as though life has
little meaning in these parts among the rural population.
The doors were shut and the medic with the assistance of the crew
chief began life saving measures. The flight back to the FOB was brief.
Upon arrival we were met by additional medical personnel who rushed
to the litter bearing the child. The small patient was taken into the
facility in an attempt to save his life. That was the last I saw of the
child. It was told to me later he did not make it. His aorta had been
severed by the bullet. That was the beginning of the day, which was in
the afternoon sometime. It is hard to keep track of time here. It all
just blends together. There is daytime, and then there is night time. I
never know what day it is, I just know whether it is hot or cold, wet or
dry, daylight or night. That's all one needs to know.
Soon, another call came in announcing the now familiar word,
"medevac" three times. My gear was left in the aircraft from before and
I was sure this time I would be first out to the aircraft. Not so. I was
last, again. I now realize I will never win this race. These dust off
soldiers are just too quick. I don't know how they do it. But they beat
me every time to the aircraft. Even when I'm on top of my game.
The call first was for one patient. As we prepared inside the aircraft, it
came over the radio it would be two. By the time we were airborne, it
was three. Now space on the aircraft would become a consideration.
Other aircraft could be pressed into action if need be. The flight once
again was brief and the actual flying was superb. It was seemingly low
level with some interesting maneuvering along the way. The quick
approach and subsequent landing spot which was marked with colored
smoke was even more impressive. As we landed, I noticed the crew
chief had his weapon at the ready and scoured the LZ from side to side
on full alert as did the medic who exited the aircraft to confer with the
US soldier on the ground working with the Afghan troops. On the way
in I noticed ANA soldiers had taken up positions in a defensive posture
as if to be ready for the unexpected.
Three injured were brought to the aircraft. One on a litter, one being
assisted by two others, and one bandaged and bloodied being led by
the hand were all coming to the aircraft. I snapped what photos I could
from my place inside the helicopter. I have little wiggle room but
enough to move the camera a bit as the scene unfolds before my eyes.
It seems as though each time the ambient light is coming from the
wrong direction. I miss my old film camera where using black and
white film I could compensate perfectly. Digital just kicks my butt.
Once all the patients were loaded, we departed the LZ and headed back
to the FOB where once again, the medical folks from the STP (shock-
trauma platoon) rushed to receive the incoming casualties. This group
is new on the scene here at Edinbugh and in their first couple of days,
they've already had much to do. In times like this, there is no room for
slowly coming up to speed. They must already be on top of their game
upon arrival and ready to go the moment they took over. From what
I've seen, that is for sure the case. It is like they've been doing this all
along. Not one heartbeat has been skipped.
After repositioning the aircraft for
fueling and then back to its'
parking spot, those not on the
mission greeted the aircraft and
immediately began assisting the
crew in resupplying more medical
items for the next mission or
missions that would be for sure be
coming. Sure enough, that was the
case and once again the call for
medevac came down and the now
familiar process of hurrying out to
the aircraft and buckling in for the
flight heading to the LZ was in play.
This time there
would be one patient, first, which we would pick up
and bring back to the FOB. Then, we would be tasked immediately to
return to the LZ and pick up two others. However, due to
circumstances on the ground, we had to circle for a bit and then land.
Two patients were brought to the aircraft, one of them in serious pain.
It looked to me that both his legs were injured but he would be fine.
Daylight was now waning and getting a good photo was challenging.
We arrived back at the STP on the FOB where the medical crew now had
a full day of experience from the war taking place here in Helmand
province, Afghanistan. They once again received these wounded and
did their thing.
Now what would happen is patient transfers
would be in order as some of the more
critically wounded would be transferred to
other locations for additional medical care. I
stayed back on those trips as the night time
was beginning to take hold. While I was
taking care of my own logistical things
another call came in for medevac which I was
not in close enough proximity to make the
mission. This one I would photograph from
the ground at the STP. It would be dark but
perhaps one or two shots would be
acceptable.
The helicopter arrived and again, the STP
crews did their things. These two patients
were really in a world of hurt. One had both
legs torn apart and would lose them for
sure. The other was not so bad, but still
hurt. Eventually, I was told the one with the
two legs gone, died. That would make two
deaths today and seven injured, some
critically. All were Afghans.
The end of the day brought a few challenges
to me. One of my lenses stopped working on
automatic and now has to be used on
manual. That's a problem for me because my
eyesight is not what it used to be. Just
another obstacle for me to overcome. This is
once again where a good photographer would
have spent a small fortune on excellent
equipment and plenty of backups. I will
settle for being a photographer that has
limited resources and can perhaps still get
the job done. That is what goes on in war
zones anyway from what I have seen. One
works with what he has, not necessarily with
what he wants. Make the best of any
situation.
I looked over the photos and decided I still
need to learn again. The ones I put with this
story are so all those reading can just see
what I saw. That is the only reason I put
them up. There is no other reason. This is
what I saw, and these are the photos I took
under the circumstances laid before me. The
flights I was on
today were exhilarating to say the least. The skill of all the pilots I flew
with was exceptional. I must say that I do indeed enjoy being here.
But I also am tempered by the fact that the day ended with two people
that were alive the day before are no longer alive. Seven others were
injured by things that happen in war. I am reminded that I am indeed
in a war zone. The vantage point I have now is one I've not had before.
I'm used to being on the ground on patrols. Now I am seeing from
above what it is like to land on the ground and fly away with patients
that get hurt on the ground. This is just one day in this journey. It
was busy. I did not think it would be busy this day. I was wrong.
Jim Spiri
jimspiri@yahoo.com
All photo’s and Website © 2012 JimSpiri.com, All Rights Reserved
Photo by Jim Spiri, SPIRI
FREELANCE...Medica Eric Papp
waiting for next patients enroute to
next LZ, March 2, 2012
Photo by Jim Spiri, SPIRI FREELANCE...
Wounded being unloaded at night at FOB
Edinburgh, March 2, 2012
Photo by Jim Spiri, More wounded at LZ,
March 2, 2012
Crew Chief Felicia Espinosa takes a
moment to contemplate the scene
after all patients were delivered.
Photo by Jim Spiri...Medic Zachary Menzie directs
patient loading at an LZ on March 2, 2012
Crew chief, Felicia
Espinosa provides
medical care to small
boy who was shot.
Medic Eric Papp
prepares for the next set
of patients to be evaced
wounded being brought to helicopter at LZ
Additional wounded on
medevac helicopter,
March 2, 2012
Additional wounded being
brought to helicopter at LZ
Wounded being treated by medic
Eric Papp, March 2, 2012
Afghan National Army soldier
being loaded onto medevac,
March 2, 2012
Shock-trauma personnel rushing to receive
patients, March 2, 2012..FOB Edinburgh
Passenger terminal at FOB Edinburgh
A sign that is around now.
