The Medical Front Line, Iraq

John Quinn

The paramedic that took me under his wing taught me how to be warm in a cold desert night, urinate in a military plane, consult physicians via satellite phone, kill scorpions, evade snakes, start an IV without a tourniquet in a moving Humvee leaning over a live machine gun, dilute and prepare medications, use a Merck manual the way the faithful employ the bible, staple head wounds in the dark without antiseptic, where to sit in a helicopter for the best pictures and how to convince / translate to a sick Iraqi that he needs IV fluids. This was priceless learning from an experienced medic and doctor. I had oceans to learn about clinical medicine and myself - I will always be learning.

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While waiting for patients in Baghdad, I volunteered my time with an Egyptian physician that taught me about the culture of the Arab peoples and medicine in the developing world. Working with local Iraqis enabled me to see their devout faith and brotherly character. Every day the Egyptian clinic saw countless patients with minimal supply. Many injuries were due to poor occupation and health standards and no access to primary care. I offered my seemingly insignificant services in exchange for scholarly conversation, free tea and the chance of a lifetime.