48th IBCT medic treats motorcycle-wreck victim

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – “Hey Doc, grab your bag,” came the call through the headphones from truck commander Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Palacio. U.S. Army Pfc. Michael McDonald’s convoy had just pulled out of Forward Operating Base Vulcan when they came up on a motorcycle wreck.

Traffic was at a standstill and people were quickly gathering around a three-wheeled motorcycle on its side. The driver sat on the ground nearby, blood dripping down his face.

The Georgia National Guard Soldiers of 1st platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, quickly set up a cordon around the injured civilian and McDonald got to work.

“When I got to him he had a few minor cuts on his head and his knee was banged up,” said McDonald. “I checked him from head to toe; his pupils were equal round and reactive to light. All the bleeding had stopped. I cleaned him up. That’s the first time I‘ve ever stopped in traffic to help an (Afghan).”

McDonald, 28, of Newborn, Ga., was fairly new to Company D. He had been with Company B at Forward Operating Base Rushmore and replaced another medic in January who was redeploying back home. It didn’t take long to get into the action.

“The first mission I went out on we had an (Afghan National Army soldier) get shot through the leg,” McDonald explained. “An ANA medic was already treating him. I put a tourniquet on him, rewrapped it and put a pressure dressing on it and called in a medical evacuation. He’s OK.”

Whether the situation is combat or non-combat, McDonald and his fellow Soldiers in 1st Platoon will take the time to help those in need around them, Afghans and Coalition forces alike.

“Doc McDonald did a real good job of evaluating him,” said 1st Lt. Marcus Ruzek, 1st Platoon Leader. “Some things we can just drive through. But if there is a potential for someone to be hurt, we will stop and make sure they are OK.”