Medical situation in Iraq

[MASON]

The air and other coalition ambulance crews typically offer care and transport for eval but sometimes people do not accept for multiple reasons scared of US , scared of New Iraqi Army or repercussions from insurgents.

My understanding is if we did not cause the injury or it is a regular health issue then we are not obligated to help (life or limb only etc). This unfortunately leaves the insurgent targeted civilians to seek care in as above is noted to be a onerously burdened system. In the end we must find ways to protect the population if possible in and out of hospitals and clinics or better yet to help them protect themselves.

The much bigger bang for support and impact on hearts and minds are in treating the not so badly injured too. That task would likely require a mixed medical team of Iraqi staff and American or other coalition staff. What we are attempting to do is honorable but given our own restraints as to who we will care for and how-- our personal risk is minimized but so is our effect on the greater situation.