Unfortunately, today our medical professions are put to the fire for many conditions that are far beyond their control. That is, often working in systems that may penalize practices that are not considered valued, or legitimated by interests that provide monetary compensation in this high priced industry! Most often these health groups have a separate evaluation of needs and criteria, i.e., what is required by physicians, technical people, nurses, and a host of specialists in the field-from biology to computers. Yet, many of the heroes of the medical industry carry on as best they can under this burden, and more often than not, under some very difficult and dreadful conditions.

The 212 MASH Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, or often noted as: The Last MASH Standing, is but one of these units that have serviced under adverse conditions, along with others that go unsung and without recognition on a daily basis - to all our heroes-civilian and military - many cheers!




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December 2004, Vol. 87, No. 12 print-friendly pdf
In Iraq, a new type of expeditionary medic provides care around the clock.
AfterM*A*S*H By Bruce D. Callander:
When the UN’s Baghdad offices were car bombed in August 2003, a quick-reacting Air Force medical group was among the first to reach the scene. The gruesome attack claimed the lives of 22 persons, but USAF surgeons and staff saved many others. Such feats have taken place numerous times in violence-wracked Iraq.

This was the product of a new type of medical concept called EMEDS, for Expeditionary Medical Support. Unlike the acronym MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital), the term EMEDS may not ever make it to the silver screen, but it is becoming as well-known to today’s forces as MASH units were to Korean War troops.

As of last April, say Air Force officials, USAF’s expeditionary medics have treated more than 171,000 casualties, comprising those injured in combat and those suffering from noncombat injuries and disease. There are EMEDS operating in Iraq and 11 other countries.