Enemy Prisoners of War

Sometimes on the unit we have the Enemy Prisoners of War (EPWs).  These are the people killing and maiming our soldiers.  The last couple of days I've had one as a patient.  When caring for these patients, there are so many things to consider; keeping their eyes covered or the curtains closed in order to protect the local nationals working at the hospital, the Army soldiers that guard them, putting up with them spitting and hitting at you, the worry about what or who they know and if they will remember you.  Besides all of that, the ethical and moral dilemma that builds inside when you have to care for them in the same manner you would care for an American they just maimed. 

The Army guards who guard them are also an issue.  They make comments about wasting resources on these guys and why do we take care of them.  My answer to them is this, "First and foremost, I am a medical person.  I am required by my profession to do no harm...to anyone in my care.  How do you think it makes me feel to come in here and provide the best possible care for this guy and then run into the next bay to care for the soldier he just blew up?"  We can't hate them.  And before anyone gets upset, I'm not a bleeding heart.  I don't condone what they do to our soldiers.  But looking at this country and how poor it is, this guy may not be a Taliban but a farmer who was paid a few dollars to kill Americans.  Maybe his family is so poor this was the only way to provide food for them, I don't know.  I did tell these soldiers "If you did your job correctly, I would not be forced into this dilemma."  I think they got my point. 

Today I did take excellent care of this EPW.  I shaved him, cut his hair (with his permission), bathed him and stayed on top of his pain.  I know that some may not understand why, but I just wouldn't feel right if I didn't.  I hate doing it because it takes twice the amount of energy for me to work through the anger portion in order to provide this person care to this person who is hurting my sisters and brothers in arms.  I can't help but to see the images of the young men they mame.  I know in my heart, when they capture our guys, they don't get the same treatment.