A scene of surreal chaos of thunderous explosions and ground shudders
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Spc. Matthew Byars conducts an inventory of his medical supplies. photo: Sgt. John Queen

When a thunderous explosion echoes and the ground shudders around Baghdad’s International Zone, Spc. Matthew Byars, 3-8 Cavalry, knows all too well that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device has just gone off and medics from his platoon will soon be stepping into a scene of surreal chaos. Byars also knows that in a situation like that, a calm head, training and initiative can be the difference between life and death. “Spc. Byars doesn’t think twice about what he needs to do,” said 1st Lt. Douglas Zeledoe the medical platoon leader for 3-8 Cavalry. “He has responded to just about all the VBIEDs we’ve had. He’s been quick about reacting to casualties and done a stupendous job triaging, treating and evacuating them.” Since the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of 1st Cavalry Division assumed responsibilities of the International Zone, formerly known as the Green Zone, in April, it has been rocked by at least seven deadly car bombs. Soldiers from Byars’ battalion serve as the security and quick reaction force that respond to any incident around the zone. The first VBIED incident Byars responded to was in May when insurgents detonated their car at the traffic circle near Baghdad’s 14th of July Bridge.“There was some nervousness at first, during the quarter mile drive over there,” said Byars. “Once I got there though, it was time to work – all of nervousness washed away. It’s all about patient care, finding the casualties, taking care of them the best you can and getting them evacuated to where they need to be.” At the site of the explosion, burnt, oily car parts littered the street, American Soldiers, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps personnel and Iraqi Police scurried around trying to secure the area, while thick black smoke and flames rose from the twisted burning vehicles filled the air with a dreadful smell. “I was surprised at how well the training kicked in and how much your instinct takes over,” he said. “Immediately, I hit the ground running triaging casualties on site and treating them accordingly.”