Young Iraqi burn victim progressing well

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Since 3-year-old Al Amreeki left Balad Air Base, Iraq, aboard an Air Force C-17, traveling to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, then to Andrews AFB, Md. and finally arriving by commercial air bus to Lunken Field Airport in Cincinnati, on March 21, he has come a long way--literally. 

He was burned over 45 percent of his body from a stove fire at his home and an uncle brought him to the Air Force Theater Hospital in Iraq, Jan. 25. But his uncle left after visiting a couple of days when he was told the child would not likely survive. But Capt. Michael Riegler, critical care nurse with the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron, said when the boy didn't show signs of giving up, they decided to do as much as they could to help him survive. 

"To have him come all the way to the United States to [Shriners Hospitals for Children--Cincinnati] is an amazing feeling," said Capt. Riegler. 

During the 48 hour flights from Iraq to the United States, Capt. Riegler along with a respiratory therapist continued to monitor him and upon arrival, his condition was stable. Getting him here required weeks of coordination with military leadership for the medical airlift, Iraqi leaders for permission to leave the country, and the Secretary of Defense was also involved in getting him here. 

Capt. Riegler said, "I'd like to thank the Air Force first and foremost for allowing this to happen and giving the child a chance to have a very good future." 

Since his time at Cincinnati Shriners Hospital, Al Amreeki's condition has continued to improve. He has had skin graft surgery and the nurses there are re-teaching him to use his hands and will soon be getting him up to walk. He still can't interact with other children at this point because he is in an infection controlled room and unit. He does, however, get to come out to the nurses' station in his little red wagon, and after scrubbing up and donning a gown and gloves, his mother, the nurses, and his interpreter play with him. 

He loves his Thomas the Train toys and other toys that are provided by the hospital. On Wednesday, he was drinking a coke from a straw, giving high fives, blowing kisses and laughing when one of our Wright-Patterson AFB videographers juggled colorful balls in the air to his delight. His favorite color is green and his eyes reveal the fight he holds within. 

When prompted by his interpreter, Nadia Shaya, he would sing the ABC song and count. 

He also said, "Hi, Capt. Mike" for the cameraman, referring to Capt. Michael Riegler. His interpreter said he had been talking about "Capt. Mike" a lot. 

His mother, Amil, says of the hospital staff, "They love us here and take good care of us."