Mersey Hero Saves Afghan Bomb Girl

By MICHELLE FIDDLER Chief Reporte

A MERSEY Marine has saved two children horrifically injured by a Taliban rocket attack.

Medic Martin McCaffrey carried out emergency first aid on the sisters after their distraught uncle arrived at the gates of their base in southern Afghanistan.

One of the young girls lost her arm in the rocket attack, while the other suffered serious head injuries.

Marine McCaffrey managed to stabilise the condition of the girls and carried out emergency treatment to keep them alive while they waited for more medical support.

A Chinook helicopter arrived half-an-hour later to airlift the girls to hospital at the army’s main base in the Helmand Province.

Marine McCaffrey 24, said: “I gave fluids to both children and was able to stabilise them and dress their wounds while the Medical Emergency Response Team was called in.

“What happened to these girls is tragic, but it’s the reality of fighting against people who don’t care.”

The Runcorn Marine was serving within the isolated Sangin district with 40 Commando’s Bravo Company Group when the drama began.

Speaking through an interpreter, the girls’ uncle thanked the Marines.

(c) 2008 Liverpool Echo. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.