Saving lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sirens blaring, speeding through the streets, cars scurrying to the side, all-the-while preparing equipment for the unknown. Nothing less than a lifestyle for the Abilene MetroCare paramedics, 7th Medical Group Airmen at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, now have the opportunity to put their skills to the test with their local counterparts.

Proficiency training began when there were noticeable deficiencies involving first-responder skills in Airmen overseas. And to Capt. Dawn Winter, 7th MDG, that was unacceptable.

"This training was introduced to elaborate on the skills that could not effectively be used in a clinic environment," she said. "Our goal is to ensure training is up to speed for when our Airmen deploy."

During this four-day program, Airmen within a medical career field work 12-hour shifts along-side their civilian counterparts, averaging nearly 40 calls per day. Senior Airman Jordan Clark, 7th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, is one of many Airmen to undergo this program.

"It's important to know what you're doing in a live emergency and the only way to stay confident is to practice," Clark said. "Situations can change drastically and you must adapt just as quickly."

While Clark worked with MetroCare he was able to learn how to treat a wide variety of emergencies.

"In the short time I've worked along-side MetroCare I've assisted in treating patients involved in car accidents, physical abuse, concussions and more," Clark said. "It's something new every day."

Luis Aguilar, field operations paramedic, acts as the liaison between Dyess and MetroCare, ensuring Airmen receive the first-responder experience they need to effectively do their job.

"Being a senior master sergeant in the Air Force Reserve, my expectations change depending on an Airmen's experience," Aguilar said. "However, I always expect them to know their job. I'm here to provide the situations they need to implement their skills."

MetroCare paramedics collaborate with 7th MDG Airmen during emergencies in order to provide a shared learning experience.

"Airmen who partake in these emergencies with the paramedics have the chance to showcase their skills," Aguilar said. "It's important that both individuals understand what each other do."

"Not only do I encourage this program to younger Airmen with limited experience, but also to the ones who have been in for a while as well," Clark said. "You can never have enough practice, especially when someone's life is on the line."

"I am truly passionate when a fellow Airmen walks in," Aguilar said. "There is no greater satisfaction than to see individuals do what the Air Force has taught them to do, and to know this training will be used to save lives."