Airmen ensure emergency medical suppplies easily accessible

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Master Sgt. Leonel Gonzalez sets up a litter in front of one of two medical containers Nov. 25, 2011, at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia Each container is loaded with 20 litters, two litter carriers with wheels and medical kits with supplies similar to what service members will find in their improvised first aid kits. Gonzalez is the NCO in charge of medical operations for the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Chance Babin)
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Airmen ensure emergency medical suppplies easily accessible

Posted 12/2/2011 Updated 12/2/2011

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by Master Sgt. Chance Babin
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

12/2/2011 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Deployed medical Airmen have a launched a new program that will help ensure quick access to medical supplies in the event of an emergency or mass casualty event at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.

The members of the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group here have placed two containers containing medical supply kits to treat up to 50 patients, each marked with a large red cross, at specific locations throughout the base.

"The idea is that in the event of a mass casualty, where the medical group (staff) can't respond or handle all the patients, whoever is closest to the (container) can come grab supplies and can begin giving medical care immediately," said Master Sgt. Leonel Gonzalez, the NCO in charge of clinical operations for the 380th EMDG. "We were thinking of a way to get the fastest treatment to patients with the least amount of delay, which is the main idea behind this program."

Each container, known as a Conex, is loaded with 20 litters, two litter carriers with wheels and medical kits with supplies similar to what service members will find in their improvised first aid kits.

"Each of the kits is standardized and everybody that has received self-aid and buddy care training, which should be everyone, should be familiar with these supplies." Gonzalez said.

While all bases have a medical response plan, this program is something unique to the 380th AEW.

"This is something we are doing here," Gonzalez said. "It is not standardized across the area of responsibility or at other bases."

This innovative new program is just one in a broad emergency medical response plan unique to the base that will help the small clinic staff of about 30 people handle a large scale event, he said.

"The advantage of having these (containers) is that if there is a true mass casualty event, there will not be a delay in getting medical care to those in need," Gonzalez said. "Anyone can access the Conex and provide fast treatment for the patient."

Other elements of the broad-reaching response plan include the public access defibrillator program and the self-aid and buddy care kits dispersed throughout base that are designed to enable those on scene to respond quickly to a medical emergency and stabilize a patient until medical professionals arrive.