Airmen treat hundreds of Indonesian earthquake victims

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Veronica Pierce
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PADANG, Indonesia (AFNS) --  An Air Force Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team is helping local medical professionals treat an increasing number of patients here in the wake of recent earthquakes.

The 69-member HARRT has cared for more than 200 patients since arriving here Oct. 5. Common ailments treated include infections, broken bones and infectious diseases.

"You hate to see someone survive an earthquake and die from an infection," said Maj. Brenda Parker, a HARRT nurse deployed from the 36th Medical Operations Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. "Helping the people here is not only the right thing to do, but the humane thing to do, and I'm glad to be part of this operation."

Staff Sgt. Beth Sherman, an individual duty medical technician also deployed from the 36th MDOS, said most of the patients she's treated have infections from injuries suffered during the earthquakes.

"It's important that we are here treating these infections," she said. "It has been almost 10 days since the earthquake and many people we've seen waited for treatment, so the quicker we treat them the less chance the infection can spread, possibly causing more damage." 

Working out of tents, the HARRT recognizes the importance of caring for the people here, echoing the Air Force core value of "service before self."

"We have the capability to go anywhere throughout the Pacific region in a moment's notice during times of disaster," Major Parker said. "No matter how austere the location, we continue on with our mission."