Kyrgyz medical students see capabilities at Manas

  • Published
  • By Maj. Adriane Craig
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) --  Kyrgyz students from a local medical lyceum toured Manas Air Base July 18 to see how American and coalition forces are organized and equipped to handle medical situations.

The students, ranging from 17 to 19 years of age, came to the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group and heard from Air Force medical professionals about American military medical care. 

Capt. Sarah Evans, a nurse deployed from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, showed the students the patient care areas, dental office and operating room that make up the medical tent and trailer complex.

The group also heard about the Spanish aeromedical evacuation capability. Spanish Senior Airman Alejandro Del Cerro and Spanish Major Cristina Ibanez showed them the high-tech equipment and spoke of the skilled people ready to support downrange operations. The detachment here is capable of transporting critical care patients from Afghanistan who must quickly be moved to more robust medical facilities.

Last on the tour agenda was hands-on instruction from the 376th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department where Staff Sgt. Joseph Nye led a demonstration of the equipment used for emergency responses. Several students participated in the demo, donning the firefighters' equipment or acting as victims.

Larisa Koshmanova, the teacher who arranged the tour, said the students enjoyed their visit and were surprised by what they saw.

"I did not expect that a military base could be that interesting. Most of the kids are future doctors and it was very helpful for them to visit," said Ms. Koshmanova. "They were impressed by the hospital and the equipment the doctors use in their daily work."

Interacting with the servicemembers also gave the Kyrgyz students a glimpse into military life.

"I was very impressed by the way American government takes care of their servicemembers," said Ms. Koshmanova. "They have all the necessities for carrying out their service efficiently."

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