‘DUSTOFF’ Soldiers graduate paramedic course in Savannah

Photo By Chad Ashe | Eight flight medics from 2/3 Avn. Regt., 3rd CAB, stand with their department lead and primary instructor after completing a six-month paramedic course in Savannah, Aug. 28, adding to the Army’s commitment to increase the number of flight paramedics in medical evacuation units.  

SAVANNAH, GA, UNITED STATES

08.28.2014

Story by Capt. Chad Ashe 

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Eight flight medics from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, completed a six-month paramedic course in Savannah, Aug. 28, adding to the Army’s commitment to increase the number of flight paramedics in medical evacuation units.

Major Jason Jones, commander of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, said in 2006 the Army made a commitment to grow their numbers in trained flight paramedics. Jones’ validated the importance by taking one third of his medics and dedicate their time to training, knowing the payoff down the road could be saved lives on the battlefield.

“We do that because the volume of patients and because it matters; we know it absolutely matters,” Jones said. “The unit has a commitment now to provide that very finest level of medical care that we can.”

Jim Ochoa, paramedic instructor and nationally registered flight paramedic, was the primary instructor during course. Ochoa said the difference between the [flight medic] and the paramedic is more advanced skills, especially medications—it has to do with their ability to evaluate patients better.

Ochoa said the students benefited starting the class following a recent deployment. “When they came back they had some pretty immersive experiences as flight medics and taking care of some very sick and injured people,” Ochoa said.

“For them, it was a great learning experience. For me, it was a great experience working with such bright and motivated people, and that’s always been the benefit with working with the military,” Ochoa said.

Distinguished honor graduate in the course, Sgt. Frank McCandless, Co. C, 2/3 Avn. Regt., said the class had a mixed-experience level and was an eye opener for some who did not have previous experience.

Now that McCandless has completed the training, he said his job awaits and said he is excited to begin now that the class is completed.

“I just love being a flight paramedic. It’s about the hands on. It’s about touching people; touching people in their lives,” said McCandless, when asked about his career future. “I have a feeling I will be sitting here for quite a while.”

• Date Taken: 08.28.2014
• Date Posted: 09.03.2014 10:44
• Story ID: 141030
• Location: SAVANNAH, GA, US