Is there a doctor in the house? Medics provide critical care

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Kevin Ludins, a health care specialist with the 444th MCD out of Ft. Snelling, Minn., takes down information from a patient at the TMC. The unit is composed of Soldiers from various units who have been attached to the 444th for OGC.  

CRANE, IN, UNITED STATES

06.14.2010

Courtesy Story

310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

By Sgt. Scott Akanewich

CRANE, Ind. – Around every curve and bend in the road of the countless interstates and highways the Soldiers of Operation Golden Cargo maneuver their vehicles on, lies danger in the form of accidents. The medics of the 444th Minimal Care Detachment, Fort Snelling, Minn., stand vigilant during OGC should they be needed for any medical maladies that may occur.

For every crate of ammunition lifted onto and secured to a trailer there is potential for broken bones and dislocated joints. Every war has casualties and every training exercise has the potential for injuries.

Upon entrance of the medical tent, the first person to greet a potential patient is Spc. Gary Obaya, an administration specialist with the 5501st U.S. Army Hospital from San Antonio, Texas.

“I’m at the beginning and end of a patient’s visit,” said Obaya, who is attached to the 444th for OGC. “It’s all about accountability and documentation. We need accurate records in the event a claim occurs later as the result of an injury sustained during the training period.”

As far as Obaya is concerned, the authenticity of the training isn’t in question.

“This is pretty accurate training,” he said. “It’s very similar to what would happen in theater. The leadership here is mentoring me well.”

Col. Robert Tyree, the unit physician, recognizes the importance of exercises such as OGC to prepare his Soldiers for the unknown they will face when deployed, he said.

“It’s very important,” said Tyree, who, as a civilian, is a contract doctor for the Air Force in Alaska. “Unfortunately, I’ve seen situations where people are unfamiliar with what to do in particular scenarios, so it’s critical to conduct these kinds of exercises.”

A challenge these medics face is the ability to quickly come together and create chemistry that will accomplish the mission, he said.

“We’re all from different organizations, but we have to become a team,” said Tyree.

The austere conditions these medics work under sometimes leave them with limited treatment options, but they overcome this by quickly out-sourcing patients with more serious injuries, he said.

“My job is to see a patient and make a decision whether or not he or she needs further help,” said Tyree. “Our goal, though, is to get them back to duty as quick as possible.”

Sgt. Kevin Ludins, a health care specialist with the 444th, is impressed with the Soldiers’ focus on avoiding illness and injury at this year’s OGC, he said.

“We haven’t had a single heat casualty,” said Ludins. “The Soldiers are doing a great job being safe.”

• Date Taken: 06.14.2010
• Date Posted: 06.14.2010 09:45
• Story ID: 51343
• Location: CRANE, IN, US