Photo By Sgt. Gary Hone | Georgia Army National Guardsman Pfc. Charles Baker of the 3rd Battalion, 121st...... read more read more
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Soldiers going through their annual medical Soldier Readiness Processing would not call it training, as they receive immunizations, have blood samples taken, and get a dental exam. For the Guardsmen who provide these services, however, it provides them the chance to develop and improve their medical skills.
Duluth, Georgia native Pfc. Charles Baker of the Georgia Army National Guard Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment from Cummings, Georgia, did not know what the Army entailed when it came to jobs when he first enlisted.
"The only real two jobs I knew of was infantry and combat medic," said Baker. "I chose combat medic because I did not want to be in the infantry. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made and I really enjoy it. I did not know I would enjoy it this much."
The training to be an Army 68W Health Care Specialist is 16 weeks long. During that time, Soldiers gain national certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic and receive combat medical training, consisting of such things as combat casualty care, advanced airways, basic pharmacology and trauma management.
"When I was in Advanced Individual Training, I was never a big fan of getting my blood work done or being stuck with a needle," said Baker. "When you're in training you do that. You train on each other, and obviously, you are no good at it because none of us have ever done it before. That was a hurdle for me."
The military training Baker received qualified him for a civilian career with Emory Johns Creek Hospital as an emergency department technician. He was able to expand his knowledge and capabilities a few months later while he was with his new unit when he was offered the chance to go through the Advanced EMT certification with the Atlanta based Grady EMS Academy.
"When you come out of training, you have a basic EMT certification, but when I came to the unit after a couple of months I had an opportunity to get my Advanced EMT certification," said Baker. "Grady EMS works with the Georgia National Guard teaching the advanced certifications to the Soldiers. The Guard pays for the advanced certification and it helps me in advancing my civilian career and helps me as a combat medic."
The two years since Baker graduated from AIT he has advanced his skills. By doing so, it provides him the opportunity to share and give back to his fellow Guardsmen and train them on what he knows.
"He finds a way to make it relaxing by cracking jokes and improving everyone's attitude," said Spc. Dunkin Seguin, the 3-121 non-commissioned officer in charge during the Medical Commands June SRP. "He then turns around and walks everyone through the crawl-walk-run. He is always patient with everyone and knows not everyone gets it, just as long you're committing to the effort to learn, he will teach each and every person."
The 3-121 combat medics augmented the June 2018 SRP being held by Medical Command in Marietta, Georgia, assisting in various areas like the EKG and lab.
Sergeant Daniel Kobler, one of the two NCOICs in the phlebotomy lab for MEDCOM was happy to have the support.
"Baker was one of the augmentees to help with the speed and efficiency of the SRP," said Kobler. "He, even as a Pfc., showed poise, showed discipline. He was able to get up to speed in the lab to execute blood draw. He has a good bedside manner with his patients, never showing signs of agitation or annoyance by him. I am glad to have had him here and wouldn't mind having him back."
Baker may not have enjoyed getting his blood drawn like every other Soldier, but he continues to practice his skills so his patients do not have to think about.
"I know if I did my best and I help to improve someone's life, I know, at the end of the day, I did good," said Baker.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2018 08:22 |
| Story ID: | 282115 |
| Location: | MARIETTA, GA, US |
| Hometown: | DULUTH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 146 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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