JBER Airmen put training into action

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, UNITED STATES

11.12.2018

Story by Airman 1st Class Caitlin Russell 

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson   

On Oct. 13, two Airmen with the 673d Medical Operations Squadron had their skills and training tested while driving along the Seward Highway.
“Around two o’clock on Sunday, Staff Sgt. Victoria Koval and I decided to head to Seward and that was when we came upon the car crash,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Burdge, 673d MDOS medical technician. “We saw a man lying on the road, and immediately began trauma care.”
Koval and Burdge discovered six patients, including the man, were involved in the vehicle collision.
“Koval and I treated and stabilized all patients, performed physical exams and maintained stabilization while waiting for help from the fire department and emergency medical services,” Burdge said. “We were telling people as they drove by to call for help once they got service.”
While Koval directed traffic away from the scene, Burdge stayed with the patients after they had been stabilized. They discovered the six patients were stationed at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan, and were in Alaska for a temporary duty assignment.
“Once EMS arrived, all life-threatening injuries had been addressed and further secondary injuries were prevented,” said Koval, 673d MDOS medical technician. “We provided a detailed report to EMS and the patients were able to be transferred quickly and successfully.”
The week previously to the incident, Burdge had received her annual wildlife survival refresher course and attributes the training in being able to respond.
“Having the training that we do aided in our ability to quickly react to the incident,”Burdge said. “Without it, we might not have known about looking for secondary issues like shock, acute stress reaction or bleeding. Besides the biannual EMT refresher course, we participate in readiness training and other courses to maintain our certifications.”
The knowledge Airmen gain is the key to success in the workplace and in incidents like this.
“You think you’ll forget the training you receive, but it’s all second nature,” Burdge said. “People at the scene were asking for a medic, and I was like, ‘That’s me. I’m a medic.’ Knowing the care we were able to provide was a great feeling.”
Koval and Burdge said following the safe transport of the patients, they continued their trip to Seward and carried on with their day.
“We didn’t think anything of it,” Koval said. “Yes, we possibly saved their lives, but as a medic, providing trauma care can be a part of the job. We’re just thankful we were there to help.”
Air Force Master Sgt. Brit Adams, 673d MDOS family health clinic flight chief, said he was proud to hear the level of care that the Airmen were able to provide.
“It’s awesome to know that our Airmen are ready and trained for situations like this,” Adams said. “They handled the situation calmly and professionally, and definitely impacted each patients outcome.”

• Date Taken: 11.12.2018
• Date Posted: 11.15.2018 13:31
• Story ID: 300139
• Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US