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Soldiers from Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force 332-1 have been providing assistance at University Hospital in Newark, as part of the Department of Defense response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is being led by U.S. Northern Command. The Soldiers, including many non-physicians, have been fully integrated into all aspects of the hospital work environment.
The unit is an integral part of the approximately 8,000 active duty and reserve component service members from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force in the U.S. Army North-led Joint Force Land Component Command.
Recently, three UAMTF 332-1 Soldiers sat down for a discussion on their individual duties and to provide insight on the unit’s medical support at University Hospital.
Sgt. Miles McCurry, a Physician Assistant, from Lawtey, Fla., has been working with the EMS staff and responding to 911 emergency calls. Capt. Robert Owen, an Occupational Therapist, from Nashville, Tenn., has been working directly with civilian hospital Occupational Therapists. Capt. Holly Beard, an Entomologist, from Orlando, Fla., has been assisting across multiple hospital sections.
Immediately upon arriving, the team was integrated into a very receptive and welcoming hospital staff. “As soon as we arrived the hospital staff welcomed us as part of the team,” Said Beard. “I think they appreciated our fresh attitude and new look.”
According to McCurry, although he is a trained paramedic, he had no idea what he would be doing as the unit prepared for mobilization, but quickly integrated into daily operations as an EMT. “When we got to University Hospital the EMS Coordinator asked if we had any paramedics, and soon I found myself working from three to six shifts a week responding to 911 calls.”
Owen had a similar experience assimilating into daily operations, saying, “My position as an OT translates seamlessly for evaluating patients, conducting treatments, and contributing to the discharge planning. We had hospital orientation on the 14th and on the 15th I was integrated in and working.”
As an Entomologist, a scientist who studies insects, Beard has a less obvious military occupation, but has been engaged in diverse and critical support with the hospital staff. Beard is part of a team supporting infection prevention at the hospital monitoring proper airflow to prevent airborne contamination. Beard supported PPE Conservation and repurposing with M95 mask sterilization through hydrogen peroxide vaporization. In addition, she supported the staff with food and dining facility safety and training on proper PPE removal. Beard also worked with the N.J. National Guard on ensuring the morgue was properly decompressed for the operators, saying, “I never thought I would work in a morgue, but our entire team’s mission is about being adaptable and flexible. So much of what we do rank is less important that being willing and able to help.”
These Army Reserve Soldiers are using their military and civilian skills to provide critical support by relieving pressure on the rest of hospital operations during the urgent COVID-19 response.
For Owen, he has seen direct positive impact on patient care, saying, “As an OT, working to evaluate patients, conduct treatments, and contribute to safe and appropriate discharges has resulted in greater successful patient outcomes increasing bed capacity during this critical shortage.”
According to McCurry, assisting other EMS personnel has been mutually beneficial. “Everyone I’ve worked with has been appreciative of what we are doing to lessen their burden and I appreciate being able to support as well. We have a great support platform for each other.”
Speaking for all three, Beard said, “Uniform doesn’t matter, we are all one team.” With Owen adding, “I am grateful to be here, to go to one of the hardest hit areas and contribute.”
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 05.06.2020 19:01 |
| Story ID: | 369385 |
| Location: | NEWARK, NJ, US |
| Hometown: | LAWTEY, FL, US |
| Hometown: | NASHVILLE, TN, US |
| Hometown: | ORLANDO, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 240 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Broad Talent Supports UAMTF at University Hospital, by LTC Jeffrey Gruidl, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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