Photo By Spc. Tonia Ciancanelli | Hawaii Army National Guard Sgt. Jervin Bersalona, a combat paramedic, assigned to...... read more read more
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PEARL CITY, Hawai’i – Hawai’i Army National Guard (HIARNG) Sgt. Jervin Bersalona, a combat paramedic assigned to Detachment 1, Golf Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, 103rd Troop Command, became one of the first HIARNG Soldiers to graduate from the Joint Base San Antonio Army Medical Department Center of Excellence Combat Paramedic Program (CPP), as critical care flight paramedic.
The CPP is a rigorous 11-month, three phase program specialized for combat medics. The program included combat casualty assessments, damage control resuscitations, prolonged field care, dental and treatment of K-9.
Designed to prepare combat medic specialists for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic examination, the program outfits participants with an extended scope of practice in hopes of meeting the needs of current and future operating environments.
Bersalona, a native of the Province of Abra, Philippines, moved to Ewa Beach, Hawai’i at 10 years old and joined the HIARNG as a combat medic in 2013.
“I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Bersalona. “I wanted to challenge myself to make a difference during times of crisis, whether it’s during a state mission or deployment.”
Barcelona said that one of the biggest challenges of being an Army National Guard Soldier who performs drill only one weekend per month is the lack of training opportunities.
“I just wish that I knew what I know now, as far as opportunities and how far you can take your career,” said Bersalona.
He wanted to train more than just one weekend a month.
“One of the reasons I became a critical care flight paramedic is to add more tools to my belt,” said Bersalona.
Bersalona is also a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) instructor. He recently instructed a combat lifesaver course (CLS) along with Staff Sgt. Onassis Aris and Spc. Christopher Kelly, for 17 HIARNG soldiers, who at the end of the course earned CLS certification.
“I really enjoy being a CLS instructor. I think it is great to meet people from different walks of life that are not in the medical field,” said Bersalona.
“Teaching them what I know now and the mistakes I’ve made is gonna have a greater outcome when it’s time to actually use what they are taught,” said Bersalona. “If there’s no medic around you might be the one saving someone’s life.”
Aris recalled Bersalona volunteering to provide medical support to the Fire Support Team (FST) at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on Hawai’i Island during his first annual training with the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team as a private first class.
“For a young medic, to have the determination, professionalism and passion to provide medical support is commendable,” said Aris. “We’ve trained together numerous times from Ft. Camp Roberts in California, Schofield Barracks on O‘ahu and PTA on the Big Island. Sgt. Bersalona is a reliable and competent medic.”
Bersalona recommends this path for people wanting an introduction to a career in the medical field.
“Medics can go anywhere and to any unit, “said Bersalona. “The training you get now as a medic is more advanced compared to when I went. Medicine is always evolving.”
He now works as a paramedic for American Medical Response.
“I became a combat paramedic the same time I graduated paramedic school,” said Bersalona. “I enjoy my job and being in the medical field. It makes me feel good that I have the tools and knowledge to help someone on their worst days.”
Bersalona deployed to Afghanistan in 2019 as a combat medic with the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment.
“A lot of the patients that I encountered, especially the national forces, were grateful that we were there and doing what we were deployed to do,” said Bersalona. “I felt very fulfilled that I was actually there doing my job.”
Bersalona’s professional goal within the HIARNG is to become a physician’s assistant in emergency medicine. He encourages anyone interested in becoming a combat medic with the HIARNG to not live in fear and get out of their comfort zone.
“Sometimes you find out your true self and who you really are when you are under stress, anxiety and fear,” said Bersalona. “I’ve met a lot of people that guided and led me to the right path.”
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2022 21:22 |
| Story ID: | 424207 |
| Location: | PEARL CITY, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 543 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Pursuing Medical Career Opportunities in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, by SPC Bethany Cravalho, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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