PRISTINA, Kosovo - Sometimes we see them and sometimes we don’t, but the medics at Camp Bondsteel act as angels among us who are always ready to respond to medical emergencies with a level of competency far above the standard.
Instead of wings these angels have equipment, knowledge and a calming composure that lifts others through challenging situations.
These medics earned their halos by completing a rigorous advanced individual training course.
“AIT takes 17 weeks and is great preparation,” said Spc. Brittany Cruickshank, a medic from Rio Rancho, N.M. “During that time we train for all kinds of scenarios and are well prepared for what we could potentially face.”
In fact, the education Army medics receive often allows them to apply for jobs as emergency medical technicians right after AIT.
“In some states, once AIT is completed, that alone will qualify you to get on with an EMT crew,” said Sgt. Bud Cordova, a medic from Albuquerque, N.M. “In others you just have to pass the state test, but either way once AIT is completed you become a National Registry EMT Basic.”
Even after AIT medics work hard to stay focused, keep skills sharp and maintain their military occupation skill.
“Keeping up on continued education credits is that hardest part of the deployment,” said Cordova. “We have to maintain so many credit hours to maintain accreditation. If it lapses we have to reclass.”
The medics have found ways to do that.
“Here at Camp Bondsteel we continue to train by reacting to possible scenarios we may see,” said Cruickshank.
The training goes beyond working with just military members.
Sgt. Patricia Salazar, a medic from Albuquerque, said, “We train with the fire department, work with the morale welfare and recreation personnel and have great rapport with other civilians as well because we all want to help and assist each other.”
The continuous preparation and training has provided the medics with a strong belief in their abilities and should provide comfort to Soldiers and civilians that may need their help.
“I’m confident in my skills and the other crew members’ skills,” said Cruickshank. “Fortunately we have not had any extreme incidents, but if we did, we could handle it. We have trained and prepared.”
The goal of the medic is to get the patient to the next level of care and Salazar knows they can do that.
“Each medic, no matter how serious the situation, can react with confidence in their ability,” Salazar said. “My coworkers and command are all very good at what they do and we can get patients to the next level of care.”
While skills and knowledge lead to confident and capable medics, it is their desire to help that makes them more.
“I chose to become a medic because of the human interaction,” said Salazar. “Caring for soldiers, giving them advice, keeping them healthy and following up with them is a rewarding occupation.”
Cruickshank and Cordova shared similar sentiments stressing the rewarding experiences of assisting and helping soldiers.
Like guardian angels, medics try to be everywhere to help everyone.
“We are always around, we check out events, drive around at night, stand by for flights; we are always ready to help,” said Salazar. “But the reality is that we are not always going to be the first ones on the scene.”
When medics are not around, soldiers should be prepared.
“Pay attention to the combat lifesaver classes,” said Cruickshank. “You never know when you will be the first responder.”
Salazar urges soldiers to maintain situational awareness in such circumstances.
“If you come up on an injured soldier, get help and start initiating basic field care,” Salazar said. “Don’t stress, stay calm and make sure to get the right information and location to the dispatcher. That has the biggest impact on our response time.”
So the next time you are looking for your guardian angel, look no further than the calm, composed medic who stands ready to give a helping hand.
