Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Lasima Packett | Indiana Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Leslie Tucker, Indianapolis, prepares a...... read more read more
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. -- Large white tents were quickly thrust into the air as a bright, red-haired Indiana Air Guard servicewoman moves quickly to grab a support pole. She stood out among all the Army and Air Guard digital camouflage uniforms scrambling to assemble what became a temporary training area.
On a hot, humid day in August at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Indiana Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Leslie Tucker brought all of her medical skills to 81st Troop Command’s emergency response unit validation training.
Tucker, a cardiopulmonary technician of the 122nd Medical Group from Fort Wayne, Ind., is an experienced member of the 19th CERFP or Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package. She is one of the 47 Air and Army National guardsmen who make up the medical element of the unit that responds to civil emergencies.
The 10-year veteran deployed to Germany after completing her Air Force technical school. While in Germany Tucker said she gained a great deal of experience that prepared her for future endeavors with the Georgia National Guard’s CERFP. Tucker said because of her training with the Georgia CERFP she was encouraged to participate with Indiana’s team.
“Tucker brings a lot of that real-world knowledge, plus her civilian real-world knowledge,” said Indiana Air National Guard Maj. Robert Abbinett, the chief nurse executive in 181st Medical Group from Terre Haute, Ind.
Tucker, a skilled respiratory tech, brought her emergency medical technician skills to the table. Tucker said her military experience helped her obtain her civilian job, and that it was her civilian job as an EMT that kept her fresh and prepared for the CERFP.
“Being an EMT helps you remember the basics that anyone could overlook,” said Tucker. “You understand the overall body at the very basic level, understanding the airway, breathing and circulation functions, your three main vitals.”
Tucker was the only respiratory therapist who participated in the CERFP validation process. She was responsible for setting up and maintaining the ventilators, and she assisted with managing the patients’ airways, said Indiana Air Guard Col. Brian Dykstra, the senior flight surgeon for 122nd Medical Group.
Dykstra said having a knowledgeable respiratory therapist on an emergency team is important to the operation.
“She is very capable and competent,” said Dykstra of Tucker’s experience.
Tucker’s red hair stood out against the green and grayish colored uniforms that filled the room, however she is all about being a team player.
Indiana Army National Guard Spc. Shelly Yarde, Evansville, Ind., a pharmacy technician with the 384th Military Police Company, said she learned a lot working with Tucker and the other airmen.
“She gave classes on how vents work, and how to operate them,” said Yarde of the specialized medical equipment.
As she prepared the team’s ventilators, Tucker showed no sign of stress for the coming validation. Maybe this is because of her experience. Whatever the reason for her calmness, Tucker said she enjoyed the hands-on opportunities during CERFP training.
The validation for the 19th CERFP is scheduled for Friday, and the results are expected to be released by October 2011.
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2011 09:11 |
| Story ID: | 75972 |
| Location: | CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 161 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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