FORT CARSON, Colo. – The medical units with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division went through a week-long medical reset Oct. 15 thru 19.
The brigade has recently returned from deployment, so all of the medical units needed to be updated with the new medical technology. The reset also allowed the units to completely restock their entire inventory with expendable equipment like bandages, gauze and needles.
“This is very important to do especially coming back from a deployment,” said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Shutt, battalion aid station noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “We are very hard on this stuff through the train up and through the deployment.”
Each battalion in the brigade received a half-day in which they were issued their equipment and then were able to inventory it.
“When we get a reset, it’s stressful because we have to count all this stuff and we have to go through all the inventory but at the same time now we are able to do our jobs properly and fully equipped,” said Spc. Conrad Moore, health care specialist, HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.
The medics are also being issued the latest in new medical equipment.
“A lot of this stuff our medics have never seen before so this is a new experience for them,” said 1st Lt. Heidi Grondahl, medical platoon leader, HHC, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Div. “In the long run, this is better training and better medical care for our soldiers.”
The issuing process can be tedious, but the medics did not let that bring them down.
“I’m excited,” Shutt said. “It’s just like being a kid on Christmas; I can’t wait to get this new stuff in and start using it and put the old stuff out.”
This reset will allow the “Warhorse” medics the opportunity to do what they do best.
“What we are all about is providing soldiers better medical care and this equipment is going to help us do that,” Grondahl said. “We are now prepared to medically support Soldiers.”