PHILADELPHIA --
The 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron was recognized for their accomplishments in education and working with other services at the ECHO (East Coast Helicopter Operations) 2017 Military Aeromedical Symposium Oct. 27, 2017.
“We wanted to recognize the squadron and their command for recognizing the need to branch out their understanding as a whole beyond just the Air Force. By working together with Army and Navy Aeromedicine, they are making connections and boosting awareness of joint trauma and medical resources,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jamie Eastman, East Coast Helicopter Operations (ECHO) military liaison.
“Having the Airmen attend a conference, such as the ECHO Aeromedical Symposium, enhances their medical knowledge and increases their proficiency to produce quality medicine to Soldiers and civilians,” said Eastman.
The symposium was held at the Thomas Jefferson Medical Center in Philadelphia. The attendees included both reserve, guard, and civilian members from emergency medical services (EMS) flight programs.
According to ECHO’s website, the symposium provides groups the opportunity “to discuss, brainstorm, and help resolve issues common to public safety and EMS flight programs. These gatherings also provide flight crews the chance to share knowledge and gain insight from subject matter experts.”
The three-day conference covers a variety of subjects including transport environment, blood and tranexamic acid administration (a treatment that minimizes the need for large amounts of blood during general surgery), trauma sedation, and burn management.
In addition to continuing education requirements, each 514th flight nurse and medical technician has to be certified every six months on a checklist of tasks to be deployable. The training covers everything from cardiac and respiratory emergencies, neck and eye trauma, burn trauma, to chest trauma, pain management, and psychiatric management. The instruction is based on patient scenarios from actual medical cases and aircraft incidents from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
“It is an honor to represent and accept this award on behalf of the members of the 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron,” said Lt. Col. Bradford Dungan, Chief of Aircrew Training, 514th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. “We strive for excellence in the care we provide as flight nurses and med-techs. Offering an educational symposium focused on what we do helps us learn and grow.”