When training becomes real

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jaclyn Syroney
  • 9th Medical Group
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif --  I was deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Craig Joint Theatre Hospital (CJTH), from July 2011 to Jan. 2012.  I worked in the Patient Administration Division (PAD).  Our responsibilities included, but were not limited to registering, admitting and dispositioning patients, which included cataloging and preserving patient valuables.  As members of the PAD we responded to traumas that came to CJTH.  Over the duration of my deployment we experienced approximately 2,000 trauma cases.

There are a few instances that stand out in my mind from the deployment.  One of the most memorable events was a mass casualty event.  On Sept. 10, 2011, we received a call that we had more than 60 patients being transported to our base.  The hospital began to prepare to receive these patients, unaware of the extent of the injuries.  Just as the first helicopter landed, we fell under attack and continued to be under fire for more than six hours.  During the attacks, we continued to receive patients from other bases and eventually we started receiving patients from our own base. 

I was responsible for getting all of the patients' information.  They had been given pseudo names and social security numbers when they arrived, but we had to get their actual information.  As I was collecting information, our group commander approached me to offer his assistance; it took me by surprise.  There was a colonel, a surgeon, asking me an administrative Airman, if I needed help.  It was amazing to experience the interaction and teamwork with one another working together to take care of our injured warriors.  We train for mass casualty responses, especially while deployed, but to actually put training into action is another story altogether.   After experiencing a real world mass casualty event, we began to truly understand why exercises are so important at home station.  

Career field or rank doesn't matter. We do whatever is needed, even if it falls outside of our primary responsibilities.  The goal is always to complete the mission.  At that time, the mission was to ensure our patients received the care they needed and they were ready, mentally and physically for their next mission.  Everyone from airman first class to colonel worked as one unit to ensure we accomplished the mission, by any means necessary.