THOSE WHO SERVE

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process, testing the different assigned unit’s ability to move, treat and evacuate casualties in theater.

“We try to conduct frequent MASCAL (mass casualty) and trauma drills to ensure soldiers are working as teams and developing their medical skills,” said Master Sgt. Richard Hargraves, the hospital’s chief ward master, a position that oversees many of the medical operations and training events for the hospital.

“These different opportunities also help us identify areas we need improvement in. That way, we are not having to figure things out when we have a live patient, ensuring Soldiers receive the best possible care. In the Army Reserve, we have a lot of soldiers that have different jobs on the civilian side than their Army job –these consistent training events really help them practice their medical skills,” Hargraves said.

Some of the skills focused on during training include methods of equipment used for intubation, intravenous access techniques, fluid and drug administration using pumps, lab interpretation, chest tube insertion, suturing, suction equipment and operation, acquiring and reading EKGs, and ultrasound uses and techniques, to name a few.

See TRAINING Page 12