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www.peninsulawarrior.com
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Peninsula Warrior - Air Force
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March 9, 2018
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tristan Biese
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Bray 633rd Medical Operations Squadron emergency medical technician, poses in front of the Langley Hospital at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Feb. 22, 2018. Emergency medical services work side-by-side with the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department and the 633rd Security Forces Squadron personnel as first responders.
EMS what is your profession! … Saving Lives! By Airman 1st Class Anthony Nin Leclerec 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA.
It’s a late-night drive on a slick-wet road, when suddenly a car runs a red light. The brakes lock and tires squeal across the blacktop — the world has turned upside down. When that phone call comes in, all the training hours kick into gear. “When I get a phone call, that’s someone’s terrible day,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christian Roebbelen, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron paramedic. “Theoretically when people are here [at the Langley emer-
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anthony Nin Leclerec
An emergency response bag is displayed at the Langley Hospital at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Feb. 22, 2018. Emergency medical services respond to all 911 calls on base to help patients while on scene and transport them to the hospital if needed.
gency room] they’re having the worst day of their life.” Despite the fact that the emergency medical services team works inside the hospital helping with the patient care, their primary duty section lies just out the emergency room doors with the ambulances.
It’s in the back of these ambulances that lives are saved by their training and expertise. Paramedics are certified in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support, basic life support and national registry certification. They are also the ones authorized to provide anesthetics to patients while on scene and in certain cases can call doctors at the 633rd Medical Group for guidance. Both EMTs and paramedics are trained in blood loss control, fracture management, advanced airway management techniques and burn management. In the case of spinal injury, they are trained in the immobilization and transport of patients. “When we arrive on scene, the patient is our primary focus,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Bray, 633rd MDOS emergency medical technician. “Every time we go out, we make sure to give good patient care continuously.” According to Roebellen, whether in the emergency department or the family health clinic, the 633rd MDG is always looking to improve patients’ experience. “Our goal is to make someone’s worst day a little bit better, even if we can’t make them smile” said Roebellen. “Our purpose is to save lives.”