Joint Hospital Caring for War-fighters, Afghans
(June 1, 2010) |
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Army Capt. Andrew Kontowicz,
left, a nurse assigned to the 452nd Combat
Support Hospital, and Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Davis
Williams, an internal medicine doctor assigned
to the 452nd CSH, with the help of an Afghan
nurse conduct an assessment of a patient
medically evacuated from the Craig Joint Theater
Hospital at Bagram Airfield, May 12, to Forward
Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan. With a
mission of taking care of U.S. Coalition
warfighters and their allies, the Salerno
medical staff partners with medical entities
within Afghanistan and responds to local
national emergencies. Photo by USAF SSSgt. Manuel Martinez |
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan -- Located in
the Khost province, a joint team of Soldiers, Sailors and
Airmen are working at the Salerno Hospital to "care for
those in harm's way".
"This has been a wonderful place to learn, grow and develop
my skills as an emergency-medical technician," said Tech.
Sgt. William Haley at the 452nd Combat Support Hospital,
deployed from 141st Medical Group at Fairchild Air Force
Base, Wash. "This is one of the most dedicated, motivated
and caring teams I have ever worked with and I am proud to
be a part of this mission."With a mission of taking
care of U.S. and coalition war-fighters, being a
combined-action partner with medical entities
within Afghanistan and responding to local
national emergencies, Salerno hospital personnel
are on the front lines. |
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"We have a unique and fulfilling mission here," said Army
Lt. Col. Patrician Ten Haaf, 452nd CSH commander. "There are
some rough days dealing with casualties at the facility but
that is part of working in a trauma clinic. Our team has
bonded together through creative problem solving, team work
and the ability to smile through almost anything."
One unique aspect of the hospital is that Afghan doctors
work here assessing patients alongside American doctors.
Together they assist and prescribe any medication or
schedule any necessary procedures.
"This has been a wonderful experience for me and it's been
good to work with intelligent practitioners eager to assist
the people of their nation," said Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) David
Williams, 452nd CSH chief of internal medicine. "We learn
from each other and we all get a chance to expand our skills
for the betterment of every one of the customers we serve."
The hospital staff has certain days designated for family
medicine, pediatrics and general medicine. On average, they
see five to seven patients daily.
"We have had some great moments here," said Staff Sgt.
Rebekah Boe, 452nd CSH EMT, who is one of 12 Airmen assigned
to the hospital here. "Getting to work with Afghans and
provide a service to their families and people in the local
community is something I will carry with me always."
In addition, the hospital also receives medical evacuation
patients, Afghanistan national army, Afghanistan national
army air corps soldiers, as well as local nationals and
helps them get back their units and families after receiving
higher medical care at other hospitals throughout
Afghanistan.
"Getting a patient back from a higher medical care facility
is a good thing," Haley said. "It means somebody is getting
to go home or a patient has returned to us and we can
continue caring for them here. This job is stressful at
times but getting to help someone will always put a smile on
my face." |
By USAF TSgt. Oshawn Jefferson, U.S. AFCENT Combat
Camera Team
Copyright 2010 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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