Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Lindsey Peters conducts duties as a health services technician at the Coast Guard Baltimore Clinic in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 8, 2013.
The health services technician (HS) provides necessary routine as well as emergency healthcare services and is assigned to a large Coast Guard clinic, small sickbay ashore, or on cutters. Services could include direct medical care for personnel and families; assisting medical and dental officers; performing diagnostic testing, x-rays, and clinical lab tests; prescribing medications; administering immunizations; performing minor surgical procedures, and much more.
Beginning with 19 weeks of HS 'A' school in Petaluma, Ca., students receive intensive training in anatomy and physiology, patient examination, evaluation and treatment, and pharmacology. They learn the techniques and hands-on skills required to fulfill HS duties throughout the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Annie R. B. Elis.
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