Photo By Staff Sgt. Leia Tascarini | A Florida National Guard medic swabs a staff member at the Residential Plaza for...... read more read more
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Florida National Guard Soldiers are taking on many roles during the COVID-19 response while each position is crucial and all face their own challenges; over the past month medics are the frontline Soldiers administering the COVID-19 test which requires a specific skill set, discipline and focus.
Medics are taking on the role of sample collectors. They have direct contact with civilians, first responders who may or may not be infected with the coronavirus. Their role is unique and important in supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medics are assisting at several South Florida missions to include Community Based Testing Sites and Mobile Testing Teams.
The combat medic is primarily responsible for providing emergency medical treatment at point of wounding on the battlefield, limited primary care, and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness.
Each medic is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on the testing lanes exclusive to other roles at the CBTS’. These Soldiers must don a full Tyvek suit, goggles or face shield, gloves and face mask prior to entering the lane. Once on the lane, they remain in the PPE for two hours before they are relieved by another Soldier dressed in full PPE.
“The suits are very hot but they’re a necessary part of the testing sites,” said Sgt. Darren Plummer, Hard Rock Stadium’s swab tent non-commissioned officer in charge. “They protect us from potential COVID-19 contact, they ensure we remain a strong fighting force.”
With temperatures ranging from 78-90 degrees in Miami, Soldiers wearing PPE inherently experience increased body temperatures; therefore, the FLNG is implementing several safety measures for the Soldiers to ensure their health remains a priority.
Combating the heat is the main priority for the Soldiers in the suits. They rotate every two hours to allow a work-rest cycle. There is a tent set up to remove Soldiers from the sun and ensure they can hydrate and relax between shifts. Due to the amount of sweating, leadership is also supplying oral rehydration salts to Soldiers, which replenishes their electrolytes.
“Working in the swab tent is difficult, as medics we handle certain challenges that others may not experience,” said Sgt. Valerie Hodges, a combat medic with the Medical Readiness Detachment. “Everyone chose the medical profession for personal reasons and due to that choice we are here today helping the citizens of South Florida.”
The response to COVID-19 is a fluid work in progress. Federal, state and local authorities are constantly reviewing policies and procedures to ensure the safety of Soldiers and citizens during the COVID-19 response.
| Date Taken: | 04.15.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 04.15.2020 08:50 |
| Story ID: | 367418 |
| Location: | FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Combat Medics answer the call in response to COVID-19, by SSG Leia Tascarini, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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