Photo By Daniel Barney | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Panyia Xiong, 87th Healthcare Operations Squadron...... read more read more
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Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has now achieved the capability to provide Advanced Life Support to patients.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Regina Jones, 87th Medical Group Healthcare Operations Squadron commander, explained the drive to achieve ALS status.
“We had limited access to ALS resources, and this was a void we worked hard and steadfast to fill,” said Jones.
Now operating at a more advanced level, Joint Base MDL ambulance service providers can provide support that falls under ALS such as administering a broader range of medications and providing more life-saving interventions.
Prior to achieving ALS status, Ambulance Services Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics relied on our community partners to provide ALS services en route to the emergency department.
“87th MDG will no longer need to rely on outside emergency services for most situations. Our paramedics will be well-trained, fully equipped, and mentally prepared to provide ALS care and support while transporting their patients to higher care,” said Jones. “Taking on this huge capability will save more lives here on Joint Base MDL.”
Throughout the last two years, Jones and her team worked to develop a plan that sustained 24/7 operations within the Medical Group while maintaining the training schedule needed to reach full ALS status.
“We have been sending our airmen to an Air Force-sponsored, fifteen-week, accelerated paramedic training program, located in Arizona,” said Jones. “When they complete the program, our airmen are required to test on the ALS protocols, pass a medication administration exam, and get signed off on all of their paramedic skills by our EMS medical director.”
The 87th HCOS encountered many challenges leading up to their full operating capability of ALS status. The squadron underwent staffing shortages, short-notice deployments, Operations Allies Welcome, and a change of command, but managed to keep the original go-live date of January 2023.
“I am incredibly proud of our team here at 87th MDG for working tirelessly to get our newest Paramedics well-trained and equipped and identifying other areas of improvement to enhance normal working conditions around our squadron before our deadline set for January 2023,” said Jones. “Our team took on such huge responsibilities and handled them successfully, and we will continue to do so.”
The Ambulance Services staff is elated about the new advanced level of care they can now provide to the JB MDL community. This effort is in line with the 87th Medical Group’s commitment to improving the health of our community by delivering patient-centered care.
Story was originally posted to the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst website on Feb. 14, 2023, and may be found at https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/News/Article/3297537/87th-medical-group-implements-advanced-life-support-services/
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 02.16.2023 13:21 |
| Story ID: | 438609 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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