Photo By Tech. Sgt. Valentina Viglianco | U.S. Air Force 110th and 127th Medical Group (MDG) personnel pose for a group...... read more read more
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During logistical challenges, creativity and adaptability become critical for mission success. The Michigan Air National Guard’s 110th and 127th Medical Groups found themselves in a unique situation due to the lack of on-base hospitals. Therefore, the opportunity to train at a large-scale military treatment facility became particularly valuable.
Over 20 Guardsmen conducted their Medical Facility Annual Training (MFAT) at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, and the Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic (DDHC) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from May 12 to 22, 2024.
The MFAT serves a dual purpose, benefiting, both, the Guardsmen and the treatment facilities. Firstly, it provides critical hands-on training opportunities for Guardsmen.
“We are perfecting our medical skills on real, live patients,” said Maj. Broc Nichelson, 110th Medical Group (MDG) chief nurse. “Practicing these skills will increase competence and ultimately save lives.”
During the training, the team collaborated closely with medical staff, which included active-duty Army, Air Force, and civilians.
“It gives each of us experience working in a joint environment as if we were deployed,” said Maj. Michael Sobran, 110th MDG administrative chief and medical readiness officer. “MFATs are performed periodically, so this trip offered Airmen a unique learning opportunity.”
Secondly, this trip benefits the military clinics that may be short-staffed. Both training locations are bustling hubs for military medicine.
TAMC supports 264,000 local military personnel and their families and is the only federal tertiary care hospital in the Pacific Basin. While smaller than TAMC, DDHC remains a highly active clinic with ten patient service lines, 40 health clinics, and 12 administrative areas.
MI ANG personnel worked 841 hours across multiple specialties, including the emergency room, patient administration, medical maintenance, optometry, dental, and outpatient surgery. Additionally, the team helped 1,012 patients while at the medical facility, which saved TAMC over $38,572 in staffing.
“Some of the skills our Guardsmen learned were blood draws, medicine administration, and intravenous (IV) catheter placement,” Nichelson said. “Beyond technical skills, they will gain valuable experience in patient interactions.”
The group's newly acquired knowledge will be brought back to the MI ANG to better serve both the state and the nation.
“The staff at Tripler AMC and DDHC have been amazing to our team,” Nichelson said. “Their dedication has made this experience invaluable, ensuring we meet our mission objectives and are better prepared for future challenges."
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2024 14:11 |
| Story ID: | 473339 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 149 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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Air National Guard
National Guard Bureau
Tripler Army Medical Center
Hawaii
Medical Training
Health and wellness
