Emergency Response Center responds to calls

Photo By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster | Sgt. Erica Sandoval, a medic with C Company/205th Area Support Medical Battalion, ties a restriction band on a Soldier's arm during combat lifesaver training on Logistical Support Area Anaconda.  

02.17.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

Soldiers and civilians conduct their daily business on Logistical Support Area Anaconda with some degree of normalcy. In the event there is an accident or life- threatening situation, Soldiers from Company C, 205th Area Support Medical Battalion, a National Guard unit from Illinois, are ready to react.

A small detachment of Soldiers from the 205th supports the Emergency Response Center, contributing ambulance services.

"We support medical emergencies all over LSA Anaconda," said Staff Sgt. Chris Byford, senior medic with the ERC. "We give the highest stabilization of medical treatment that we can en route to the hospital."

Byford feels the team's actions in response to a call are similar to civilian emergency team's professionalism and care.

"There is nothing better when you arrive on the scene, than when you see everybody is doing exactly what you want," Byford said. "You've earned the respect that you know what you are doing. It could be as simple as throwing a blanket on them or padding somebody on a spine board. Just giving them a little more comfort."

Dropping people off at the hospital isn't the extent of their work. These Soldiers are often compelled to go back and visit those they have helped.

"Coming back on the next run to check on the patient, they can't believe that you came back," Byford said. "Many times we will go to the Post Exchange and someone will come up and say you transported me and I want you to know that I really appreciated it. Can I buy you lunch? That's a pretty nice feeling."

Sgt. Erica Sandoval, medic and seven-year veteran with the 205th, feels getting to know the men and women on post is a great way for her to help those in need.

"When I get a call, I can say I know where they are at," Sandoval said. "I think it helps improve response time because I'm familiar with that company and I know that they will help me out."

The medics are here to help but they don't do it for medals or awards.

"Thank you is better than any award I've ever gotten," Byford said. "When somebody is in pain or they're really scared, and you use the assets that you have and take care of the patient, there is nothing better than that."

Sandoval also likes the feeling that comes from a simple thank you. She said it brings a smile to your face when someone shows their appreciation for what you've done for them.

"I can be in the PX or at the gym and someone comes up to me and says thank you," Sandoval said.

Being able to clearly communicate with each other allow the ERC to provide the best services to their fellow Soldiers and makes their job easier.

"We have two forms of communication. We have the SINCGARS [Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System] radios and the Motorola," Byford said. "Just like we do in the civilian world, on the radios we give the full report and the ETA [estimated time of arrival]."

The hospital wasn't used to incoming reports prior to the arrival of the ambulance team, but it has been a welcomed change said Byford. The 205th added the radios to make the service they provide better. Some of these Soldiers have experience as civilian emergency medical technicians and looked for ways to make the service they offer better.

"We constantly looked at process improvement," Byford said. "When we came here they had a good program. We made it better, and when we leave here, we will set it up to be constantly improved." The improvements the Soldiers made have helped them perform better, but being a medic is about more than equipment and radios.

"I just like helping people," Sandoval said. "I like the satisfaction that you get when you drop off a patient. Not everyone's job involves helping other people."

Capt. Dennis McWherter, a platoon leader with Company C, is proud of the work his Soldiers have done. He saw a bright group of Soldiers during mobilization and this has helped them succeed.

• Date Taken: 02.17.2006
• Date Posted: 02.17.2006 02:55
• Story ID: 5415