Wounded Warriors renew 68W license

By Marsha HuffmanOctober 9, 2012

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Wounded warriors of Brooke Army Medical Center trained to renew their Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician license at Fort Sam Houston Sept. 11.

This is the first year BAMC Warrior Transition Battalion and the Pre-Hospital Medicine Branch of the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston coordinated efforts to train and coach the warriors to remain current on their NREMT recertification.

"The WTB did not have this type of training in the past, however, this is a great opportunity for the warriors to get involved and refresh their EMT skills," said Master Sgt. Emmanuel Martinez, BAMC WTB, battalion medical NCOIC.

Supported by the Department of Combat Medic Training site and the U.S. Army 68W EMS office at Fort Sam Houston, the recertification is a part of a series of training events that allows the wounded warriors to recertify their NREMT license.

Even though wounded warriors are exempt from their NREMT expiring, they continue to exceed regardless of the challenges they face.

"Some of these warriors have not had the opportunity to complete training due to their injuries and illnesses and are exempt from their NREMT license but they go above and beyond what is required of them in order to maintain their skills," said Master Sgt. Emmanuel Martinez, BAMC WTB, battalion medical NCOIC.

The course includes EMT classroom lectures and basic life support on simulated mannequins.

"This training is not challenging at all, the only difficult part is balancing on my legs while I'm performing simulation exercises," said Cpl. Aaron Jacinto, BAMC WTB warrior, a double amputee, who was injured last November in Afghanistan.

"This training is truly motivating to our warriors and shows others that they can continue on despite of their injuries," said Martinez. "However, it's important that all medics, including staff, should recertify their license every two years to maintain their MOS qualification."