AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar- The first responders at Al Udeid Air Base have a very unique mission, they protect the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and civilians that call the base home.
They respond to flight-line emergencies, vehicle accidents and miscellaneous incidents. The role of the firefighter changes very little from home station to a deployed location in Southwest Asia.
Maintaining focus and consistent training becomes a way of life and one of the most effective and beneficial methods of ensuring the highest level of preparedness for first responders is cross-training with their joint-service partners.
Last week, medics from 3d Battalion, 43d Air Defense Artillery brought their own Army combat medic experience to train the Firefighters from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.
The class, led by Sgt Maria Black, lasted three days and included lecture on basic combat lifesaver skills, overview of common medical supplies and treatment, and concluded with a full day of hands-on training.
"This training is important because it demonstrates the Army capabilities to the Air Force emergency responders, and what skills we can provide in the event of a mass casualty scenario," said Sgt Maria Black, the senior medic for 3-43 ADA.
Over the course of their deployment to theater, medics from the 3-43 ADA have worked hand-and-hand with their Air Force medical and first responder counterparts to ensure that cross-talk and cross-leveling of skills is at the forefront of their training plan.
"We are looking forward to continuing the organizational partnership in order to expand opportunities available to first responders, regardless of branch," said Tech Sgt. Michael Gagnier, the assistant chief of training for the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron.
"This course has been a great experience for my firefighters. It has allowed them to train side by side with soldiers. It allows everyone to understand the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of their fellow warfighters.
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