HONOLULU -- Twenty-nine Reserve Soldiers of the 256th Combat Support Hospital (CSH), Twinsburg, Ohio conducted Overseas Deployment Training (ODT) at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) and Schofield Barracks, May 4-14.
"Overseas Deployment Training is designed to provide realistic mobilization from their reserve unit for two-week annual training to test their ability to prepare, move, and train with their active duty counterparts, and then re-deploy back to home station successfully," said Lt. Col. Derek Morton, Chief of Reserve Affairs, Pacific Regional Medical Command. "Most importantly, Soldiers from the 256th (CSH) get an opportunity to train in such a cultural diverse region as Hawaii which allows them to appreciate their skills and serving to heal others," added Morton.
According to Capt. Jennifer Gaines, Assistant OIC and Registered Nurse, this training is invaluable to her unit as they don't often get to work in a medical center.
"We're reservists with a wide range of skill sets that don't often get to work together. This training and time spent here at TAMC is important to our Soldiers who may not even work in the medical field in their daily jobs or in a Center," said Gaines. "Besides our training, we're here to support the clinic staffs and be of value to them during our time," she added.
The support to TAMC and Schofield Barracks clinics isn't lost on anyone as the unit deployed physicians, nurses, medics, pharmacists, radiology specialists, equipment specialists and logistical Soldiers.
During this time, the unit saw 1,032 patients and worked a combined 1,382 hours. Not only did the influx boost staff numbers in critical clinics, but also delivered trainers to TAMC.
"While our objectives were to obtain valuable low density clinical training and hands-on experience with equipment in a med center, we've helped train some of your guys too," said Gaines. "We did some advanced cardiac lifesaving training and basic life support training for some of your respiratory therapists," Gaines said proudly.
While the clinics were praising the efforts of the 256th CSH, they even made an impact on the local Oahu Ohana.
"One of our folks rendered aid to girl in Waikiki who was having a severe allergic reaction," recounted Gaines. "Her arm was swelling up and her body was getting covered in hives and her respirations were not good. Our Soldier assessed her, activated the EMS system and calmed the family and patient down until help arrived," Gaines added.
During their off time, the Soldiers participated in some local physical training while swimming, hiking and boogey boarding.
"The island is beautiful. Even when it's raining it's beautiful here," said Gaines. "Every day of this deployment has been great because we're here in Hawaii," she added.
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