CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - To some, perfection is found by continuously rehearsing their actions. Errors are addressed and corrected, leading to the development of a higher standard. The value of the practice is shown, in the medical field, when a nurse or medic receives the call to action, requiring prompt medical services.
Thus, nurses and medics attended a nurse skills fair, April 1, at the 31st Combat Support Hospital, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The mission of this event is to provide refresher training for civilians and Servicemembers, who are in the medical field, but they do not necessarily work at a fixed hospital facility.
"Nurses and medics in the line units or in a smaller role ... do not always get chances to work on trauma assessments," said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Phylesha Kagiri, surgical nurse, Troop Medical Command. "Today civilian and Servicemembers will rehearse on what to do in code blue situations, which is the steeple of the profession. We will also practice how to insert intraosseous devices in the bone and Ultrasound Guided Peripheral intravenous therapy."
Code blue situations are something commonly played out on television, capturing the viewers' attention with all the non-stop action. In real life, years of training ensures that the nurse or medic, on duty, knows what to do to save the patient's life.
"Utilizing the medical tools here is a great experience, since we do not have the more advanced equipment at the location we are presently in," said Staff Sgt. Alejandro Segovia, combat medic, Company C, 215th Brigade Support Battalion. "Using a Resusci Anne QCPR to see how much pressure one is applying on chest compressions or utilizing an ultrasound guided peripheral IV to find the right vein access, makes me wish we could stay here longer."
Others in attendance agreed with Segovia's assessment of the training. Medical professionals from this host nation, as well as U.S. Servicemembers traveled hours throughout Kuwait for this first time event. Subject matter experts of the 31st CSH made sure no one left feeling as if they learned nothing.
"It is good to have boots on the ground and see what actually goes on in the area," said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Kimberlee McKissack, medical technician, 386th Medical Group. "We do a lot of networking, sending patients from Ali Al Salem Air Base to Camp Arifjan. Now we are empowered with tools needed to avert the delay of care, something most patients appreciate."
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