MARIETTA, Ga. - Duluth, Georgia native Pfc. Charles Baker of the Georgia Army National Guards 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment didn't know what the Army entailed when it came to jobs when he first enlisted.
"The only real two jobs I knew of was infantry and combat medic," said Baker. "I chose combat medic because I did not want to be in the infantry. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made and I really enjoy it. I didn't know I would enjoy it this much."
The training to be an Army 68W or combat medic is 16 weeks long. During that time Soldiers gain national certification as a basic Emergency Medical Technician and receive combat medical training, comprising such things as combat casualty care, advanced airways, basic pharmacology, trauma management, just to name a few.
"When I was in AIT I was never a big fan of getting my blood work done or being stuck with a needle," said Baker. "When you're in training you do that. You train on each other, and obviously, you are no good at it because none of us have ever done it before. That was a hurdle for me."
The training that Baker received at AIT certified him as a basic EMT, allowing him to get a job at Emory Johns Creek Hospital as an emergency department technician, but he was able to expand his knowledge and capabilities a few months later while he was with his new unit.
"When you come out of training you have a basic EMT certification, but when I came to the unit after a couple of months I had an opportunity to get my advance EMT certification," said Baker. "Grady EMS works with the Georgia National Guard teaching the advanced certifications to the Soldiers. The Guard pays for the advanced certification and it helps me in advancing my civilian career and help me as a combat medic."
The two years since Baker graduated from AIT, he has advanced his skills, and in by doing so provides him the opportunity to share and give back to his fellow Soldiers and he trains them on what he knows.
"He finds a way to make it relaxing by cracking jokes and improving everyone's attitude," said Spc. Dunkin Seguin, the 3-121 NCOIC during Medical Commands June Soldier Readiness Processing. "He then turns around and walks everyone through the crawl-walk-run. He is always patient with everyone and knows not everyone gets it, just as long you're committing the effort to learn he will teach each and every person."
The 3-121 combat medics augmented the June 2018 SRP being held by Medical Command in Marietta, Georgia, assisting in various areas like the EKG and in the lab.
Sergeant Daniel Kobler, one of the two NCOICs in the phlebotomy lab for MedCom was happy to have the support.
"Baker was one of the augmentees to help with the speed and efficiency of the SRP," said Kobler. "He, even as a Pfc., showed poise showed discipline. He was able to get up to speed in the lab to execute blood draw. He has a good bedside manner with his patients never showing signs of agitation or annoyance by him. I am glad to have had him here and wouldn't mind having him back."
Baker may not have enjoyed getting his blood drawn like every other Soldier, but he continues to practice his skills so his patients don't have to think about.
"I know if I did my best and I help to improve someone's life, I know, at the end of the day, I did good," said Baker.
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