By 28th Combat Support Hospital Public Affairs
Jul 29, 2007 - 2:29:59 PM

28th Combat Support Hospital, Task Force Mosul, Iraq Flight Evacuation Nurse Team — From right to left (Maj. Mark Wilkinson, 1st Lt. Meissel, Capt. Ford, Capt. Jason Graham, 1st Lt. Krum, Capt. Straight, Capt. Angela Rosario, Capt. Denneny, 1st Lt. Charles Paul, and Capt. Seda)

Blackanthem Military News

MOSUL, IRAQ – Ten registered nurses with the 28th Combat Support Hospital serve as Army flight evacuation nurses in Mosul, Iraq.

“Each CSH has its own specialized group of nurses who are ready to air evacuate patients on a moments notice,” said Capt. Angela Rosario, flight nurse, “Flight nurses must be registered nurses with advanced cardiac life support.”

The 28th CSH air evacuates a variety of injured patients with all types of health care issues. It is not uncommon to see civilians, contractors and other Iraqis in their care.  Most patient injuries include head, spinal shock, pediatric trauma, burns, myocardial infarctions or loss of limbs or eye site.

Flight nurses get a complete patient assessment before they take off.  After assessment, the flight nurse gathers necessary medications and supplies needed for the flight.  Throughout the flight, nurses continually assess the patient.

“Air evacuation flights would be unsuccessful without the help of the flight crew,” said Capt. Rosario, “The flight Crew in Mosul, Iraq, nicknamed ‘Bad Blood’ has a strong relationship with the 28th CSH flight nurses.”

“Before air evacuating any patients, ‘Bad Blood’ flight crew members meet with the flight nurses and give a safety briefing of what to do in the event of an emergency,” said Captain Rosario, “Nurses are given the opportunity to explore the whole medical evacuation helicopter.

“Being a member of the flight evacuation nurse team is strictly voluntary, said Maj. Mark Wilkinson, flight nurse, “It is demanding but necessary for the successful survival of our patients throughout the war zone.”

“For me its instant gratification, said Capt. Jason Graham, flight nurse, “I feel like a lifeline for my patients who are heroes.”

“I fly because it gives me the chance to really take care of our guys mono de mono and ensuring they get to the next step,” said 1st Lt. Charles Paul, flight nurse, “Just for the chance that they get out of here, even if it is just for the hope to get them home to their families, that is the only reward I need.”

“Flight care requires a skill set that caters specifically to critically injured patients,” said Maj. Wilkinson, “Naturally, those that have this attitude and possess the skills are motivated to fly with these patients—not for the glory, love of flying, medals, or because it’s “cool,” just because it’s our honor to care for these service members.”

“Flight evacuation nurses fly to save the lives of injured service members so that they can go home to their families,” said Capt. Rosario, “Their selfless courage and service reflects the ever growing impact of the Army Nurse Corps in war.”

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 29th, 2007 at 11:17 pm and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.