Page 7 - March ARB Beacon 2-12-16

March medics run joint-agency medical trainingwwTwfha.caeeebrBootoeekca.hcncoemow/nsT.ecaommM/maarrcchharb
February 12, 2016 7

by Linda Welz tion that may not be required of other
$0:SXEOLFDIIDLUV professions, Goss said.

Each January, the collective Team “EMS personnel work in uncon-
March medical technicians come to- trolled environments,” he said. “When
gether for a week-long Emergency things are stressful, EMS workers fall
Medical Technician refresher training back on their training.”
class, which includes familiarization
with an ambulance that is active in All Air Force medics require a na-
the 911 system. tional recertification every two years,
Goss said. But the problem is that if
“Each year we use AMR (Ameri- they are practicing these skills daily,
can Medical Response ambulance) and like many Reserve and National Guard
they have been good partners in this, medics, the skills cannot be properly
ensuring we have access to the ambu- maintained.
lance and crew for as long as we need
them,” said. Maj. James Goss, 163rd This training, aimed at assuring that
Medical Group. “It is a great example members retain their knowledge and
of joint training that is accomplished maintain their skills, is vital. Although
every year.” the National Registry and the Air Force
only require 24 hours of annual re-
Goss, who has been functioning as training, the March team offers an ad-
a civilian paramedic for 20 years, has ditional week, Goss said. All military
also been an instructor and at Loma medics, who require registry renewal,
Linda University and paramedic in- are welcome.
structor cumulatively teaching approx-
imately 10 years. “Our teachers are paramedics, phy-
sicians, nurses, firefighters, and oth-
“One thing I can say with great con- ers who are actually doing the job, and
fidence, based on my experience as a we feel that our students really benefit
paramedic and a teacher, is that EMS from this,” Goss said. “One of my stu-
skills are perishable,” Goss said. “If dents recently wrote, ‘In 22 years of
they are not used, they are lost.” being a medic, this is the best refresher
course I have ever attended.’ We take
Society expects medical personnel pride in the fact that we have one of the
to be able to take care of any patient, best programs going.”
at any time, without regard for the age
or condition of the patient, an expecta-

First sergeant opportunities available now

by Staff Sgt. Heather Cozad Staley
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Have you ever had in an interest in being a first sergeant? Now
is your opportunity! There are seven vacancies across the 452nd
Air Mobility Wing. Being a first sergeant is a unique opportunity
to serve and make an impact in people’s lives.

“Our mission is the welfare of the people. When you take care
of the people, the mission gets taken care of,” said Master Sgt.
Cindy Spurgeon, first sergeant, 452nd Maintenance Group.

Basic requirements for the position include holding the rank
of Tech. Sgt. or Master Sgt., a fitness score of 80 or more for the
last two tests, and having earned a Community College of the Air
Force degree.

Packages for the April 20 hiring board are due in March to Se-
nior Master Sgt. Octavio Ortiz, first sergeant, 452nd Operations
Support Squadron.

While being a First Sergeant can be challenging with many
responsibilities and long hours, it can be one of the most reward-
ing jobs.

“I love it,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Hunter, first ser-
geant, 452nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “There are some
rough days, but those could turn into one of your best days that
you will talk about for years.”

For more information or if you are interested in the program,
contact Ortiz at 951-655-5179.