Page 12 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt 6-5-15

June 5, 2015 Thunderbolt
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Flight med enables

Lamar and Lindsey simulate loading a patient into an ambulance. Story and photos by Staff Sgt. With Luke Air Force Base being medicin
TIMOTHY BOYER ground zero for F-16 pilot training, it underst
is here they learn the critical skills treatme
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs that keep our troops safe overseas. It is high al
the flight medicine Airmen who ensure judgmen
An Army unit downrange is under pilots are fit for flight and are able to medical
attack. As they do their best to fend off safely receive that training.
the enemy, they call for an air strike. In ad
Minutes later the glorious sound of U.S. “We perform flight physicals for flight m
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons roars people who are looking to become pilots, flight em
like thunder overhead as the superior navigators or any flying position,” said sufferin
accuracy of their weapon systems push Staff Sgt. Brian LaMar, 56th AMDS handle a
the enemy back saving the lives of the Flight Medicine technician and Phila-
trapped service members. This is one of delphia, Pennsylvania, native. “Flight “On a
the reasons the 56th Aerospace Medi- medicine is essential to the mission profiles
cine Squadron Flight Medicine Clinic because we ensure pilots are healthy.” medical
does what they do. flight em
The flight surgeons are specially
“The pilot’s job is to get bombs on trained to ensure the safety of Luke The va
target and on time,” said Capt. (Dr.) pilots. arena, L
Matthew Lindsey, 56th AMDS flight
surgeon and Albuquerque, New Mexico, “First we are medical doctors who “Ther
native. “We keep them healthy and fit care for pilots, their dependents and While
to fly.” other Airmen who are on flying status,” lenges t
Lindsey said. “We are also aerospace satisfac
“Ther

Capt. (Dr.) Matthew Lindsey, left, 56th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Flight Medicine flight surgeon, and Staff Sgt. Brian Lamar, 56th AMDS Flight Medicine technician, simulate a re
gency on the Luke Air Force Base flightline. The ambulance and crew responds to any situation that may have an impact on a pilot, such as a loss of cabin pressure. If the situation
returns to the flight medicine facility for treatment. If it is emergent, a flight medicine doctor will accompany the pilot to the nearest medical facility.