Angels of Mercy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Kevin Tomko
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  Imagine a convoy of noisy, dust-laden Humvees moving methodically in 100-degree temperature on a routine reconnaissance mission in a remote Southwest Asia town. Suddenly, and without a hint of warning, a near ear-bursting explosion propels one vehicle onto its side severely injuring four servicemen, leaving two in critical condition.

The injured will first be taken to a field hospital for emergency treatment, then quickly transported to a Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility (CASF), and will eventually arrive at a major medical facility.

Enter the Aeromedical Staging Squadron, a group of highly trained medical personnel with a broad range of specialties, dedicated to treating and keeping service members alive during transport from the CASF.

"In layman's terms, we [the ASTS] deploy personnel to a CASF to ensure movement of patients in the Aerovac system," said Master Sgt. Kelli Seabright, 927th Aeromedical Staging Squadron administrator. "We ensure patients are ready for flight, on and off load them from aircraft, and transport them to either the CASF or the closest medical treatment facility for in-house specialized care."

Personnel may also be deployed to major medical facilities such as Ramstein, Germany or Landstuhl Regional Medical Facility in Landstuhl, Germany.

Patients are routinely transported in C-17 Globemaster III aircraft equipped with carry litters and specialized medical equipment such as infusion pumps, ventilators, aspirators, and accompanied by the appropriate medical personnel according to the needs of patients.

The 927th ASTS, with over 90 personnel, includes flight surgeons, critical care nurses, cardiopulmonary respiratory therapists, mental health nurses, administrators, medical logistics, nutritional medicine, and technicians for pharmacy, mental health, and equipment repair.

Although the squadron has never deployed as a unit, it has had an abundance of volunteers.

One such volunteer, on her second deployment, is Senior Master Sgt. Phyllis Jenkins, superintendent of Health Services Administration. The master sergeant has vivid memories of her deployment in 2004. "While in Ramstein, there was an attack at a dining facility in Mosul. We prepared for the incoming patients. When they finally arrived, it was overwhelming to see all the C-17s coming in full of patients.

I was talking to a young female airman, and I'll never forget the expression on her face. She was injured, but able to talk. When we talked, she was so calm." The whole experience, though traumatic, was worthwhile because she knew she was helping our troops.

Lt. Col. Susan McClure, chief nurse, recalled her volunteer deployment treating patients in the Intensive Care Unit in Landstuhl in 2005. "They went through a battle I could never imagine. I never thought the human body could endure such trauma. Very few patients talked. Most were on ventilators." She said the experience is unforgettable and very rewarding.

She said it was also a nurse's responsibility to inform a victim's family of the extent of injury to their loved one.

She called home every night to her husband, daughter and mother to vent her feelings, relieving stress and seeking comfort.

The colonel assisted with coordination, saw a lot of teamwork, and had the opportunity to work with Total Force.

On UTA weekends, one may find unit members training with mannequins, assisting the Aerospace Medicine Flight with physical exams and administering immunizations. The colonel said training is of great importance for squadron members.

Personnel routinely perform annual tours at destinations that are real-world missions.

The men and women of ASTS are a great example of dedication that is needed in today's world. Throughout recent history, war tactics and weapons have changed and even the types of wounds have changed, but the care given by these angels of mercy has remained steadfast.






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