Strike Eagle medics support Fort Bragg training Published Nov. 10, 2010 By Master Sgt. Brian Carter 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The medic's assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing support the base's mission anytime, anywhere -- they recently supported Combat Arms Training and Maintenance specialists during weapons qualification on Fort Bragg. The medic's role is often performed behind the scenes, they are typically the anonymous faces in the background wearing a red cross armband, but they are always prepared. Seymour Johnson AFB currently does not have a facility to conduct qualification on the M249 light machine gun, M240 medium machine gun and the M2 (.50 caliber) machine gun, and as a result the CATM specialists have to conduct training for these weapons on Fort Bragg's firing range. Airmen at the 4th Medical Group play a pivotal role in ensuring the required training is conducted safely, plus Army regulation requires a fully qualified medic to be present when personnel are firing on the range. Without a dedicated medic, CATM is not allowed to conduct the required weapon training on the range. Those at the 4th MDG are eager to help, providing medical coverage that enables weapons training/qualification to be accomplished. Each year, CATM trains approximately 200-250 active duty and reserve members at Fort Bragg, and the medics are at their side at each session. This is no simple task, and an extensive amount of planning and preparation is required to provide the coverage. The medical staff has to anticipate and plan for the numerous potential injuries that they may encounter throughout the day. For instance, they need to have the appropriate medical supplies on-hand to manage potential gunshot/blast injuries, burns, musculoskeletal injuries including burns and eye injuries. The cannot overlooked health risk involves thermal injuries when the training session is conducted in either extreme cold/hot conditions placing the staff at risk for frost bite injuries or dehydration complications. These medics are not just available to intervene following an incident, but firing, the medic provides a general safety briefing, focusing on preventing dehydration and environmental injuries. The medics also help determine how much water will be required based on the environmental condition and the number of Airmen firing, as water is not available on the range, so it must be provided by the medical support team. While on the range, one of the medic's most important jobs is to know how toaccess Fort Brag's emergency medical system in the event of an accident. There are many firing ranges on Fort Bragg, and some are miles from the main hospital. If there is a life threatening injury, the medic must be able to activate EMS based at Womack Army Medical Center immediately to avoid any delays. Air evacuation can also be arranged if needed for patient transfer. It is crucial that the medic know what resources are available and how to access them at a moment's notice. No matter where or what the mission is, the men and women of the 4th FW can be assured that the STRIKE EAGLE MEDIC will be there for them.