Ambulance services support base and local community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette Garrett
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's ambulance services functions as first responders to medical incidents on base. They provide initial emergency medical care, control of the scene and establishment of a safe zone if the Fire Department is not on scene. 

The ambulance service was designed to meet the needs of the base flying missions and community contingency situations. 

"We are registered through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians," said Master Sgt. Donna Radford-Dalton, NCO in charge of ambulance services. "We also provide basic life saving skills. For problems that involve cardiac, head trauma or excessive trauma, we will stabilize the patient until Bossier City Emergency Medical Services arrive. 

The shifts are 12 hours, with no less than two Airmen on each shift. 

"The shifts start off with a shift change which consists of equipment check, vehicle check and paperwork," said Staff Sgt. Michael Reed, emergency medical technician. 

Barksdale has two emergency ambulance vehicles. 

"All emergency medical technicians are licensed to drive the ambulance," said Sergeant Reed. 

"We also do stand by for a lot of special events on the base. In general we may receive two to three calls a day. 

"Every call I go on is significant for the reason that I feel like I've done something to improve that person's prior condition," he continued. 

Barksdale has three contractor EMS/EMT civilians working with them, who have been a tremendous help. 

"I get to see a different aspect here on base," said Tammi Johnson, volunteer firefighter EMS/EMT. "It's a new learning experience on the EMS side. Even though I know what I'm doing, the base operates a little different. On the outside, when arriving on the scene the paramedics do what is necessary to treat and transport. Here we have to call in to the medical control and get permission to treat and transport." 

The Airmen are generally rotated every two years so they can continue to grow and learn in their career fields. 

East Central Bossier Parrish Fire District One has given Barksdale Ambulance Services the opportunity to integrate training with the base so they can see the outside as well.
During the months of July and August every Monday and Tuesday night, the Airmen are taught refresher courses on EMT. Also, the Airmen are allowed to actually go out in the field to experience some different aspects, of their job off base. 

This training gives Airmen the opportunity to sharpen their skills and enhance their craft. To better help serve the Barksdale community.