Air Force combat medics are on the frontlines

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Individuals in the medical field are deploying constantly to assist in the health and medical welfare of military personnel down range, yet their jobs are sometimes underestimated. One such job is that of the combat medic.

Senior Airman Sinuhe Brito-Aguirre is currently deployed from the 325th Medical Group as a combat medic.

"Although the Air Force has trained their medics toward a hospital setting, their job as a combat medic demands more out of them," he said. "Alongside our Army brethren, the Air Force medic gets trained in emergency field injuries and procedures. Our main mission is to go out with their team to ensure that if something does happen they are there, ready and able to tend to their team's injuries."

Combat medics don't work an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift at a base in the Area of Responsibility, but instead they work outside the "wire" at various Forward Operating Bases and small camps.

Airman Brito-Aguirre said the job as a combat medic is vastly different than his job at home station. Combat medics are responsible for the care of the whole team and there is a lot of trust placed on to them by their provider. Some of the duties which Airman Brito-Aguirre performs include running sick call, treating local nationals, conducting meetings with medical professionals, performing clinic assessments and providing medical support to the Provincial Reconstruction Team mission.

"Wherever our team goes, we go," said Airman Brito-Aguirre. "Whether our team is conducting a combat patrol or a dismounted patrol, we are never too far behind. Although sometimes these patrols are long and tiring, it is an experience that I would not trade. I have seen and done many things that medics from the Air Force wish that they have done."

Airman Brito-Aguirre's leadership is impressed with the work he has accomplished so far during his deployment.

"Senior Airman Brito-Aguirre represents the professionalism and importance of our Air Force enlisted medics to our joint force mission," said Lt. Col. Dana James, 325th Medical Operations Squadron commander. "This young man has been in the Air Force a few short years and has already done more for his country than many Americans do in a lifetime."

One way he has contributed to the mission is by being part of a team that had the opportunity to assist in decreasing the malnutrition rates in the province with the Strong Foods program. He also has had the chance to work with several doctors from around the local area and was involved in a firefight in which he earned the Army Combat Action Badge.

"Senior Airman Brito-Aguirre brings a positive attitude to everything he does," said Lt. Col. Lorraine Barton, 325th MDOS Flight Commander. "He is always eager to learn."

His supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Jodi Rusticelli, also agreed that Airman Brito-Aguirre is a great Airman who is always willing to jump in and help with anything going on.

Airman Brito-Aguirre acknowledged that a deployment can change a medic's view of the medical field, but "I think many would agree it would further your passion for the career field as well. Deploying as a combat medic has taught me many things; always be prepared for everything and packing light is not an option," he said. "Our team has been in country for a few months now and I have experienced what other medics in the Air Force cannot share. It is remarkable how much I have learned within the past few months."

His group commander, Col. Gino Auteri, expressed his pride for his Airman.

"We are extremely proud of the deployed accomplishments of Senior Airman Brito-Aguirre," said Colonel Auteri. "Senior Airman Brito-Aguirre's receipt of the Combat Action Medal further demonstrates that, while medics are categorized as non-combatants under the Geneva Convention, medics are "all-in" the current fight. Even more remarkable, is the fact that Senior Airman Brito -Aguirre has only become an American citizen since joining the Air Force. Senior Airman Brito-Aguirre represents the best of the current generation of American Airmen."