U.S. Air Force Reservists from Massachusetts Undergo Extended Training at Davis Hospital and Medical Center
In pioneering program, nurses and medics from 439th Aeromedical Staging Squadron spend two weeks in Davis Hospital’s ER, ICU and surgery departments
July 20, 2011
Davis Hospital and Medical Center has signed up for military service that is as important as it is unique. Starting this week, Davis Hospital is hosting medical training for members of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The first group of nurses and medics is part of the 439th Aeromedical Staging Squadron based out of Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts, and they will spend two weeks at Davis Hospital brushing up on existing medical skills and learning new ones.
“This program – teaming military reservists with a private hospital for medical training – is unique,” said Mike Jensen, CEO, Davis Hospital and Medical Center. “As only the second hospital in the country to serve in this way, Davis Hospital’s staff is proud to assist members of our country’s military. We look forward to hosting many more in the coming years.”
The program calls for Air Force Reservists to spend two weeks at Davis Hospital four times per year. During their training, they will rotate through various hospital departments, depending on their position and skills. The current group at Davis Hospital consists of four medics and a nurse, and they are spending time in the emergency, intensive care, wound care, surgery and phlebotomy departments, along with the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Col. Robert Swain, 439th Airlift Wing Commander, said, “Training for our military medical personnel is a fundamental priority, and Davis Hospital is helping us keep our personnel on top in terms of the latest medical training. That training helps them stay ready for deployment and service whenever they are needed. With Hill Air Force Base next door, Davis Hospital has a superb understanding of our needs and has been a great partner.”
The Air Force Reserve training partnership with Davis Hospital began with sister IASIS Healthcare facility Southwest General Hospital in San Antonio last year. The success of the program at Southwest General led to its expansion at Davis Hospital, due to Davis Hospital’s comprehensive medical offerings and its experience with neighboring Hill Air Force Base.
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