380th EMDG provides medical support, counseling

Published Jan. 17, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen face many challenges on deployment such as eating properly, keeping fit, stress, sickness and separation from loved ones. The 380th Expeditionary Medical Group stands ready help Airmen face those challenges.

The 380th EMDG consists of flight medicine, family practice, bioenvironmental engineering, public health and life skills clinics and offers a variety of wellness focused programs in addition to standard medical care.

The clinic treats the majority of ailments an Airman would see their primary care manager for at home station. The clinic can generate referrals for more severe issues and an Airman can be seen off base by a local care provider.

Any Airman needing treatment for basic, common ailments can go to sick-call on a walk in basis from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the clinic, said Capt. Lourdes Cruz, an Air Force nurse and officer in charge of the medical clinic. Airmen with a common cold, however, can walk in and receive a "cold pack" to help control symptoms without being seen by a physician.

The public health section maintains the immunization program as well as inspects food services on base to ensure they are complying with current health standards. They remind 380th Air Expeditionary Wing personnel to be cautious when eating off base.

"Make sure that you get hot foods hot and cold foods cold," said Tech. Sgt. Adrian Riles, a public health technician. "Also, avoid food from street vendors because there is no way to verify they are keeping foods at the right temperature."

The bioenvironmental engineering section goes to each unit and inspects for proper handling and storage of hazardous materials and compliance with Air Force Occupational Safety and Health standards. They also monitor water sources used on base for hazardous chemicals and bacteria.

The life skills section offers many programs for personal and professional development with a focus on overall wellness. They provide smoking cessation classes, relationship classes and leadership classes to name a few. Airmen are encouraged to stop by the clinic to pick up a flyer about the programs offered.

There is always an on-call doctor and technician for after hours emergencies. Airmen should remember to call 911 for any emergency where a member's life, limb or eyesight is at risk.

As the weather has turned warmer, there have been an increased number of Airmen seeking treatment at the medical clinic for sports injuries, specifically to the ankles, knees, shoulders and fingers. Captain Cruz offered these tips for preventing sports injuries and maintaining good general health:

- Always warm up and stretch before any physical activity.
- Use the right equipment (proper safety gear, the correct shoes for the activity).
- Use a spotter when weight lifting at the gym.
- Be cautious of your fingers, there isn't any protective gear for them but they can be
    easily sprained or jammed.
- Expect to get a cold shortly after arriving as well as some very minor gastrointestinal
    problems until you get used to the way food is prepared here. If symptoms persist
    past a few days or become more severe, go to sick call.
- Stay away from animals. A bite or scratch from a wild animal requires a series of
    rabies vaccinations as a part of the treatment protocol. It is said to be very painful.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Most importantly, wash your hands often and use the sanitizer provided at the
    dining facility to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.

An Airman's health is his own responsibility, but the resources are there to help him every step of the way if he needs it thanks to the 380th EMDG.

380AEW Article

380th EMDG provides medical support, counseling

380th EMDG provides medical support, counseling

380th EMDG provides medical support, counseling