Saving lives one IFAK at a time

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing work to recertify individual first aid kits at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 23, 2014. With the help of the Airmen, the medical logistics warehouse at AUAB increases the productivity of IFAK recertifications by two thirds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs)

Saving lives one IFAK at a time

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing pack, sort and label individual first aid kits at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 23, 2014. The IFAKs at AUAB are recertified and distributed throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs)

Saving lives one IFAK at a time

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rachel Kennedy, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing executive administrator, packs an individual first aid kit at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 23, 2014. Volunteers helped to pack more than 1,000 IFAKs during a volunteer event. Kennedy is deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and hails from Charlotte, North Carolina. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs)

Saving lives one IFAK at a time

Published May 30, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR -- Despite the drawdown of service members in the area of responsibility continues the need for life saving equipment continues.

More than 50 volunteers joined the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group medical logistics flight to assist in recertifying individual first aid kits at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 23, 2014.

By the end of the volunteers four hour shift, over 1,000 IFAKs were packed, labeled, and ready to be put back into rotation.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brandy Hill, 379th EMDG medical logistics flight chief, said the program has been used off and on for many years.

"It is awe-inspiring for me to be able to see how many people donate their time," said Hill. "These people are ensuring our forward deployers have the best possible chance for survival."

AUAB is the hub for 29,000 IFAKs and has the responsibility of keeping them ready to go, a task of great importance for all service members in the area of responsibility. These IFAKs provide all service members with the capability to treat their comrades and themselves at the point of injury.

"With a team of 12 medical logisticians, and an annual demand of 13,000 recertifications it is estimated that having 50 volunteers each time, productivity is increased by two thirds," said Hill.

Because of the effort of these volunteers, everyone can reap the benefits of having a properly packaged IFAK.

Hill also expressed her thoughts on what it means to be a part of the program and the medical logistics team.

"Everyone benefits from this program," said Hill. "It is also nice to be able to showcase the medical logistics arena to so many members who never really knew what we bring to the fight."

The greatest reward for these volunteers giving their time is that this small act of volunteering that brings people together could potentially save someone's life in the field and bring them home to their family.

"Everyone really comes together and rallies patriotism," said Hill. "Knowing that what we are accomplishing really makes the difference in people's lives."