Ambulatory Surgery Clinic services after dark

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rose Richeson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Like many shift-workers at Incirlik, there are no holidays, three-day weekends or down days for the Ambulatory Surgery Clinic staff who's workload can be summed up in four words -- low density, high demand.

"The mission of ambulance services at night is to respond to life, limb and eyesight injury, as well as in-flight emergencies," said Capt. Artemus Armas, 39th Medical Group Officer in Charge, ambulance services. "Continuous training on emergency medical technician skills helps us prepare for any emergency."

The staff here takes care of 911 responses, in-flight emergencies, fire response, hazardous material issues and anything typical or atypical that comes through the doors of the ICC during the late night or wee hours of the early morning. On average ambulance services are able to respond anywhere on base within five to seven minutes.

"There are a minimum of three EMT-Basics per 24-hour shift," said Captain Armas. "There is also a secondary on-call team that consists of two EMT-Bs and a registered nurse. This secondary team is used to transport patients downtown to receive a higher level of care or perform procedures not available here such as an MRI, CT, stress test, etc."

Emergency response calls to include IFEs average around 18-20 a month. The secondary team transfers downtown about two to four times a month.

"Many times after duty hours EMTs act as the doctor's 'eyes' over the phone so that patients can be treated in a timely manner," said Tech. Sgt. Ken Gestring, NCO in Charge, primary care branch.

The medical treatment facility serves as a clinic with urgent care available and is equipped with ambulance services manned by medical technicians who are all EMT qualified. 

"We provide the initial response and stabilize major trauma or illness on base before transporting downtown to Universal Hospital," said Captain Armas. 

Captain Armas recommends that you always seek treatment on base first if you are experiencing life, limb or eyesight injuries; however, in the event you are downtown and in need of emergency care you are advised to go directly to Universal Hospital.

Incirlik medical responders believe that all Airmen are in a position to help if they come across injured personnel due to military training that has proven very effective.

"Self-aid buddy care skills are taught to our Airmen in order to maximize the survivability rate out in the field and in a war environment, but these same skills can also be used in situations to stabilize ankle sprains, stop bleeding and treat other minor medical problems," said Captain Armas. "In real emergencies involving loss of life, limb and eyesight, it is important to activate the emergency response system as soon as possible before intervening with care."

When it has been determined that ambulance services are needed, Incirlik members can reach the staff by dialing 911 from a land line or 0322-316-6666 from a cell phone.
"On all 911 calls please stay on the line if possible," said Captain Armas. "By doing this, we can get any up-to-date information to better prepare for care back at the clinic. Too many times, people will call 911 and hang up without giving any detailed information that may be critical in treating the patient."

In short, the 39th MDG stresses the importance of knowing when to use the emergency response system and would like nothing more than to avoid situations where an ambulance call for a headache patient affects the response to much more serious medical cases such as cardiac arrest or in-flight emergencies.