Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

Air Force medics ‘go mobile’ to continue serving during COVID-19

Image of Medical personnel wearing a mask, looking at a vial. Air Force Technical Sgt. Sasha Barker, 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron independent duty medical technician, labels a COVID-19 test at the 90th Medical Respiratory Clinic on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. (Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Ashley Sokolov, 90th Missile Wing.)

From running through the plains and hills of Guernsey, Wyoming, trailing the 90th Ground Combat Training Squadron’s warrior Airmen to working in a garage behind F.E. Warren’s medical building gowned and masked, these medics were made to adapt.

“The 90th Medical Group has been phenomenal with using us. As an independent duty medical technician this is what we were designed to do,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christina Pyeatt, 90th GCTS independent duty medical technician. “I was super ecstatic to be able to come over and assist.”

With the outbreak of COVID-19, the 90th Medical Respiratory Clinic was created and designed to focus on patient care and safety. Being a geographically separate unit aided in keeping patients that may have had symptoms out of the main medical facility and away from healthy individuals.

“We don’t want our fighting capabilities to degrade, so our on base testing center is a bit more liberal with who qualifies to be tested,” Pyeatt said.

The process, which was limited to active duty personnel, included a call to the nurse’s hotline, directions to the respiratory clinic and patient testing.

For the protection of the medical personnel and patient, patients remained in their vehicles. Instructions were given through the car window with minimum contact taking place during the actual test.

 “In the back of my mind, there is always the thought of exposure,” said Pyeatt. “We have taken great lengths with our personal protective equipment and how we operate.”

To ensure medical personnel wouldn’t become patients themselves, they wore extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) and limited contact between patients and testers. 

“As medical health professionals, when we take care of patients and contribute to their healthcare and that of their family, it is that selfless service aspect even though we have concerns at the back of our minds,” explained Pyeatt. “It is what we do, it’s what we are made for, it’s what we train for. So we just do it.”

You also may be interested in...

DOD COVID-19 Practice Management Guide Version 8

Technical Document
1/31/2022

This Practice Management Guide does not supersede DOD Policy. It is based upon the best information available at the time of publication. It is designed to provide information and assist decision making. It is not intended to define a standard of care and should not be construed as one. Neither should it be interpreted as prescribing an exclusive course of management. It was developed by experts in this field. Variations in practice will inevitably and appropriately occur when clinicians take into account the needs of individual patients, available resources, and limitations unique to an institution or type of practice. Every healthcare professional making use of this guideline is responsible for evaluating the appropriateness of applying it in the setting of any particular clinical situation. The Practice Management Guide is not intended to represent TRICARE policy. Further, inclusion of recommendations for specific testing and/or therapeutic interventions within this guide does not guarantee coverage of civilian sector care. Additional information on current TRICARE benefits may be found at www.tricare.mil or by contacting your regional TRICARE Managed Care Support Contractor.

DOD COVID-19 Practice Management Guide Version 7

Technical Document
3/4/2021

This Practice Management Guide does not supersede DOD Policy. It is based upon the best information available at the time of publication. It is designed to provide information and assist decision making. It is not intended to define a standard of care and should not be construed as one. Neither should it be interpreted as prescribing an exclusive course of management. It was developed by experts in this field. Variations in practice will inevitably and appropriately occur when clinicians take into account the needs of individual patients, available resources, and limitations unique to an institution or type of practice. Every healthcare professional making use of this guideline is responsible for evaluating the appropriateness of applying it in the setting of any particular clinical situation. The Practice Management Guide is not intended to represent TRICARE policy. Further, inclusion of recommendations for specific testing and/or therapeutic interventions within this guide does not guarantee coverage of civilian sector care. Additional information on current TRICARE benefits may be found at www.tricare.mil or by contacting your regional TRICARE Managed Care Support Contractor.

Page 1 of 1 , showing items 1 - 2
Refine your search
Last Updated: August 15, 2022
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery