Inspection no match for Rescue Wing Medical Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Natasha Dowridge
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Preparation is something that every member of the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing here is familiar with. It is the oil that lubricates the wheels of a smooth operation.

Airmen from the 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron (ASTS) reaped the rewards of successful preparation during a recent Health Service Inspection (HIS).

The medical Airmen passed this tedious inspection with an overall rating of satisfactory in three different areas; expeditionary operations, in-garrison operations and leadership. Each area plays a vital role in the units overall mission at the 920th.

"The inspection is a review of over 5,000 items that details each members training, patient- care requirements and medical records," explained Chief Master Sgt. Dorlen Martin, 920th ASTS Health Services Manager.

The inspections which occur anywhere between every 48 to 60 months require daily preparation.

Throw in a Staff Assistance Visit (SAV), Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI) and Operation Readiness Inspection (ORI) and that leaves little breathing room, said Chief Martin.

However, that did not stop the multi-tasking Airmen from performing their job and doing well on their inspection.

We not only received a satisfactory score, but the inspection team complimented this accomplishment in the wake of heavy mobilizations and deployments, said Chief Martin.

The inspection team consisted of four members from the Air Force Inspection Agency. "We were also given the privilege of having the commander of medical operations, Colonel James E. Hougas, as the team chief inspector," said Chief Martin.

The mission of the Air Force Inspection Agency is to provide Air Force leaders with independent, timely assessments to improve the Air Force.

Amidst the unit rating of satisfactory, three Airmen were awarded with certificates for going "above and beyond their duties".

Major Denise Deatherage, Master Sgt. Maria Robinson and Staff Sergeant Patricia M. Baez were individually recognized.

"This inspection shows the continuing success of not only every member of the 920th ASTS, but for the 920th RQW as we live our creed, 'these things we do, that others may live'", said Chief Martin proudly.

"It not only shows the dedication of the Rescue Wing members to health care, but the required specialized training needed when we deploy. It shows we can hit the ground running to take care of the sick and wounded. Our success is the ability to get them home to receive the best care possible."

For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing's Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.