Filling the Gap

  • Published
  • By CMSgt. Tim Healy
  • Lead Planner, MEDRETE
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. --  About 35 members of the 452nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron deploy to Panama to conduct a humanitarian mission as part of its Medical Readiness Training Exercise. 

Thirty-six medical personnel - mostly from March ARB's 452nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron - began treating patients near the town of Ocu in the Azuero Peninsula of Southern Panama as part of a Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE). 

MEDRETEs provide opportunities for military medical personnel to train and interact with their civilian counterparts around the world and high-level medical care to remote locations where it is difficult for the host nation to provide adequate treatment. 

The medical team's primary mission is to provide a wide array of medical care to about 7,500 people during a two-week period. 

"Our providers universally agree this has been an exceptional learning opportunity," said Lt. Col. Michael Dickey, commander for the 36-member March team. "They really appreciate and enjoy working with their Panamanian counterparts." 

The Air Force team is working in partnership with the Panamanian Ministry of Health, particularly Dr. Rafael Gonzalez, Sub-Director Ministry of Health, Herrera, Panama. 

"It is readily apparent Dr. Gonzalez has the highest concern for the people of Herrera," said Lt. Col. Dickey. "Our team has been impressed with his tireless efforts. Dr. Gonzalez has worked with us to bring optimal supplies and medication tailored to the populations of Los Llanos, Las Minas, and Los Pozos, the three towns we are here to serve." 

With the addition of 70 Panamanian medical personnel, Lt. Col Dickey said he's confident the team will achieve their goal of maximizing their capabilities, while getting the best possible training. 

The combination of medical personnel from the two countries will serve three days each in the towns of Los Llanos and Las Minas, and four days in Los Pozos. They are prepared to offer services in dentistry, ophthalmology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and women's health. 

They have also pooled their resources and created a public health session designed to promote disease prevention and a healthier lifestyle.

One of the trends picked up early by the team of doctors was a high rate of problems caused by chronic dehydration. The doctors collaborated with the team's preventive health leader, Major Noemi Gonzalez-Lizama, to develop a lecture on appropriate hydration for those living in this climate. 

"One of our primary concerns is to leave the populations with an understanding of how they can avoid potential health problems," said Maj. Gonzalez-Lizama. 

That lecture was quickly created and added to the group's public health class presented to all patients visiting their sites. 

Sometimes getting to  their treatment sites became an ordeal. 

Their first site, Los Llanos, involved a two-hour ride to the rural school that would serve as their temporary work site. 

The first hour to the city of Ocu was pretty good; however, after that, they were left with 12 more miles over roads perhaps better served by off-road vehicles. 

The last 12 miles of the bumpy ride over unimproved roads lasted for about an hour and left medics feeling a little queasy. 

Fortunately, as soon as they departed their busses, the adrenaline kicked in and they quickly transformed this rural school into a temporary hospital. 

"We all seem to get a little extra energy as we finally pull up to our sites," said Senior Airman Katiria Sanchez of Victorville. "I have done this before and it's just amazing how, with minimal direction, a flurry of activity leads to a functioning hospital. It usually takes us less than 15 minutes for all areas to begin treating patients. 

"These missions involve long, difficult days but I can't think of a better way of being trained to carry out my duties as a Health Services Administrator for the Air Force."