48th MDG expands partnership with NHS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher S. Sparks
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Medical Group recently reached an agreement with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in England to expand the Liberty Wing’s on-going partnership with the United Kingdom’s National Health Service.

Beginning in October, 48th MDG personnel will begin rotations at various clinics in the Norwich area hospital to gain hands-on experience. These rotations will serve as an opportunity to expand 48th MDG Airmen’s comprehensive medical readiness skills.

During this partnership, the Airmen will have the opportunity to gain practical experience with medical skills, such as intubation, mass blood transfusions and triage, in situations they may encounter while deployed.

“We have the chance to see patients of higher acuity,” said Staff Sgt. William B. Glick, 48th MDG emergency room paramedic. “When we see these trauma patients we’re getting those experiences and getting our feet wet for when we’re down range.”

Upon starting rotations at the hospital, Liberty Wing Airmen will have a list of medical skills they aim to learn and skills they need to maintain currency on and perform.

The objective of this program is to provide an opportunity for paramedics, technicians and nurses to experience cases they wouldn’t normally see in a U.S. Air Force hospital.

In the past year, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital hosted over 1 million patients, with cases ranging from basic sutures to complex medical cases involving intensive care. The frequency and diversity of cases from the hospital will allow 48th MDG Airmen to work and hone their craft.

“It really comes down to trauma and assessment,” said Senior Master Sgt. Nicolas Wentworth, 48th Surgical Operations Squadron superintendent. “Our guys will have the opportunity to experience the increased pace. If something were to happen and we had to respond, it’s that pace of when we have the influx of patients we need to be able to handle.”

The 48th MDG hopes to continue their partnership with NHS facilities for the foreseeable future through exchanging of practices and skills between their Airmen and the NHS’ medical care providers and locations. Through this the Liberty Wing’s Airmen will maintain and medical readiness from these partnerships and enhance the 48th Fighter Wing’s wartime capabilities.