Category: US Navy

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan February 13, 2025, staff from the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa (USNHO) Emergency Department are training the future EMTs charged with providing lifesaving critical care to those in need en route to the hospital. Okinawa is a small island stretching 70 miles from north to south, up to 7 miles wide at its widest and only 2 miles wide at the narrowest. This geography, along with streets not wide enough for two cars to pass and 95% of the population all in the middle of the island, makes Okinawa one of the most densely populated non-metropolitan areas in the world. This unique environment makes it a daily challenge for the EMT personnel who provide emergency first responder care to 6 branch clinics and the interfacility transfers of patients of USNHO.

The two most northern branch clinics can take as long as two hours to navigate the densely populated narrow streets where the average posted speed limit is 30km/h or 19mph. The gravity of that kicks in when you are potentially the sole provider riding in the back of an ambulance with a patient suffering grievous injuries. CDR Pete Nyilas, the Director for Medical Services at USNHO, explained the importance of the hospital providing EMT training to our corpsmen and the incredible responsibility these, often very young sailors, are shouldering. The Naval Hospital is doubling down and conducting ongoing training to ensure enough EMTs are trained to fill the role. A class is testing out today, February 13, 2025, then there will be a refresher training in March, followed by another training class between April and May. This is the constant battle rhythm needed to keep a continuous roster of EMTs to mitigate burnout, accommodate time off, and manage the permanent change of station (PCS) moves that are constantly happening. The goal is to have at least two EMTs per ambulance rig and enough to cover the 24-hour duty they stand when on call.

The EMT course at the Naval Hospital is “rigorous and tests our corpsmen to the top of their training,” CDR Nyilas said. He pointed out that this course and opportunity are unique to Okinawa because stateside emergency transport is done by civilian ambulances and emergency responders, not by the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) personnel. Nyilas also pointed out the similarities in real-world trauma that the corpsmen might encounter on a battlefield.

The EMT course is challenging, and after passing, the students must take the Nationally Recognized Emergency Medical Transport (NREMT) test and pass to receive a nationally recognized certification that is good for two years. The previously mentioned refresher course given every third month helps keep the certifications current. Time is the enemy of this program because the students are often first tour young Sailors who come on two-year unaccompanied orders. By the time they make it into a course, pass it, schedule to take the NREMT, and pass to finally make it onto the watch bill, it can be nearly a year, and they are halfway through their tour! The demands of the course and the testing make the success rate around 70%, and some find that they are incompatible with the call of this specialized service.

Senior Chief Rachel Kerner, the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Directorate for Medical Services, explained how very important these newly trained EMTs are and their important role on the island. Kerner said, “The importance of having well-trained, well-prepared EMTs stationed strategically around the island means a couple of minutes, and those can be crucial to a positive outcome for our patients.” Senior Chief Kerner pointed out that the opportunity to serve as an EMT is not just for the Corpsmen assigned to the hospital, that there are currently EMT-trained staff with the Dental BN in the Laboratory and Family Medicine who can help cover shifts to maintain their skills and relieve other EMTs. She also stressed the unique opportunity to serve in this capacity overseas, and when she asks her EMTs before they PSC how they liked being an EMT, they usually say something very similar. “The hours were brutal, and the traumas were tough, but I would not have wanted to do anything else while I was here!”

The training is conducted in the Naval hospital, and one of the instructors is HM3 Nessa Zazi. You might mistake her youthful appearance and braces for a lack of experience and be very mistaken. She commanded her role as instructor and evaluator with the confidence and poise of a well-seasoned veteran of the ambulance rig. She was testing out a student, HM3 Jason Veloz, serving with the 3D Marine Division, conducting a complete mockup scenario of a semi-responsive patient on a scene to which he was called. It wasn’t lost in the moment that these two young Corpsmen were preparing to be the sole provider when those minutes count to evaluate and prep a patient for emergency transport. Zazi provided feedback after the role-playing exercise, during which each of them remained in character and walked through a very plausible patient encounter. HM3 Zazi said, “You need to expedite your evaluation and initial contact with the hospital Emergency Department; short, sweet, and to the point; if you are taking too long, you are holding up traffic!” Zazi also let Veloz know that she liked how he examined the patient even though a neighbor had provided their recollection of how the patient went down. HM3 Zazi’s parting advice, “You just have to complete the reps and sets before you can gain more confidence.”

LCDR Amanda Studer, an emergency medicine physician at USNHO, leads the Emergency Department (ED) in a modernization effort that affects the emergency care of all the beneficiaries of USNHO in Okinawa. While it is easy to navigate Okinawa as a foreigner, some of the simple things we have come to expect in the U.S. are not the same here; the first is 911. We teach kids to dial 911 in an emergency from a very young age. In Okinawa, it is still 911 on base, but off base it is 119. Like any complicated system, many caveats and exceptions can lead to confusion, especially in a stressful medical situation. Dr. Studer has worked tirelessly to make changes and upgrade the dispatch system, including overseeing the EMT training program. When talking about the Sailors who have stepped up to the call, Studer said, “These are our modern-day superheroes who show up for you during some of the worst days of your lives.” She explained how it builds confidence in our community to see the strives and improvements to the system. The upgrades are not just in the programs and phone numbers; Dr. Studer was instrumental in helping acquire additional ambulances from the Army in Korea. This massive undertaking involved the Marines, Airforce, Army, and the Navy to ship the vehicles here to Okinawa. Opening lines of communication with host nation EMS allows both services to learn from each other and share best practices for improving care for every patient on Okinawa. Under her watch, the program procured over $500,000 in critical lifesaving EMS equipment. She helped coordinate long overdue EMS site visits for both Navy/Marine Corps and Army services and has helped build the infrastructure for a modern, readily equipped EMS program.

The collaboration between Marine Corps Installation Pacific Command (MCIPAC), the host nation, sister services, and USNHO has provided the resources to help maintain medical care for the residents here in Okinawa. Our beneficiaries can be confident that a new group of well-trained EMTs will test out next Tuesday, and these modern-day heroes will be on the streets providing emergency medical care to those in need.

The U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Okinawa (USNMRTCO) supports the Defense Health Agency’s U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa (USNHO) as the largest OCONUS Navy Medicine medical treatment facility and stands at the ready to respond to contingency operations to support the INDOPACOM region. It is a critical regional asset for direct care delivery, regional referrals, and medical contingency operations. The staff of USNHO understands their vital role as pre-positioned, forward-deployed naval forces within the first island chain, aligned and in support of the joint military commands and operations.

Trey Savitz, Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan
Comm: 011-81-971-7024
DSN: (315) 646-7024
isaac.s.savitz.civ@health.mil

Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

by Ladonna Singleton

13 February 2025

Tripoli will replace USS America (LHA 6), which will depart Sasebo and move to San Diego.

The forward presence of Tripoli supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan, enhances the national security of the United States and improves its ability to protect strategic interests. Tripoli will directly support the Defense Strategic Guidance to posture the most capable units forward in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The United States values Japan’s contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives.

The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable ships forward. This posture allows the most rapid response times for maritime and joint forces, and brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear in the timeliest manner.

Maintaining a forward-deployed naval force capability with the most advanced ships supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the vital Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point bid Fair Winds and Following Seas to Hospital Corpsman Cohwen Houchin on Wednesday, February 12 and recognized him for his outstanding service.

Houchin served aboard the facility from May 2023 to February 2025 in the Pharmacy and Materials Management Departments. During his time here, he processed over 6,200 prescriptions and facilitated the distribution of over $500,000 in supplies to support 24 departments.

He was also a member of the facility’s Honor Guard and displayed exceptional military bearing and professionalism during 21 events. Cohwen received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in recognition of his exceptional service.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

YOKOSUKA, Japan – U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka, in partnership with the Armed Services Blood Bank Center (ASBBC) Okinawa, successfully hosted a groundbreaking two-day blood drive, marking the first-ever mobilization of the ASBBC Okinawa team to Yokosuka, Jan. 29 and 30.

The event saw more than 200 potential donors, resulting in 110 successful whole blood donations. This initiative plays a critical role in strengthening blood sustainment efforts within the IndoPacific region at far forward military treatment facilities (MTF).

“All the hard work, meticulous planning, and collaborative coordination from all teams and partners were truly worthwhile,’ said USNH Yokosuka’s Laboratory department head Lt. Sheryll Tagura. “Our ultimate goal is to support not only our warfighters at sea, on land, and in the air but also their families at the home front.”

Extensive Planning and Coordination

The success of the blood drive was made possible through six months of meticulous planning and coordination. The USNH Yokosuka laboratory team, with essential support from the 374th Medical Group’s lab team at Yokota Air Base team, was responsible for the logistics of hosting the ASBBC Okinawa team. More than 33 personnel, including American Red Cross Yokosuka volunteers, dedicated over 500 man-hours to execute the event.

During the drive, the hospital’s laboratory staff processed over 600 blood samples and managed the storage of 110 whole blood units. Additionally, the team facilitated training and education for the hospital’s Walking Blood Bank team. A Walking Blood Bank (WBB) is a system where pre-
screened individuals, usually military personnel or members of a community, can donate fresh whole blood in emergency situations. While screening samples during the blood drive, the WBB program added 37 successful prescreens to their inventory.

“I want to thank our partners: ASBBC, Yokota AFB Laboratory, 613TH Air Operations Center, Yokota Air Base, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Yokosuka’s Officers’ Club, American Red Cross, Navy Commissary, Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, and most especially our blood donors,” said Tagura. “If our efforts save even one life, then it was all worth it.”

Collaboration with ASBBC Okinawa

The collaboration with ASBBC Okinawa proved to be an exceptional experience for the USNH Yokosuka team. “We had the opportunity to observe their extensive expertise and professionalism in action,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Sisto. “Their team is highly trained and operates with remarkable efficiency. We look forward to future opportunities to work together.”

The ASBBC Okinawa team consisted of 14 personnel, including 12 enlisted members from the Air Force, Army, and Navy, one officer from the Air Force, and one civilian technical supervisor. Their involvement was crucial in executing the drive effectively.

Strategic Importance of Mainland Blood Drives

The ASBBC Okinawa team emphasized the significance of conducting blood drives in mainland Japan, as they provide an underutilized resource for sustaining blood supply in the Indo-Pacific region. This effort follows a previous mainland blood drive at Yokota Air Base, further expanding the reach and capabilities of ASBBC.

“Executing this blood drive in Yokosuka has provided us with invaluable knowledge on mobilizing off-island and within mainland Japan,” said U.S. Indo-Pacific ASBBC Deputy Director Air Force Capt. Yessenia Greene. “This experience has strengthened our ability to operate in emergency and contested environments while building a joint network across military services for large-scale blood drives.”

Looking Ahead

Given the success of this inaugural event, ASBBC Okinawa anticipates conducting more blood drives on mainland Japan in the future.
“We had a great experience working with USNH Yokosuka,” Greene added. “The team was phenomenal, and leadership was incredibly supportive. This initiative has set the stage for future mobilizations, and we hope to return to Yokosuka for another blood drive soon.”

ASBBC Okinawa is the sole source of fresh blood in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet and all Defense Health Agency military treatment facilities in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Critical multidisciplinary skill sustainment training included a little faux assistance at Naval Hospital Bremerton, February 11, 2025.

As Navy Nurse Corps officers, civilian registered nurses and hospital corpsmen filed into NHB’s Skills Fair, amongst the training modules designed to refresh their proficiency levels reclined a Mr. [mannequin] Smith.

Mr. Smith was acknowledged as a 43-year old bedridden patient who had been in the hospital for the past four days, suffering from a chest injury caused by a car accident. His lung had a compressed injury resulting in a chest tube for hemothorax. There were other apparent health complications, including medication management and patient-safety needs.

Nurse Corps officers assigned to the main hospital, from the branch health clinics located on Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Base Everett, civilian registered nurses and hospital corpsmen
were tasked to determine what was wrong with Mr. Smith, as well as detect any errors which could compromise patient care and patient safety within the inpatient room setting.

“This is getting nursing back to nursing,” said Lt. Essie Gutierrez, Directorate of Health Services division officer who organized the event. “We can touch, we can feel, we can do hands-on training. We hope that skills someone hasn’t used in a while get refreshed, so they get more confident in being able to use their skills.

According to Gutierrez, Navy Nurse Corps officers are required to be able to handle their duties when called upon and must perform a minimum of 144 hours per year of clinical sustainment competency. Joint collaboration with Madigan Army Medical Center is a viable option, but not everyone can afford to take the time away from their current responsibilities.

“Our chief nursing officer decided to do a skills fair here. It is incumbent upon us, even without an inpatient unit, to ensure we have our clinical sustainment in our hospital by setting up these training modules,” Gutierrez said.

The mannequin Mr. Smith was part of the “What’s Wrong with the Room” training module. A lengthy list of mistakes was reported by the nurses and corpsmen, which included noting that the patient bed was too high, and the patient had no way to relieve himself. The patient also had no visible identification, lacked nonskid socks, and had an infection bleeding around a chest tube. There was also medication left on a side table by the inpatient bed and more.

“The What’s Wrong with the Room, is great because it encompasses medication administration, errors with the patient and errors with the inpatient room setting which we just don’t get here,” remarked Gutierrez.

The other training scenarios included a Wound Care module, which featured such instruction as burn wound care, wound cleaning and irrigation of traumatic wound(s), and dealing with pressure injuries.

The Airway module went over oxygen therapy with nasal cannula and oxygen mask, cervical collar management and electrocardiogram use.

The Lines and Specimen Collection module discussed such needs as urinary catheter use, blood product administration and intravenous therapy.

The Postmortem Care module covered grief support, operational stress control and peer debriefing.

Each participant was provided a passport, designed as a guide for each of the five training modules. Upon completion of each instructional session, their passport would be stamped as having completed that module.

Gutierrez affirmed that Nurse Corps officer clinical sustainment is vital for mission readiness and is in keeping with the Navy surgeon general’s priority of being a ready medical force able to support a medically ready force. “Having our corpsmen taking part to improve their knowledge base and any other staff is a plus,” she said.

The two-day event was tailored to provide critical multidisciplinary skill sustainment training which nurses in an ambulatory care setting like NHB might not use as much as they used to.

One module at a time.