More flight medics filling Army combat role

[unhappycamper]

More flight medics filling Army combat role
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Apr 14, 2008 6:48:54 EDT

Flying in a helicopter at night through an Afghanistan valley, taking fire, isn’t where you’d expect to find an Air Force flight medic.

The enlisted flight medic’s traditional role is working in the back of large transport planes, caring for patients while flying to hospitals far from the combat zone.

But in Afghanistan today, flight medics are filling in for Army airborne combat medics — a role more like that of an Air Force pararescueman. Like other “in lieu of” assignments, the requirement is expected to continue at least until next year.

When Master Sgt. Mike Baker of the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., heard the Air Force was looking for experienced flight medics to volunteer for the duty in 2006, he didn’t hesitate.

“I jumped on board right away,” said Baker, now a veteran of two four-month deployments to Afghanistan.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/04/airforce_medics_ilo_041308/