journal 090414

Vol. 26 No. 35 www.cnic.navy.mil/bethesda/ September 4, 2014

Courtesy of CNIC,Public Affairs and NSABEmergency Management

Aug. 29, President Obamaproclaimed September 2014to be National PreparednessMonth. By this Proclamation,individuals are called upon totake action to prepare in ad-vance for the likelihood of avariety of hazards our Nationfaces in any given year.At Naval Support Activity

Bethesda (NSAB), that readi-ness has taken the form of ateam effort between NSAB’sEmergency Management of-fice, Fleet and Family SupportCenter and the American RedCross.Throughout September and

across NSAB, information ta-bles will be staffed by theseoffices to provide useful infor-mation on a variety of topicswhich will help you and yourfamily in the event a naturaldisaster or crisis should occur.There is no better time than

now to learn about emergencypreparedness, according to oneof NSAB’s experts on emer-gency management.“It’s important to be better

prepared in both your pro-fessional life, and in you andyour family’s personal lives,”said Les Hiatt, NSAB deputyemergency manager, “becauseyou never know when disas-ter may strike. What betterway than to visit the informa-tion tables around NSAB thismonth, talk to experts trainedin those areas, visit availableonline resources and share itall with your family?”The month culminates in

a Day of Action on Sept. 30.Navy personnel and familiesare directed to go to the ReadyNavy website at www.ready.navy.mil to register in Amer-ica’s PrepareAthon and to joinAmerica in pledging to take atleast one preparedness actionthis month.“The safety and well-being of

very member of the Navy—Sail-

or, civilian, and family mem-ber-is of utmost importance,”said Vice Admiral William D.French, Commander Navy In-stallations Command (CNIC).“It is essential that the Navycommunity as a whole takepart in National PreparednessMonth and act on Sept. 30 andthroughout the year to be readyto mitigate, respond to, and re-cover from emergencies. In thisway, individually and together,we contribute to mission readi-ness, saving lives, property, andtime.”While www.readynavy.mil

is specific to the Navy, all per-sonnel — military, civilian andcontractor, and their family

members — are encouragedto use the resources detailedhere in order to be ready.To get started, the Navy

Community will find ReadyNavy, the Navy’s emergencypreparedness program, a bene-ficial resource. Closely alignedwith the National ReadyCampaign and other Depart-ment of Defense Ready pub-lic awareness campaigns, theReady Navy website providesindividuals with guidance onsteps to take to be and stay in-formed, to make an emergencyand communications plan, andto build a kit. Also on the web-site are instructions to guideNavy personnel in register-

ing work and personal contactinformation in the Wide AreaAlert Network to ensure thatthey receive emergency alertsbefore, during, and after an in-cident.“These are steps everyone

should take when living ingeographic areas and an ageof uncertainty,” said MargieLutz, CNIC N37 EmergencyManagement Program Man-ager. “One of the most impor-tant steps is to plan how toreconnect and reunite withfamily during and following adisaster.”Ms. Lutz stated that emer-

gency family plans and con-tact cards are available fordownload on the Ready Navywebsite. “Those that have aplanned meeting spot insideand outside the neighborhoodand an out-of-town contact ev-eryone knows to check in withare above the power curve ifemergencies separate familymembers.”

Hiatt mentioned anotherimportant aspect of disasterpreparedness that is often notthought of until it is needed —food supplies.“Throughout the year, there

should be a plan in place tostock up food supplies,” heexplained. “Work your foodsupply into your normal dailydiet. This will serve to replen-ish and circulate your foodstores so that in the event ofan emergency, they will befresh.”Hiatt emphasized that

plans should also include thefamily pet or pets: “Don’t for-get to include food, water andother items for your pets, incase of emergency.”“Emergency preparedness

is a team effort that includesfamily and friends workingtogether in a time of crisis,”Hiatt concluded. “By followingthese useful tips and utilizing

September is National Preparedness Month – Be Ready!

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Williams-Church

Visitors gather important disaster preparedness information from NSAB’s Emergency Management, Fleetand Family Support Center and the American Red Cross staff at Main Street, Sept. 3.

Friday, Sept. 5: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Navy ExchangeTuesday, Sept. 9: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Bldg. 62Thursday, Sept. 11: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Bldg. 17Monday, Sept. 15: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - USUHSWednesday, Sept. 17: 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. - Navy LodgeMonday, Sept. 22: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Bldg. 19

See READY page 8

2 Thursday, September 4, 2014 The Journal

Stages of HealingAftersix, a jazz, piano

and bass band, is sched-uled to perform Monday,Sept. 8 at noon in theAmerica Building lobbyas part of the Stages ofHealing series at WalterReed Bethesda. For moreinformation contact Lt.Cmdr. Micah Sickel at301-295-2492.

TeamSTEPPS TrainingHealth Education

and Training at WalterReed Bethesda is offer-ing a make-up class forthe TeamSTEPPS (TeamStrategies & Tools toEnhance Performanceand Patient Safety) fun-damentals course for clin-ical inpatient areas thatare already trained, onSept. 12 from 7 to 11:30a.m. (registration from 7to 7:30 a.m.) in Building10’s Clark Auditorium.TeamSTEPPS is de-signed to improve pa-tient outcomes by im-proving communicationand teamwork skills.For more information,contact Lt. Asia Raheemat asia .o . [email protected], or StaffSgt. Angela Stevensonat [email protected]. To enroll,email [email protected].

Bethesda Notebook

Published by offset every Thurs-day by Comprint Military Publi-cations, 9030 Comprint Court,Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, aprivate firm in no way con-nected with the U.S. Navy,under exclusive written con-tract with Naval Support ActivityBethesda, Md. This commercialenterprise newspaper is an autho-rized publication for members of themilitary services. Contents of The Journalare not necessarily the official views of, norendorsed by, the U.S. Government, theDepartment of Defense, or the Departmentof Navy. The appearance of advertising inthis publication, including inserts or supple-ments, does not constitute endorsement bythe Department of Defense or Comprint,Inc., of the products or services advertised.Everything advertised in this publicationshall be made available for purchase, useor patronage without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, national origin,age, marital status, physicalhandicap, political affiliationor any other non-merit fac-tor of the purchaser, user,or patron. Editorial contentis edited, prepared and pro-vided by the Public AffairsOffice, Naval Support Activ-

ity Bethesda, Md. News copyshould be submitted to the Pub-

lic Affairs Office, Building 17, first floor,across from PSD, by noon one week pre-ceding the desired publication date. Newsitems are welcomed from all installationsources. Inquiries about news copy will beanswered by calling 301-295-1803. Com-mercial advertising should be placed withthe publisher by calling 301-921-2800.Publisher’s advertising offices are locatedat 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md.20877. Classified ads can be placed bycalling 301-670-1700.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) BethesdaCommanding Officer: Capt. David A. BitontiPublic Affairs Officer: Ron InmanPublic Affairs Office: 301-295-1803

Journal StaffStaff Writers MC2Ashante Hammons

MC2 Christopher KruckeSarah MarshallKatrina SkinnerJulie SmithSharon Renee Taylor

Managing Editor MC2BrandonWilliams-ChurchWRNMMC Editor Bernard Little

NSABethesdaFleet And Family Support Center 301-319-4087

Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterOffice of Media Relations 301-295-5727

NSAB Ombudsman

Michelle Herrera 240-370-5421

Sexual Assault Response

Coordinator Hotline 301-442-2053

Visit us on Facebook:Naval Support Activity Bethesda page:

https://www.facebook.com/NSABethesda

Walter Reed National Medical Center page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Walter-Reed-

National-Military-Medical-Center/295857217111107

Uniformed Services University of the Health

Sciences page:

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Uniformed-Services-University-of-the-Health-

Sciences/96338890888?fref=ts

Greetings,Wow! It is September already. It

seems like it was just yesterday thatI was asking all of you to be safe andwatch out for each other as we ap-proached the 101 Critical Days ofSummer and now here we are postLabor Day and moving into the fall.We were able to get through the 101Critical Days of Summer without anymajor mishaps, serious injuries or lossof life. Well done to everyone for tak-ing care of and watching out for your-selves, your families, your coworkersand your shipmates.The month of September is always special in the

Navy because this is the time of year that we wel-come our new chief petty officers. Currently, chiefpetty officer (CPO) selectees throughout the regionare participating in CPO 365 Phase two. CPO 365 isa year-round professional development program thatchiefs’ messes across the Navy use to train the nextgeneration of deckplate leaders, focused on trainingour newly selected first class petty officers to becomechiefs. The three-phased, year-long development andtraining is designed to test the prospective CPO orselectee mentally, physically, personally and profes-sionally. Phase two of CPO 365 began when the chiefpetty officer selection board results were released,which occurred Aug. 5 this year. It builds upon whatwas started in phase one by preparing CPO selecteesfor their transition. Let me be the first to congratu-late our chief petty officer selectees. This year’s CPOpinning will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 16at the Navy Memorial. I encourage everyone to comeout and support our newest chief petty officers.September brings many changes to Naval District

Washington (NDW); cooler temperatures, changingleaves, the kids going back to school and footballseason. It is also National Emergency PreparednessMonth. A time when everyone should ask themselvesthe question, “Am I Navy ready?”During National Preparedness Month we are re-

minded to reflect on command and personal emergen-cy preparedness, to make a plan, build a kit and stayinformed, not just for a month, but every day. ReadyNavy provides a road map and creates a state of mindfor Navy personnel and families to be and stay pre-pared for any potential hazard throughout the year,

something l take very seriously.Ready Navy is a proactive Navy-wide

emergency preparedness public aware-ness program. It is designed for theNavy community to increase the abilityof every person and family on or nearNavy installations to meet today’s chal-lenges head on and plan and preparefor all types of hazards, ranging fromhurricanes and earthquakes to terror-ist attacks. Please visit the Ready Navywebsite at http://www.ready.navy.mil/.There you can educate yourself on anumber of ways to prepare during and

after National Emergency Preparedness Month.Finally, September is Hispanic Heritage Month.

NDW proudly joins the rest of the nation in honoringand celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our larg-est linguistic and ethnic minority in a month-longtribute to Hispanic contributions. Hispanic Ameri-cans have served at sea in every war of our nation’shistory. They have not stood on the fringes of the ser-vice, but at its center as makers of American Navalhistory. The concept of a diverse Navy means that aforce is varied in experience, background and ideasthat contribute to our warfighting success. Culturalrecognition months like Hispanic Heritage Monthhelp us reflect on what we are as Americans, a soci-ety composed of diverse cultures, backgrounds andbeliefs. As always, I encourage all of you to supportand attend any diversity events at your installationsand recognize that the Navy’s strength is a productof its diversity.Thank you all for participating in our recent DEO-

MI survey, since we’ve received the results, our teamhas been asking some of you follow-up questions togain additional insight into some of the issues youidentified, and the next steps will be to identify someways we can improve on those areas. Like I did lastyear, I’ll wind the effort up with feedback sessionsopen to all personnel. Thanks for your continued sup-port.That is all for now, keep charging.

Rear Admiral Markham K. RichCommandant, Naval District WashingtonDeputy Commander, Joint ForcesHeadquartersNational Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR)

Commandant’s Corner

The Journal Thursday, September 4, 2014 3

By Sharon Renee TaylorWRNMMC Public Affairs

staff writer

“You all are continuing to do amaz-ing work here at Walter Reed Bethesdaand National Capital Region. It’s criti-cal to do that work,” Army Nurse CorpsChief Maj. Gen. Jimmie O. Keenan,told military and civilian nurses whoattended the Aug. 6 town hall shehosted in Walter Reed National Mili-tary Medical Center’s Memorial Audi-torium.In her third visit to the Nation’s

Medical Center this year, the Army’stop nurse reviewed four issues she saidare pertinent to the WRNMMC nurs-ing staff. Keenan discussed leader de-velopment, evidence-based decisions,talent management and patient ad-vocacy. The major general called thempriorities for the Army, but indicatedthey’re priorities across military medi-cine.“When you talk about the profession

of arms … when we wear the uniform,we’re wearing the uniform as mem-bers of the military — whether it’s asa Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine,”Keenan told the nurses. “So with ev-ery member, that’s what we are first[service members], and then we’re anofficer or a non-commissioned officer,and then we’re a nurse or a physician.”She spoke of the nurses sharing

the same values as their patients whohave worn the uniform, and encour-aged them to look strategically aheadto where they may go next: humani-tarian missions, peace-keeping assign-ments or the combat zone.“And so we’ve got to think about

that as we move forward. We have tolook at how we remain relevant to sup-port our line forces — whether it’s ona ship, on a plane or on the ground,”Keenan said.

Town halls are critical to the nurs-ing body at WRNMMC to addressquestions concerning professional de-velopment and the future direction ofthe nursing profession in all services,explained Army Col. Joy Napper, de-partment chief, Health Education andTraining. She added town halls alsoprovide a forum for staff members toconduct self-examination as leadersare developed, both locally and in theDepartment of Defense.Napper said all levels of nursing

staff attend the town halls, includingmilitary and civilian registered nurs-es, licensed practical nurses, corps-men, and medics.“The overall feeling was genuinely

very positive and with deep apprecia-tion for Maj. Gen. Keenan’s frank andhonest conversation with all memberspresent,” Napper continued, addingshe believed the most important itemdiscussed at the recent town hall wasthe end strength of the Army NurseCorps. “In addition, she stressed thechief responsibility of senior nurseleaders is to professionally develop ourjunior officers assigned to this facilityto sustain a competitive record for pro-motion.”First Lt. Ilona Zamojda, a junior

nurse at WRNMMC, agreed.“She was pretty frank and honest

[and] stated the way forward, especial-ly addressing the issues we’re experi-encing with the [military] drawdownand how that’s affecting the nursecorps and promotion rates,” the lieu-tenant explained.“She was very positive, especially

when handing out awards, and askedeach individual, ‘What are your plans?What do you plan on doing?’ [She’s]definitely focused toward the futureand getting people that experience inthe military,” said Zamojda, a medical-surgical nurse.

Army’s Top Nurse Holds Town Hall

Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor

Army Nurse Corps Chief Maj. Gen. Jimmie O. Keenan (right) speaksto Walter Reed Bethesda nurses and other staff members during atown hall she hosted at the medical center on Aug. 6. “You all arecontinuing to do amazing work here...It’s critical to do that work,”Keenan said.


1042615


By Julie SmithNSAB Public Affairs

staff writer

In the pre-dawn hours of September17, 1862, the hillsides and farmlandsnear Sharpsburg, Md., were filled withanticipation as Union and Confederatetroops converged near Antietam Creekfor what would be the bloodiest day inAmerican military history.

At the conclusion of the 12-hourclash, nearly 23,000 soldiers were dead,wounded or missing, and several cur-rent military medical practices, bothclinical and operational, would comefrom that one grisly day of war.

That is what 170 medical studentsfrom the Uniformed Services Universityof the Health Sciences’ F. Edward He-bert School of Medicine (USU) set out toexplore during the university’s annualroad march across Antietam NationalBattlefield Aug. 21.

“Antietam was the bloodiest battle ofthe Civil War and a lot of medical les-sons were learned here,” Senior ChiefHospital Corpsman Keith Dow, coursenon-commissioned officer in chargesaid. “A lot was learned about healthservice support, including evacuation ofthe wounded, that we’re still teachingtoday. We learn from history.”

The three-mile battlefield march

included 10 stations where represen-tatives from the National Museum ofCivil War Medicine in Frederick, Md.,brought to life stories about the Battleof Antietam.

The museum’s education program-ming coordinator, Kyle Wichtendahl,was dressed as a battlefield doctor and

discussed mass casualty management,used for the first time during the Battleof Antietam.

“Battlefield medicine was created inthe aftermath of Antietam,” Wichten-dahl stated. “It may seem like it’s notrelevant because it was such a long timeago, but it is.”

Dr. Dale Smith, USU professor of mil-itary history, encouraged the studentswalking the battlefield to recognizewhere the modern principles of healthservice support came into play duringthe battle. Those six principles – confor-mity, proximity, flexibility, mobility, con-tinuity and control — assist in medicaloperational planning, he added.

“This gives us some tactical educationas well as operational-level educationusing history as an example becausemilitary officer education is still veryheavily historical,” Smith said. “This isa phenomenal learning experience thatwill make (the students) better staff of-ficers down the road.”

Smith called Maj. Jonathan Letter-man, the medical director for the Armyof the Potomac, “the greatest operation-al thinker in military medical history,”as a result of Letterman’s creation of asystem of care for the wounded, whichincluded the first organized ambulancecorps for medical evacuations just priorto the Battle of Antietam.

“The ambulances had been controlledby the quartermasters and the quarter-masters hired teamsters to drive them,”Smith continued. “Contract teamsterswere not particularly keen on going on tothe battlefield while a battle was ragingto retrieve the wounded. So Lettermanbegan to assign troops with litters andas soon as it was moderately safe, they’dgo in and begin to evacuate people.”

Letterman’s evacuation system alsoincluded triage stations, field hospitals

located close to the battlefield to stabi-lize the wounded, and a larger hospitalaway from the battlefield. It worked sowell, Smith said, that Congress wrote itinto law in 1864 and the system was of-ficially adopted by the U.S. Army.

According to Smith, medical knowl-edge was extremely primitive at thetime and battlefield amputations werea standard practice because gunshotwounds could easily get infected. It wasalso easier and less painful for troopsto be transported post-amputation.Wagons without suspensions bouncingalong muddy dirt roads were not kindto Soldiers with shattered or brokenbones, Smith added. A good surgeoncould complete an amputation in about10 minutes. The only options for surgi-cal anesthesia were chloroform or ether,which only reduced pain.

“It is gruesome to a modern mind; it’sthe best medicine that had ever beenpracticed in the history of the world atthat time,” Smith continued. “We areprone to forget that compared to thewar with Mexico 20 years earlier, therewere phenomenal medical advance-ments. And those amputations led to ahuge growth in the prosthetics industryafter the Civil War.”

The medical students also encoun-tered Marcie Schwartz, the museum’smedia director, dressed as Clara Barton.Known as “the angel of the battlefield,”Barton arrived at the Battle of Antie-tam around noon while intense fight-ing was still taking place. The medicalsupplies had run out, and field doc-tors were dressing wounds with cornhusks, Schwartz stated. But Barton hadbrought with her a wagon load of freshmedical supplies, food, clean clothes

USU Students Learn Medicine Through History

Photos by Julie Smith

National Museum of Civil War Medicine media director Mar-cie Schwartz shared how Clara Barton, a private citizen, arrivedaround noon during the battle with fresh medical supplies, food,clothing and lanterns.

Medical students from the Uni-formed Services University ofthe Health Sciences participatein a road march at Antietam Na-tional Battlefield Aug. 21. Thestudents were there to learnabout the origins of mass casu-alty management.

See USU page 10

1050006


By Mass CommunicationSpecialist 2nd Class (SW/AW/

IDW) Ashanté Hammons, NSABPublic Affairs staff writer

Working a typical Monday throughFriday schedule can feel like Ground-hog Day. The days consist of perus-ing through emails, completing tasks,drinking coffee, answering and makingphone calls, attending various meetingsand grabbing a quick lunch while goingto another meeting. When does anyonehave time for themselves?

Instead of spending lunchtime rush-ing to another meeting, the Morale,Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Fit-ness Center at Naval Support ActivityBethesda (NSAB) offers Les Mills’ pro-gram BODYSTEP™ class for a greatcardio workout.

“It makes for a great lunch break,”enthused Cristel Russell, program in-structor.” She adds it’s a good comple-ment to more intellectual work. “Few ofus have physical work to do on a dailybasis. Most of us are sitting and doingthings and that’s not good for our bod-ies. You need to work your body.”

Russell, who is a university profes-sor, looks forward to lunch in the after-noons after a busy morning. Workingout should not be painful or a chore, butshould be fun, she said. She explainedthat BODYSTEP is a great cardio work-out that works out the large muscles inthe body: hips, thighs, and other prob-lem areas. While the lower body is be-ing worked, Russell said that the coreis getting a workout as well as “we liftour knees.” Workout enthusiasts usea height-adjustable step and simplemovements on, over and around to mo-tivating, up-tempo music which createsa party atmosphere.

“It’s like an escape and then they getback to work,” said Russell. “They’re ox-ygenated and energized and able to getthrough the rest of the day. It makes memore productive in the afternoon duringthe work day.”

Russell leads the class to encompassdifferent fitness levels for everyone.Younger people may be really fit andthey are able to do jumps and have ahigh intensity workout. Yet, older peo-ple or people who have never workedout have to start at a lower intensity,she explained.

“I think they appreciate it becausethey feel like they can get a really goodwork out at their pace,” Russell added.“It’s their workout. I always tell themthat. It’s about them. I’m the instructor.I’m not here to show off or anything. I’mhere to make sure they get somethingout of the class.”

Jill McCarver, who is new to NSAB,enjoyed the class and would encourageothers to join the fun.

“I would definitely come back toBODYSTEP,” says McCarver. “I’ve triedother classes but I enjoy step the mostbecause it is challenging. Overall, it’s agreat workout.”

MWR Fitness will be offering BODYS-TEP, along with Water Zumba, Zumba,Hydro Spin and Body Pump classes forfree during the month of September.

BODYSTEP is offered every Thurs-day at the MWR Fitness Center from11:45 to 12:45.

For more information about MWRgroup fitness classes, contact Carrie Bi-dus at [email protected].

Take a Break and Get Your BODYSTEP On

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashante Hammons

Cristel Russell, BODYSTEP instructor, leads her class through an upbeat cardio workout with variousbody movements. BODYSTEP is offered every Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the MWRFitness Center.


1050011

The Journal6 Thursday, September 4, 2014 The Journal

By Mass Communication Specialist 2ndClass (AW) Chris Krucke

WRNMMC Public Affairs staff writer

Welcome to the Simulation Center (SIM Lab) at Wal-ter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC),an educational and training resource where the unrealcan take on a virtual life all its own.In the high-tech center, there are realistic manikins

with IVs, life-like organs and simulated skin offeringa variety of training, ranging from but not limited to,Emergency Medical Technician programs, suture, andset-up and sterile technique.Although the SIM Lab held its grand opening in Janu-

ary 2013 at WRNMMC, it actually traces its roots back14 years ago to 2000 at the Uniformed Service Univer-sity of the Health Sciences (USU), then in 2007 at theformerWalter Reed Army Medical Center and in 2011 atthe former National Naval Medical Center.Using life-like prosthetics, simulated veins pump

simulated blood through virtual reality task trainers sostudents can get a hands-on experience of what it wouldbe like to care for an actual human.

The high-fidelity manikins act as another learningtool in the SIM Lab. Different from those in-store dis-play manikins, the SIM Lab’s manikins are specificallydesigned for education and teaching and are completelyanatomically correct.“The Simulation Center is a tool that is used by a wide

variety of programs to optimize teaching for their learn-ers and staff.We are the hospital’s education center,” ex-plained Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Jeffrey Mikita, chief of theDepartment of Simulation.The lab also uses actors trained to play the role of a

specific patient, and is part of the National Capital Re-gion (NCR) Simulation Consortium, which includes theUniformed Services University and Fort Belvoir Com-munity Hospital Simulation Centers.“We provide multifaceted learning and training expe-

riences to the full continuum of health care professionalsin the NCR and beyond,” Mikita added.Navy Hospitalman 2nd Class Rachel Stone, an ad-

ministrative support specialist for the Department ofStrategic Communications, recently used the SIM Labfor training.“I know when I came from Corps ‘A’ School, I was ner-

vous about having real patient interaction,” Stone said.“I feel like the simulation lab creates a suitable environ-ment that can challenge the nervous learner and rein-force specific skill sets needed for true patient interac-tion.”One of the interactive classes Stone attended was the

suture training in which students used life-like skinmolds with lacerations for suturing.“We had a great instructor that taught us the basics

and then moved us up to more advanced techniques,”Stone said.Some of the techniques practiced were proper han-

dling of the surgical tools while hand tying a squareknot, and a surgeons knot, she added.According to Stone another aspect of the SIM Lab is

people can reserve a classroom and share their knowl-edge of what they learned in the facility.Stone, who hosted an IV training for three junior

corpsmen, continued, “This is also a great place for peo-ple to teach things that they have learned down rangeto others. There are a lot of unknowns when it comes todeploying, and I think the simulation lab should be usedmore frequently by people that are first time deployers.

I would love to come and answer any questions that firsttime deployers had to make them feel more comfortablewith the experience they are about to witness.”The IV training was designed to give the corpsmen

and medics practice on a simulated real-life vein by plac-ing tourniquets for vein access, and how to hold, insertand remove a needle. Also, students learned how to pre-pare an IV line, and what they should look for after theIV is placed to make sure it is in the vein, stated stone“Nothing will be able to replace the feeling of real flesh

other than real flesh, but I think the simulation lab doesa great job on providing realistic models and environ-ments to the enlisted and officers,” Stone said.Mikita explained the SIM Lab is beneficial to the mili-

tary because, “There is a substantial amount of evidencethat simulation training can save money as well as im-prove care. One of the direct benefits of improved care isthat it saves the medical system money by reducing theamount of care necessary.”To reserve space in the lab or to sign up for a class

at the Simulation Center, go to: http://www.jotform.co/form/32883893894880.

Sim Lab Offers Unique Real-Life Experiences

The trainer usessimulated veinspumping simulat-ed blood to trainstudents on howto properly insertthe needle and at-tach the IV.

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Krucke

HM2(IDW) Rachel Stone and HM2 Joseph Marcinkowski receive instruction from Dr. George McNamee of the UniformedServices University, on proper technique for handling instruments while suturing lacerations in the Simulation Center atWalter Reed Bethesda.

Hospital Corpsman Jeffrey Manahan uses a trainer to learn how to insert an IV.

A student inserts a needle for an IV in the IV trainer.

This anatomically correct baby manikin can be used inconjunction with the mother to simulate a wide varietyof birth complications.

Thursday, September 4, 2014 7


By Bernard S. LittleWRNMMC Public Affairs staff writer

Walter Reed Bethesda leadership met with staffand discussed upcoming physical readiness testingfor service members, budget issues, hiring actions andthe change to lower grade process impacting civilianemployees, during a town hall at the medical centeron Aug. 12.

“This is a good place,” Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Jeffrey B.Clark said to staff in describing Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center (WRNMMC) during the townhall. “We’re not perfect, [but] you keep making it bet-ter,” added the WRNMMC director.

He encouraged staff to continue to create patient-friendly experiences for beneficiaries and their fami-lies, and view situations from the perspectives of pa-tients and families.

“If the patient does complain about something, youthank them for that complaint and use it as an oppor-tunity to make positive change,” Clark added. “That’svery important.”

Patient-friendly service is also the driving princi-ple behind the establishment of the National CapitalRegion’s centralized appointing and referral manage-ment service for beneficiaries, called the IntegratedReferral Management and Appointing Center (IR-MAC) located at Fort Belvoir, Va., Clark continued. Headded WRNMMC is working to create standardizationof protocols and processes with IRMAC to improve ac-cess to care for beneficiaries.

PHYSICAL READINESS TRAININGAlso during the town hall, Army Capt. Janeen Ma-

thies, service chief for physical readiness training atWRNMMC, addressed the Navy Physical Fitness As-sessment (PFA) for Sailors scheduled to take place inOctober. She said medical waivers from Sailors aredue to Internal Medicine by Sept. 19, and Sailors’command weigh-ins/body composition assessmentswill be held from Oct. 6 through Oct. 17. Navy test-ing for directorates and units will be conducted fromOct. 20 through Nov. 14, and all Sailors must com-plete their weigh-ins prior to scheduling their test.

“We recommend [members] weigh-in early in or-der for them to get their desired date for testing,”

the captain continued, the alternative cardio testingoptions for Sailors are not an entitlement, and slotswill be given out on a first-come-first-served basis.In addition, make-ups for the PFA, scheduled forNov. 17 to Nov. 21, “are only for members who havedocumentation for their absence during the entirePFA cycle.”

Army Staff Sgt. Jamie Jackson, Troop Commandoperations and readiness non-commissioned officer,explained for Soldiers, the semi-annual Army Physi-cal Fitness Test (APFT) will be Oct. 6 through Oct.31, excluding Oct. 13 (Columbus Day). Testing willbe conducted Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6a.m., and 2 p.m., except during the last week of Oc-tober when testing will be Monday through Fridayat 6 a.m., and 2 p.m. Testing will be at the physicalactivity site behind the Uniformed Services Univer-sity. Height and weight check will be conducted inthe Troop Command Bldg. (147) Monday through

Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Friday from8 a.m. to noon. Height and weight checks must becompleted within 14 days of Soldiers’ APFT. Soldiersmust also bring a copy of their permanent profiles tothe APFT. Soldiers who bike or swim for the APFTmust make an appointment before the testing.

For more information about the physical readi-ness training (PRT), people can visit the PRT of-fice in Building 17B, third floor, Suite 3F, Mondaythrough Friday from 7:30 a.m. to noon, and from 1 to3 p.m. The phone number is 301-295-5502. The PRTwebsite can be found on the WRNMMC intranet athttps://www.wrnmmc.intranet.capmed.mil/Clinical-Support/PH/PRT/SitePages/Home.aspx.

BUDGET TALKSIn discussing the budget at the town hall, Cmdr.

Gordon Blighton, assistant chief of staff for resourc-es/comptroller at WRNMMC, provided an update onthe medical center’s posture. He said WRNMMC willhave a positive closeout for fiscal year 2014, and “weneed to continue on that process next fiscal year. Wewill need a continued focus on identifying savingswhile maintaining safe and quality patient care.” Headded contract reviews, supply management and ac-countability will continue in fiscal year 15 to ensureanother successful financial year for WRNMMC.

CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES CONCERNSFocusing on other civilian concerns, Clark said

WRNMMC will continue to look to better recruit-ment and hiring actions, as well as civilian leadershiptraining and opportunities. In addition, he discussedthe change to lower grade affecting some civilian po-sitions at WRNMMC. Initially, more than 90 civilianpositions at WRNMMC had been slated to change toa lower grade as a result of a civilian position reclas-sification process National Capital Region-Medical,required because of the 2005 Base Realignment andClosure law.

“We got that number down to 79 positions,” Clarkadded, explaining those employees were informed ofthe change to lower grade action Aug. 12, although itdoesn’t become effective until November. The generalsaid during that time, he and his staff will be lookingfor ways to minimize the impact of the action directlyaffecting those employees.

Clark concluded the town hall encouraging staff tocontinue to “accomplish our mission, take care of eachother and take care of our families.”

The next WRNMMC town hall will be Tuesday,Sept. 9 in Memorial Auditorium at 7 a.m., noon and3:30 p.m.

Town Hall Discussion Focuses on Patient-Friendly Efforts, Staff Concerns

Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey B. Clark, Walter ReedBethesda director, encourages staff to con-tinue to create patient-friendly experiencesfor beneficiaries and their families, during atown hall on Aug. 12 at the medical center.

the resources available, you and your family shouldbe better prepared, if and when the need arises. Ourmain goal is to help you be better prepared — not justthis month, but year-round.”

To register for America’s PrepareAthon and printout emergency and communication plan forms, visithttp://www.ready.navy.mil.

You can find more information on National Pre-paredness Month, potential hazards, and steps to pre-pare at www.Ready.Navy.mil, or contact Ready Navyby e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 202-433-9348, DSN 288-9348.

Follow Ready Navy on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ReadyNavy), Twitter (@ReadyNavy), YouTube,and Instagram.

READYContinued from pg. 1

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Photo Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashante Hammons

Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) Security teammembers participated in a Navy Security Operations Exercise Program (NSOXP)drill, Aug. 28. NSOXP drills are held monthly and focus on different security issues. “We alternate the training to keep our personneltrained and on their toes with the various aspects of security,” said Petty Officer First Class George Sangriu, a member of NSAB’s Secu-rity team. “In order to maintain the integrity of the drills, we only tell certain people what the next drill will be for the team.” NSOXPis designed to provide ashore and afloat commanders with an anti-terrorism assessment tool designed to evaluate watch standers andsmall unit leaders in meeting stated U.S. Navy mission essential task-based measures of performance.


1043225


and lanterns. With no formal medicaltraining, she worked alongside medi-cal personnel non-stop for three daysbefore collapsing from exhaustion.

“During the night, some of thesurgical assistants abandoned theirposts, and Clara stepped in to assist inan amputation,” Schwartz said. “Shecared for both Confederate and Unionwounded. A human life was a humanlife to her.”

Militarily, the Battle of Antietamwas a draw, but President AbrahamLincoln considered it a victory, andjust days later issued a proclamationthat he would free all slaves in anystate that did not reestablish them-selves as part of the Union by Jan. 1,1863. The Confederate states did notcooperate, and the Emancipation Proc-lamation took effect.

For medical student Ensign AlecKersey, spending the day at Antietamwas a reminder of where tactical com-bat casualty care began.

“They were onto the concepts ofour current medical systems and usemany of the same principles we go bytoday,” Kersey said. “It’s the founda-tion of how we do medicine during wartime. It’s a privilege being out here.”

USUContinued from pg. 4

Photo by Julie Smith

Dressed as a Civil War-era bat-tlefield doctor, Kyle Wichten-dahl, an educational program-ming director from the NationalMuseum of Civil War Medicine,talks with USUmedical students.

Excerpt from ‘The Battle of Antietam,’Unknown, printed in Harper’s Weekly, July4, 1863

Two who have stood up hand inhand,

Brothers today as in years gone by,When, on the slopes of the Northern

land,Was braided closely each separate

strand,Of their lives in a perfect, golden

band,Close to each other lie.“Tom,” says the elder, wiping slowFrom his comrade’s lips the crimson

stain,“Does the thirst torment you now?”“Oh no!” Says the other, with broken

voice and low,“My wounds stopped bleeding an

hour ago,And now I am free from pain.”

T6618090

Rockville

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