Not in Kansas Anymore...

Most days here, I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Can you just imagine the headline: "16 yr Air Force NP whisked away by tornado to the Dark Side"? I haven't touched a real patient in three months. I have managed to "simulate" some impressive traumatic-wound care, usually overseen by cadre with no medical background. One of my fellow providers laughed that she could have said just about anything and, as long as it was said with confidence, the observers would laud her performance!

What have I been doing? I have learned how to shoot a long rifle and a pistol (and done a pretty good job at it!). I have called fire commands to a gunner while riding in a HMMWV (and out-performed several Army teams). I have endured foot marches, daily physical training and radio courses. We have even undergone HMMWV rollover training in an impressively designed simulator. And, right now, I am currently living in a drafty tent, sleeping on a cot while manning a simulated FOB (forward operating base).

Tomorrow, my medics and I finally get to do our jobs. Tomorrow we are in charge of "base defense" and, as part of our responsibilities, we will be standing up an aid station to care for the simulated injuries we expect to sustain. We have reconned our assigned building, prepositioned some supplies, planned for some staff training on our responsibilities and gathered some supplies to simulate treatment. We are giddy with excitement! After a month and a half of "playing Army," we get our chance to show our stuff.

Yes, we are definitely NOT in Kansas anymore, but tomorrow we just might get a chance for a day trip back to visit. I'll let you know how it goes!