Kyrgyz medical students meet Manas medics, more

  • Published
  • By Maj. Adriane Craig
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE --  Kyrgyz students from a local medical lyceum toured the base Wednesday to see how American and coalition forces are organized and equipped to handle medical situations here.

The students, ranging from 17-19 years of age, saw the 376th Expeditionary Medical Group when they visited the base clinic and heard from Air Force medical professionals about American military medical care. Capt. Sarah Evans, a nurse deployed from Spangdahlem AB, showed the students the patient care areas, dental office and operating room that make up the medical tent and trailer complex.

The group also had the opportunity to hear about the Spanish aeromedical evacuation capability. Cabo Primero (Senior Airman) Alejandro Del Cerro and Comandante (Major) Cristina Ibanez explained the high-tech equipment and skilled personnel ready to support downrange operations. The detachment here is capable of transporting critical care patients from Afghanistan who must quickly be moved to more robust medical facilities.

Last on the agenda was hands-on instruction from the 376th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department where Staff Sgt. Joseph Nye led a demonstration of the equipment firefighters use for emergency response. Several students participated in the demo, donning the firefighters' equipment or serving as victims.

Larisa Koshmanova, the teacher who arranged the tour, said she was happy the students visited the base, and all were surprised by what they saw.

"I did not expect that a military base could be that interesting. Most of the kids are future doctors and it was very helpful for them to visit," Ms. Koshmanova said. "They were impressed by the hospital and the equipment the doctors use in their daily work."

Interacting with the service members also gave the Kyrgyz students a glimpse into military life.

"I was very impressed by the way American government takes care of their service members," Ms. Koshmanova said. "They have all the necessities for carrying out their service efficiently."

Military members were equally impressed with the students, especially Captain Evans. "The students were wonderful, they seemed very interested in what we do here. All were very attentive and asked a lot of important questions pertaining to our job."

Explaining the hospital mission to the students went beyond the typical tour of the base facility.

"Giving back is what we should do for our young students," Captain Evans said, "And being in a totally different country and have the opportunity to do that, it was awesome."