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2nd MDOS operates within the golden hour

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luke Hill
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
An ambulance speeds past, flashing its lights hoping that medical personnel on board can meet the deadline of the golden hour.

The golden hour refers to a time period of one hour, or less, following a traumatic injury during which there is the highest likelihood that medical treatment may prevent death.

Barksdale’s 2nd Medical Operations Squadron team of paramedics stand ready to provide emergency medical care to ensure that patients receive treatment as quickly as possible.

“If you can get the patient to the emergency room door within the first hour to start treatment, then you’re doing a great job,” said Tech. Sgt. Richard Renfroe, 2nd MDOS ambulance services medical technician, “Thankfully, we operate within that window most of the time.”

Paramedics often practice their response times, patient diagnoses, and treatments to more successfully remain within the golden hour.

“We are always ready when 911 calls out,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Williamson, 2nd MDOS paramedic. “We are treating a patient within 12 minutes of a call, no matter where it is on base.”

Within the golden hour is the platinum 10 minutes. A paramedic has 10 minutes with a patient to resolve 90% of what needs to be taken care of and provide the patient with a much greater chance of survival.

“The platinum 10 minutes are crucial,” said Justin Durfee, 2nd MDOS civilian paramedic. “You have to make sure the scene is safe, keep yourself and the patient calm, and diagnose and begin treatment. Remaining calm is very important and makes things go a lot smoother.”

A key to having an effective platinum 10 is to have effective people skills, according to Renfroe.

“People skills help with diagnosing a patient and keeping them calm,” said Renfro. “The calmer a patient is will allow a medic to make a diagnosis and begin treatment faster.”

Barksdale’s 2nd MDOS paramedic teams operate with speed and proficiency and are prepared at all times to respond to medical emergencies and to provide treatment, all within the golden hour.