86th AES wins big with innovation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jimmie D. Pike
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Airmen assigned to the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron received two checks totaling $71,200 dollars from the 86th Airlift Wing Innovation Office on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 11, 2019.

Separate teams within the 86th AES pitched ideas and procedures to improve work center operations while also cutting costs and saving the Air Force money.

Members of the Simulation and Technology Element received $63,500 dollars for their plan for a Simulation Learning Center Certification. To receive the certification, the element will buy an audiovisual system enabling them to record and analyze clinical simulations learning activities. The training platform will also receive upgrades such as airline seating, paint supplies, and LED lighting strips.

“It is important for our aeromedical evacuation crew members to train how they ‘fight,’” said Maj. Jeremy Hicks, 86th AES clinical nurse specialist. “Our clinical simulation training is a proven platform for enhancing health care provider competency, skills, and teamwork, thereby improving patient outcomes. Being able to provide clinical simulations with real-world scenarios in an area resembling actual aircraft cargo compartments, will better prepare our flight nurses and aeromedical technicians to provide patient care.”

To further improve operations within the squadron, the Training Flight received $7,700 dollars to transfer their paper publications on to an electronic system.

“Currently our aeromedical evacuation crews carry approximately 60 points of documentation and medical literature essential to providing quality medical care in addition to their equipment,” said Staff Sgt. Devon Bernal, 86th AES aeromedical evacuation technician. “Our initiative, once implemented, will greatly assist our crews in completing the mission by making our resources more accessible and saving space.”

Airmen submitting innovative ideas enable the force to constantly adapt and improve in an ever changing environment. Members of the 86th AES understand this and plan to tackle every challenge with innovative thinking.

“The squadron innovation funds won’t go away, so we will continue to bring new and innovative ideas to the table to improve our work centers,” said Col. Ronald Jones, 86th AES commander. “Our future innovations will continue to improve processes to save time, money, and overall save lives.”