Medical Logistics cares for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Healthcare institutions depend on having the proper supplies, equipment and environment needed for medical operations. The medical clinic here works to ensure each patients needs are met.

The 509th Medical Support Squadron's medical logistics technicians provide supplies and equipment for patient care of 11,000 active-duty members, dependants and retirees, keeping Airmen fit to fight.

Three units under the Medical Logistics flight work as the backbone of the clinic, bringing care to the base populace; medical logistics, medical maintenance and facility management.

Medical Logistics

Medical logistics specialists help the clinic run smoothly by providing supplies and equipment to take care of the base population.

"Medical logistics is a vital component of the healthcare delivery system," said Sergeant Chad Coffelt, 509th Medical Support Squadron NCO in charge of medical logistics.

"Medical logistics specialists are highly skilled professionals responsible for preparation and maintenance of manual and computerized accountable medical material records."

They also receive, store, safeguard and account for supplies and medical equipment used to meet the mission of all hospital organizations.

"Once we know what a section needs, we place the order with our provider and receive it the next morning, ready to stock," said Sergeant Coffelt. "If it is an equipment order, we have Medical Maintenance ensure it works properly."

Medical logistics maintains a steady flow of orders and provides supplies for maintenance to perform their job.

Medical Maintenance

The medical maintenance department repairs and calibrates all equipment to the manufacturer's specification to ensure accurate diagnostic results for the doctors to accurately diagnose the patient.

"We work on all medical equipment including x-ray, dental, vital signs monitors and physical therapy equipment," said Master Sgt. Victor Faignant, 509th MDSS medical logistics superintendent and prior medical maintenance technician.

In order for medical logistics and medical maintenance to perform their job, facility management ensures the clinic is hazard free and sanitized at all times.

Facility Management

Facility management ensures a safe, hazard free, climate control environment for staff and patients.

"Their goal is to maintain standards for healthcare and be the local point for security and safety," said David Cox, 509th MDSS data sustainment specialist. "They perform safety inspections within the unit to ensure patients have the best clinic possible."

Facility Management runs daily operations such as housekeeping and maintenance on restrooms, elevators and telephones.

"We are like the civil engineers of the clinic," said Donald Munson, 509th MDSS facility manager. "We have seven night crew members that mop, vacuum, take out the trash and ensure the clinic is clean."

These three branches come together to try to keep Airmen healthy to fly, fight and win.
"Knowing the part I play helps keep people alive is the most rewarding part of my job," said Sergeant Coffelt.