Medical Reservists With Hill Air Force Base Deployed To New York City
Apr 5, 2020, 9:34 PM | Updated: 10:35 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Medical reservists with Hill Air Force Base’s 419th Fighter Wing Medical Squadron have been deployed to help with the surge of COVID-19 patients in New York City.
Majors Katherine Trout and Jimmy Jones left Salt Lake City Sunday afternoon as part of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump to help fight the novel coronavirus in hard-hit areas.
“I’m not nervous at all about going. No,” Trout said. “We are being mobilized to the East Coast to help out with the COVID-19 situation.”
The call came on Saturday, leaving the reservists less than 24 hours to prepare.
“Being utilized in any way that can help, not just with the people of New York, but anywhere in the country is quite an honor to be selected,” Jones said.
Trout and Jones were among the first wave of reservists sent to New York because they have expertise in high-pressure medical scenarios.
Reservists from the Hill Air Force Base @419fw Medical Squadron have been deployed to New York City. They’ll be helping patients with #coronavirus issues. We’re doing a story on these reservists for @KSL5TV tonight at 5 and 10. #ksltv pic.twitter.com/Ar3WGXoeJ1
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) April 5, 2020
Ask any reservist, though, and they’ll tell you they’re always ready.
“Well, sure. Everybody’s got nerves, you know?” Jones said. “Honestly, standing in front of the cameras makes me more nervous than going there.”
Jones, who works fulltime in the civilian world as a nurse practitioner in Pocatello, Idaho, has experience from being deployed to Hurricane Katrina.
“It’s nice to have been in service long enough to be used again in this capacity,” he said.
Trout works fulltime as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit in Salt Lake City.
“As medical professionals, we’re always exposed to possible infections. Anybody can be infectious at any time,” she said. “I have been in the medical field for a long time and have deployed several times in the military. I’m definitely prepared.”
It’s going to be hard work in a tough environment, but they both said they can’t wait to get going.
“Do I want to get this? No. But I think if we do all of the things that we’ve trained to do, I think we’re going to be fine,” Jones said.
Their deployment order is for 180 days, but they could return home earlier if the situation isn’t as urgent in the future.
More reservists from Hill Air Force Base’s 419th Medical Squadron could also be called if more help is needed.
Coronavirus Resources
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- Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
- What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
- What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
- Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
- The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
- Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?
How Do I Prevent It?
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- Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Additional Resources
If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.
