MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- As COVID-19 restrictions reach into the ninth month, operations at Minot Air Force Base have not stopped due to the diligent and innovative efforts of the 5th Medical Group. Throughout 2020, the medical team and augmentees have met the challenges of COVID head on, allowing Team Minot to meet the demands of the mission. The Medical Group has implemented innovative ways to provide medical care and mitigate COVID exposure.
In order to expand COVID testing capabilities at the clinic, the 5th MDG teamed up with the 5th Civil Engineering Squadron to convert a garage into a drive up/walk through testing station. Additional coordination established trailers just outside the COVID testing garage to aid in treating those with COVID symptoms without exposing personnel in the main medical building. Both the garage and trailers are fitted with air filtration systems as well to reduce airborne COVID transmission.
With on-going disease spread, the need for timely and consistent COVID testing was also identified. The medical team established routine weekly pre-deployment testing for ICBM operators and Missile Security teams. This effort ensures our ICBM force is healthy and nuclear mission capable at all times.
The 5th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron’s Dental Flight worked along-side flights such as Facilities and Bioenvironmental Engineering to install air scrubbers and establish supplementary measures to ensure the safety of patients and staff for dental visits. These efforts were especially effective to mitigate aerosol-generating dental procedures. Additionally, zippered doors were installed to enclose patient rooms and maintain the cleanliness of the air of the dental clinic. Continuous air sampling ensures effective ventilation and air changeover to reduce potential COVID transmission.
Additionally, the 5th OMRS Public Health team transitioned to a seven day operations schedule to conduct contact tracing for all positive cases and close contacts. Public Health expanded their team by 25 percent using medical personnel from other sections and other active duty volunteers to meet the case load. They often work into the night to ensure that all positive cases are contacted and isolated the same day test results are in.
The 5th Healthcare Operations Squadron’s Pharmacy team combated patient exposure by developing a drive up pharmacy. This allows patients to receive their medications while minimizing traffic in the medical building. The Laboratory team also transitioned to seven day operations, allowing COVID testing and processing to continue without interruption. They can process hundreds of COVID tests per day and ensure timely results are delivered back to patients and primary care managers.
When it comes to having to treat those dealing with symptoms, the primary care teams (doctors, physician assistants, nurses, technicians) deliver direct care for COVID patients. They work tirelessly in full protective gear to listen to lungs and hearts, evaluate patient symptoms, and test and treat them as well. Having this high quality and timely care on base reduces the number of patients who may need urgent or emergency department care. Additionally, primary care providers increased their virtual appointment availability. This allows patients to talk to their providers about medication or chronic conditions from home without increasing physical exposure. Even non-primary care providers have transitioned to support the COVID care effort. For example, the 5th MDG physical therapists cover acute musculoskeletal needs which frees up primary care providers to triage respiratory symptoms associated with COVID.
The 5th MDG provides support to both on and off base beneficiaries. If an off base resident requires on base COVID testing, the medical team works with the 5th Security Forces Squadron to adjust gate operations to allow beneficiaries on base while minimizing exposure to main gate defenders. This includes notifying the gate personnel of the vehicles and other identifiers for those who would be coming on base for testing. Taking all these additional precautions and steps allow the continuation of those beneficiaries to receive care and keep our defenders safe from exposure.
Looking beyond standard appointments and medical needs, the 5th MDG continued to adapt to meet demands of both exercises and deployments. Public Health worked closely with those deployed during RED and GREEN FLAG exercises as well as the Bomber Task Force during their 14 day Restriction of Movement. They went above and beyond from established requirements to ensure proper symptom tracking and the wellness of all those deployed
During the operational readiness exercise GLOBAL THUNDER, Public Health adjusted exercise operations to minimize potential spread for participants. They analyzed areas for potential risk and implemented new maximum occupancy recommendations as well as pre-exercise restriction of movement to prevent COVID infiltration into the exercise. The 5th Bomb Wing led coordination with the 2nd Bomb wing to optimize mitigation methods during all exercise operations.
Though COVID-19 has brought many challenges for all of us, the mission never stops. In these unprecedented circumstances it is important to not overlook all those who work non-stop to keep giving high-quality medical care and enable our people to accomplish the mission. The people of the 5th MDG remain persistent in confronting new and existing COVID-19 hurdles. As things continue to change and new obstacles develop they will continue to adjust to overcome them and keep Team Minot strong.
Next Friday on Dec. 18th 2020, we will be honoring our medical professionals for a Medical Professionals Appreciation Day to highlight all the incredible and tireless work they have done in the battle against COVID-19.