As we as Americans spend this Memorial Day weekend transitioning from Spring to Summer least we not forget those who have laid down the ultimate sacrifice that allows our freedom. A way of life that we enjoy and are blessed should never be taken for granted nor forgotten as to its ultimate price that was paid by so many in assuring our freedom.
In the military conflicts of both past and present the delivery of medical care for those individuals protecting our freedom has evolved along with the technological advances in both equipment and clinical technique. The development of field deployable medical equipment during World War II paved a new pathway in the delivery of healthcare services to those injured within the hostile combat environment. Towards the end of WW II the first field hospitals which became to be known as “MASH” units (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) emerged as new technology in the delivery of medical services to the soldier in the field. The Navy developed hospital ships as another form of field deployable and transport care for those military personnel injured while serving in harms way. The need for medical equipment repair personnel began to become visible.
The roots of today’s HTM service professional can clearly be traced back to the military era’s of the 1940’s and 50’s. These first pioneers of our industry began the journey and as medical equipment technology advanced so did the needed skill sets and stretch of responsibility of the HTM service professional. Three branches of the military – Air Force, Army and the Navy developed the formal training education curriculums and set the stage of integration into the civilian hospital environments of later years to follow. Those military HTM professionals may have trained at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver, Colorado or today’s Medical Education Technician Campus at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas.
So during this annual Memorial Day remembrance period, spend some time reflecting and be thankful for the freedom as Americans we enjoy each and every day. Thank a veteran for that and support our current day protectors of freedom as they continue on with that enabling which sometimes may become blurred in the day to day hustle and bustle of life. Be thankful for the HTM career path you have chosen which enables you in being a contributor back to humanity. You can “Thank” a veteran or active duty military HTM professional for that honor and contribution as well!