MEDIA CONTACT:
Christa Hyson, MPH
Senior Manager, External Relations
(513) 247-5254
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Operation Cincinnati S.M.A.R.T. Graduates Save Lives, Transcend Expectations
CINCINNATI – On May 17, The Health Collaborative (THC) hosted the third graduation ceremony for Operation Cincinnati S.M.A.R.T. (Strategic Medical Assets Readiness Training). 28 Active, Reserve, and Guard personnel representing the U.S. Army graduated from the unique training program. S.M.A.R.T. is an innovative, strategic partnership between the U.S. military and regional healthcare systems designed to prevent skill atrophy and build civilian/military relationships while strengthening community ties. The program began in August of 2018.
Four THC member hospitals: The Christ Hospital Health Network, Mercy Health, TriHealth, and UC Health provide specialized training to S.M.A.R.T. participants. Experiential learning opportunities include accompanying paramedics on ambulance calls, working alongside emergency department personnel, and shadowing specialties such as radiology, laboratory technology, dental treatment, mental health, and others.
During this round of S.M.A.R.T. three soldiers went above the call of duty – and saved lives. At TriHealth, SPC Trevor Guthrie from 1209th Area Support Medical Company in New Mexico, assisted a patient with a life-threatening injury and his actions helped save the patient’s life. SPC Guthrie remarked, “I did the same thing any of the other medics would do.”
This situation highlights the continued importance of this initiative in supporting our Military and Healthcare communities. A letter was written to the Military on behalf of SPC Guthrie by the Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director, Dr. James Schrichten, voicing his “deep gratitude” and that SPC Guthrie “…is to be commended to the highest degree and is a shining example of our Military and our future.”
At The Christ Hospital, SPC Roberto Sandoval and PFC RaeJean Lucero, also members of the 1209th Area Support Medical Company in New Mexico, were walking back to their hotel after completing a shift when a woman approached, explaining she had just been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, they found an unconscious man on the ground who was a part of the two-car collision.
SPC Sandoval and PFC Lucero immediately began life-saving measures by performing chest compressions and maintaining an open airway for approximately five minutes. The two displayed outstanding communication and teamwork until local EMS arrived on scene. Their actions directly contributed to an increase in survivability and ultimately saved this man’s life. The Christ Hospital awarded each service member with the Lifesaver Award. The award was presented to them by Debbie Hayes, Chief Operation Officer, and Dr. Michael Jennings, Chief Clinical Officer.
SPC Guthrie, PFC Lucero, and SPC Sandoval all received the Army Achievement Medal from Brigadier General Joseph A. Marsiglia. Brig. Gen. Marsiglia is the Assistant Surgeon General for Mobilization, Readiness and Army Reserve Affairs as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee for the Office of the Surgeon General, as well as the Deputy Commanding General for Army Reserve Medical Command. The Army Achievement Medal is presented to service members for outstanding achievement in a non-combat area.
The next class for Operation Cincinnati S.M.A.R.T. will arrive in Cincinnati in August of 2019.
Read more about these heroic service members on the THC blog and the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
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About The Health Collaborative: The Health Collaborative is a non-profit organization that leads data-driven improvements that result in healthier people, better care and lower costs. For more information about The Health Collaborative, visit healthcollab.org.
