KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 8th Medical Group showcased their capabilities during a visit from Air Force Medical Service leadership here Sept. 25, 2018.

U.S. Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Dorothy A. Hogg and the Medical Enlisted Chief, Chief Master Sgt. G. Steve Cum, made a point during their time at the Wolf Pack to meet the staff at the clinic and see what the medical group has to offer, such as the Shelter-in-place First Aid Kit (SFAK).

During Hogg’s visit, Kunsan medical personnel presented their distinguished guests with a demonstration of the SFAK, a tool they developed that allows personnel to have access to medical supplies in situations where a medic is not available or present during emergencies, such as active shooters or a severe natural disaster. Each kit is capable of treating up to 100 people and the 8th MDG is working on making these standardized across Pacific Air Force locations, and eventually service-wide.

“This kind of capability is extremely important in locations like Kunsan where there is always a possibility of conflict but really the SFAK is applicable anywhere,” said Capt. Czar Joseph Roda, 8th Medical Group resource manager and commander support staff flight commander. “Medical personnel won’t always be able to reach you, or may have to prioritize treating people. This kit allows anyone with basic medical knowledge, such as self-aid and buddy care, to be able to provide medical support until professionals arrive and can take over.”

The 8th MDG highlighted their various clinics and the staff that operates them, providing world class medical care to all of the military personnel on Kunsan. Hogg was briefed on the capabilities of the medical group’s contingency medical support operations, being able to support a large influx of military members in the event that conflict arises.

“The future of the AFMS lies with the young medical Airmen just starting in their careers,” said Hogg. “I meet so many of them, and I am always impressed by their enthusiasm and commitment to our patients and their mission. The way forward is defined by our continued Trusted Care culture.”

General Hogg held an all call, where she praised the 8th MDG for their outstanding professionalism and hard work, along with laying out her priorities as the Surgeon General.

“Our readiness mission will remain the most important aspect of Air Force Medicine,” Hogg said. “Supporting warfighters is the reason we have medics in uniform, and we will continue to be responsive to our combatant commanders to provide them with the deployable medical support they need.”