SFC Christopher Blackwell TNANG spoke about the differences between emergency medicine in the battlefield and in civilian life at the Nancy Ward Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution March luncheon. Sgt. Blackwell, who is an EMT in Chattanooga , serves the same role with the National Guard.
He has served in the Middle East a number of times and is versed on the differences that the military faces. He had a power-point presentation that gave the ladies present an idea of what you must have with you in a war zone. It is much different than a civilian emergency unit. He said that obviously they must be prepared at all times for much more serious injuries and, at the same time, be able to act quickly to save lives. Civilian EMTs have the same commitment but the injuries do not come so quickly and with the constant severity.
SFC Blackwell is the husband of first Vice Regent, Natalie Blackwell.