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NMCB 4 Seabee Provides Healthcare to Local Population

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070717-04
Release Date: 7/17/2007 3:31:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SCW/SW/AW) Steve Bansbach, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Public Affairs

PALAU, Guam (NNS) -- Moving the Earth, constructing buildings and reinventing villages are everyday occurrences within Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, but construction is not the only thing Seabees provide; on the island of Palau the Seabees also provide basic healthcare and medical assistance.

Since April 12, more than 1,400 patients have been seen by Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SCW) Jason Schwieterman, building strong ties with the local population on the island of Palau.

One of the main objectives of the Civic Action Team (CAT) Palau is to provide Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) support to the community. By doing this, Schwieterman helps form a bond between the military and the local community, establishing medical service for the island.

“While the Seabees are here to provide an infrastructure, I get to see the people on an individual basis,” Schwieterman said. “I get to talk one on one with them and they see that we are very sincere in the care we provide.”

The local hospital is about one hour away, and the clinical service Schwieterman provides saves the community a lot of time. Additionally, Schwieterman also provides a MEDCAP heading out to local villages. Before heading out, Schwieterman’s apprentice helps out by contacting local community leaders and having them spread the word about his visit.

“She has been a tremendous help,” Schwieterman said. “Without her help, I would be here until midnight, just based on the shear volume of patients. Plus it helps that she is a Palauan national, so she knows where to go and can speak to the locals to help put them at ease.”

Having local nationals help out is crucial during this deployment. Schwieterman is able to administer care to patients anywhere from two years old and up, saying that it is difficult sometimes to administer care to younger patients.

“Some of the locals are very shy because it is their first time talking to an American; others just fear doctors in general. My apprentice helps them loosen up and talk about what is bothering them so I can diagnose the problem,” said Schwieterman.

Schwieterman loves his job and feels there is a personal touch with the care he provides to local nationals. He mostly provides care for colds, cuts and immunizations, but he has seen some serious lacerations and some coral injuries. Schwieterman and the rest of the CAT Palau team are set to turnover in mid October.