The Hachinohe City Hospital saved the life of a Misawa Air Base Airman who sustained life-threatening injuries after a major vehicle accident near Misawa Air Base, July 28, 2022.
The Airman was in critical condition after the car he was in crashed into a pole, severely damaging the passenger side of the vehicle. As soon as emergency services arrived, they assessed his injuries and immediately took him to the neighboring city’s hospital. Once he arrived, he had to undergo surgery to be stabilized.
After surgery, the hospital had him stay a few days to be monitored. A second surgery was needed, and a specialist from Sendai was called in to operate.
A few days later, he was stable enough for air transportation and was taken back to the U.S. to recover with his family.
With Misawa AB being a remote overseas base, there is a reliance on the off-base hospital that has more capabilities handling trauma care and providing specialist surgeons. The support presented from Misawa AB host nation is vital for every Airmen on installation to continue the partnered mission of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
To show the hospital the appreciation Misawa AB has for saving the life of the Airman, his leadership team Maj. Stephen Rose, 35th Maintenance Squadron (MXS) commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Donald Parker, 35th MXS acting enlisted leader, went to the hospital to thank the staff and present a letter of appreciation on behalf of Col. Michael Richard, 35th Fighter Wing commander, Sept. 16, 2022.
“We can’t do our mission here without the continued support of the local population,” said Rose. “The critical role they played here with urgency and process saved his life.”
Rose and Parker also presented the Hachinohe City Hospital staff who were involved in the operation with squadron coins and snacks.
“The Airman came in with serious injuries and in critical condition,” said Dr. Tatsuya Nodagahira, Hachinohe City Hospital Emergency Room chief. “But we were able to give him the proper care he needed, and we’re all happy he made it out okay.”