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Sickbay treating more than just the physical

NEW YORK (USTCNS) --- At a time when these men and women aren't thinking about their own health, USNS Comfort is providing a medical clinic for all the disaster relief workers that come aboard to take a break from the tragedy surrounding them.

A team of 17 medical personnel keeps the medical department staffed and ready to serve anyone who walks through their doors at anytime, day or night.

"We are mainly treating people with upper-respiratory infections, dehydration or blisters on their feet," said Navy Hospital Corpsman Jason Kiel who usually works at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.

Kiel continued, "This weekend two cops came in. One had passed out from dehydration, and the other blew his knee out while helping the first one. They were both really worn out...crying from the stress of the last week, and they looked defeated," he said.

"They started telling us their story...everyone that comes on board has his/her own incredible story. They told us they had lost two fellow police officers from their department. It seemed like it was the first time they broke down and let it all out," said Kiel.

"That evening they came back with their entire crew. They gave everyone in our department a NYPD ball cap and a patch from NYPD Firearms and Tactics section," Kiel paused for a moment before continuing. "Our Executive Officer, Navy Cmdr. Bess Harrahill came down while they were all here; it was like a ceremony, telling us all thanks for being here. Everyone took pictures. They were all smiling and happy. It seemed like the first time they had smiled in a week.

"We were all smiling too...I feel like we are actually helping. I'm proud and honored to be working with all these great people," said Kiel.

He continued talking about how his parents in Idaho Falls, Idaho, tell him they are proud of him whenever they talk to him. "My family just wants to hear that we're okay and not in any danger. They also want the inside scoop on everything that is going on. I think everyone does.

"My wife, Erica, is scared to death. She wants me to come home, but she knows that I need to be here. I'll stay as long as we can be of any help to anyone. Right now we are seeing about 25-35 people each day other than the Comfort crew," he said.

So as these disaster relief workers are able to take a break and head towards the USNS Comfort, they can go with knowledge that for maybe the first time in a week their personal medical concerns will be given the attention they need.

(FROM MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND)

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