Guard members learn the ropes at Inland Hospital

PHOTO: Maine National Guard members Pfc. Heather Kervin (Army) and Staff Sgt. Devin Lincoln (Air Force) with Courtney Cook, RN, who assists with the monoclonal antibody clinic, where the two will be assisting. (Submitted photo)

WATERVILLE — Maine National Guard members Pfc. Heather Kervin (Army) and Staff Sgt. Devin Lincoln (Air Force) have deployed at Northern Light Inland Hospital as part of the guard’s deployment to non-clinical roles to help Maine hospitals deal with the surge in admissions related to COVID-19.

Kervin said deployed members took an online temporary nurse aid course in addition to an all-day infection prevention training, where guard members were taught how to properly use personal protective equipment, were fitted for N95 masks and completed additional training.
The Guard members will work in the hospital’s monoclonal antibody clinic under the supervision of facility nursing staff. Courtney Cook, RN, director of birthing who assists with the MAB clinic, and Yvette Bernier, RN, helped both guard members upon arrival at Inland Hospital, instructing them on how to restock supplies, escort patients to and from the MAB clinic, disinfect, take patient vitals, and observe patients during and after their MAB treatment.
“We are so grateful for their help,” Cook said. “It takes a half hour for a treatment during which a nurse administers the monoclonal antibody infusion, and then the COVID-19 patient needs to be observed for an hour after the treatment is finished.” Having additional people trained to do observation means more patients can be treated each day, she said.
Northern Light Inland Hospital President Terri Vieira thanked Maine National Guard for helping out. “We are all in this fight together,” she said. “With COVID-19 surging, please mask, keep six feet apart, frequently wash or sanitize your hands, and get vaccinated and boosted.”