Naval Hospital Oak Harbor (NHOH) resumed sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) services, May 9.
Recently a team of doctors, nurses and hospital corpsmen volunteered to be members of the NHOH Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) team to provide 24/7 on-call forensic examinations for victims.
The SAFE team received a 40-hour training course taught by Cmdr. Cynthia Ferguson, a certified sexual assault nurse examiner.
“This training helps us meet our mission of caring for people and helps Sailors and family members after one of the most traumatic events they can experience,” said Capt. Edward Simmer, NHOH commanding officer, to the attendees. “Your dedication and hard work may well save a life.”
In a recent blog post by Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, U.S. Navy surgeon general and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, he said the Navy is increasing the capability to provide timely, readily accessible medical-forensic examinations
“Last month, we made revisions to Navy Medicine policy establishing training requirements for health care providers to conduct SAFE examinations,” said Nathan. “Standardized SAFE increases capability and improves the patient experience. Standardization also allows for consistent evidence collection and reporting whether it is at one of our military treatment facilities at home or in a forward-deployed operational area.”
Also during the training, Naval Criminal Investigative Service Agents, victim advocates, a legal officer, the chaplain, and a forensic psychiatrist also shared their expertise.
“This training has been very informative,” said Lt. Elyse Braxton, a member of the 24/7 SAFE team. “It will be invaluable in our ability to provide a full spectrum of care to any victims of sexual assault who may present to our facility.”
The training used high fidelity mannequins and included how to perform examinations on alleged perpetrators of sexual assault.
Great emphasis has been placed on sexual assault prevention and response in an effort to eliminate this criminal act of violence and ensure proper care for victims.
The medical community plays a significant role in responding to victims of sexual assault and each victim is offered a medical exam that includes forensic evidence collection, and patients are also offered treatment and counseling options.
Until now, NHOH had contracted with Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash., to provide these services.
Active duty service members and beneficiaries 18 years or older are eligible for these services.
For more information call 877-995-5247.
Submitted by Lt. Cmdr. Rachael Hernandez, Naval Hospital Oak Harbor Public Affairs
