Eleanor Newton
Bio
Eleanor Newton began her career as a nurse in Veterans Affairs hospitals before joining the United States Air Force in 1949. By 1950, she was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, where she expressed her desire to become a flight nurse. Initially, her commander informed her that newly assigned nurses weren’t sent for training, but within six months, she was sent to the Gunther School of Aviation Medicine at Maxwell Air Force Base. There, she trained extensively in specialties focused on soldiers’ medical needs during the Korean War. After training, she joined the Air Evac Squadron at Brookley Air Force Base in Alabama. She flew numerous Air Evac missions within the US, the Caribbean, and Korea. Following her military service, she continued her nursing career and became an active community leader. She founded a military widows’ group in El Paso, Texas, and was a charter member of the Korean War Veterans Chapter of El Paso.
Video Clips
Duties of an Air Force Flight Nurse
Eleanor Newton reflects on her role as an Air Force flight nurse, where she cared for numerous Korean War soldiers. While stationed in Berkeley, California, she treated and evaluated injured servicemen upon their arrival stateside. Her responsibilities included ensuring they were stable before transferring them to facilities closer to their hometowns. Through her work, she played a vital role in their recovery and reintegration.
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Care in the Air
Eleanor Newton details the specialized training she received in caring for patients during air transport, including procedures for "ditching" patients. This training prepared her to respond if an aircraft carrying patients crashed into the ocean or desert. She explains how they practiced critical steps to keep patients alive in such emergencies. Her training emphasized ensuring patient survival until rescue teams could arrive.
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Patient Care Responsibilities
Eleanor Newton outlines her responsibilities at Edwards Air Force Base, which included responding to civilian emergencies. She recalls assisting after an earthquake in Tehachapi, California, providing crucial medical aid. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of caring for patients with PTSD, focusing on reassuring them of their safety. These duties reflected her commitment to both physical and emotional patient care.
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Decision to Override a Doctor
Eleanor Newton reflects on memorable moments from her career, including a notable encounter with a doctor. She recalls a situation where the doctor insisted she transport a patient on her aircraft despite the patient’s critical condition. Prioritizing the patient’s safety, she refused to comply and successfully overrode the doctor’s orders. This experience highlighted her dedication to making decisions in the best interest of her patients.
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A Desire to Care for GIs
Eleanor Newton explains that enlisting in the U.S. Air Force as a nurse fulfilled a lifelong aspiration. While the specific branch of service was not her primary concern, she felt a strong desire to serve in a war zone and care for wounded GIs. Her goal was to go beyond the typical duties of nursing and make a meaningful impact. This passion drove her commitment to military service.
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