Mr. Specter. What did you observe, if anything, as to the condition of President Kennedy at that time?
Dr. Curtis. I observed that he was in a supine position, with his head extended, and I couldn't see on my arrival—I couldn't see the nature of the wounds, however, Dr. Carrico was standing at the patient's head. Dr. Carrico had just placed an endotracheal tube and I participated in applying the Bird machine respirator into the endotracheal tube for artificial respiration.
Mr. Specter. How does it happen that you would participate to that effect in view of the fact that you are an oral surgeon?
Dr. Curtis. We participate in the emergency room on traumatic injuries of both the face and the entire patient, because the face is hooked onto a patient. We have a tour through anesthesia. We spend time on general anesthesia where we learn management of the patient's airway which makes us, I would say, qualified, for airway management. In our training here at the hospital we many, many times have patients on intravenous infusion and so we are well acquainted with the procedures attendant with the management of I.V. fluids.
Mr. Specter. Is there always someone from oral surgery available at the trauma area?
Dr. Curtis. One of the oral surgeons is on call at the emergency room at all times and we try to stay within a very short distance from the emergency room. We see many patients in the emergency room area.
Mr. Specter. Is that for the purpose of rendering aid for someone who would be injured in a way which would call for an oral surgeon?
Dr. Curtis. Yes—maxillofacial injuries.
Mr. Specter. And in addition, you help out in a general way when there is an emergency situation?
Dr. Curtis. Yes.