445th AES, ASTS train together on C-17

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Nelson
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  More than 60 reservists from the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron worked side-by-side during a joint training mission onboard a C-17 Globemaster III March 19.

"This was our first opportunity to work together on the wing's assigned aircraft in quite some time," said Lt. Col. Todd Mulhorn, 445th AES operations officer. "Our main goal was to get together and function as a team, and it worked out perfectly," he added.

Colonel Mulhorn said in the past they had to rely on aircraft support from other wings, such as the 910th Airlift Wing, Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and the 911th Airlift Wing, Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa.

Another drawback in the past has been a lack of having a static aircraft available to train on during a unit training assembly weekend.

"Training for the ASTS and critical care air transportation teams without local aircraft was difficult due to the varied and limiting schedule of off-base aircrews," said Lt. Col. Philip Frederick, 445th ASTS critical care air transportation team flight commander.

Colonel Frederick said joint training is essential because the AE mission requires the expertise, equipment and unique skill sets that each unit brings to safe and professional patient movement and treatment. Camaraderie, cooperation and familiarity such training provides ensures seamless continuity medical care from point of injury to transport aboard military aircraft.

During the recent joint training mission, mock patients were shuttled in stretchers under the medical care of the ASTS to the preassembled patient stations onboard the C-17. Once onboard the aircraft, ASTS transferred medical care to the members of AES.

"Normally this is something that we simulate with our own people. Having ASTS adds realism and reinforces the importance of concise communication and direction from our aircrews and ground management teams to the Aeromedical Staging Squadron personnel," Colonel Mulhorn said.

Colonel Frederick and Colonel Mulhorn both agree that having the availability now of AES capable airframes locally will ensure regular training increases participation and proficiency in real-world contingency AE and ASTS missions.

"Real-world missions will be improved just by the shear increase of opportunities to train and repetition of skills, thereby delivering the best possible care to today's and tomorrow's war fighter," Colonel Fredrick said.

As the unit continues to gain its projected number of C-17 assets, the opportunity for AES and ASTS to participate together on more training missions continues to grow as well.

"We wanted to establish a foundation to build on for future training opportunities. We started small by just working on procedures for the aircraft load and off load patients. In the future we would like to stage our simulated patients for our UTA training missions at the ASTS so that we get the opportunity to receive the patients just as we would out in the AE system. This would also give us the opportunity to fully integrate the ASTS's CCAT teams into the scenario," Colonel Mulhorn added.