Photo essay: 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron trains hard

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Cook
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Members of the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron are ready to fill the need when events like natural disasters, war or routine medical transportation by air is required. AES crews consist of five people, two nurses and three medical technicians. The crew carries with them the necessary equipment to turn any cargo aircraft in the Air Force inventory into a flying ambulance almost instantly.

The AE technicians begin each mission by considering the type of aircraft they will use because different airframes require specific types of medical equipment and litter configurations. Before heading out to the aircraft, they must "pre-flight" their medical equipment with operations and calibration checks. The inventory often includes everything from high-tech monitors, oxygen tanks and regulators to defibrillators.

After coordination with the aircraft commander and loadmaster on where to put the equipment and patients, the technicians bring their patients on board, check vital signs and secure the patient for takeoff. Once airborne, the patient's vital signs are re-checked and patient care continues throughout the flight. (U. S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Matthew Cook)

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