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Coalition Airmen receive MEDEVAC training

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jared Marquis
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment provided training to 13 Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group and four members of the Canadian and other coalition air forces on proper medical evacuation procedures here Nov. 14 and 16.

The Airmen received training in MEDEVAC 101, which consists of cold-load training on a Black Hawk UH-60, and MEDEVAC 102, which includes a hot-load portion with blades turning, said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Clarence, 1st Batt., 126th AR.

Prior to the hands-on portion, the students received a briefing on landing zone procedures, how to properly approach the aircraft, how to request medical evacuation, and safe practices.

“This represents a great opportunity for us to train with the Army and get this critical experience for us and our medics,” said Maj. Matthew Stratmeyer, 386th EMDG. “This training bridges the gap between what we may see in a lecture and what we actually get to do in real life.”

Each Airman got several opportunities at the cold-load and hot-load training. For some, it was the first time they had an opportunity for the real-world training.

“My only experience with MEDEVAC training prior to this was on a static display,” said Senior Airman Dante Dubose, 386th EMDG.

Ensuring the Airmen had some experience with the aircraft was one of the major goals of the training.

“This goes back to trying to get everyone familiar with the UH-60 and placing patients on the aircraft,” said Clarence.

Working with coalition partners was also key to the training.

“At the end of the day, we bed down with coalition forces across the world, and this was a great opportunity to train with them, so they know our capabilities and can integrate with us as a unit,” said Stratmeyer.