MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
During the Vietnam War, if a service member was wounded on the battlefield the average time it took them to return to the United States for medical care was 45 days. During Desert Storm, approximately 20 years later, that number was reduced to 10 days with a 75% survival rate.
Today thanks to modern technology and the training of our medical professionals, the survival rate of our wounded warriors is 98% and most are returned to stateside medical facilities in three days, according to Air Mobility Command.
Ninety-eight percent is near perfect, but the desire to save that remaining two percent is what drives the men and women of the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to perfect their quick response capabilities and techniques.
Recently the 45 AES teamed up with an aircrew crew from the 302nd Airlift Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado for a three day training mission on board a C-130. An airframe not stationed at MacDill and one some flight nurses and medical technicians may have only flown on while deployed.
But no matter the airframe, the mission stays the same.
“This is a great opportunity to train on an airframe other than one of our [KC] 135s,” said Senior Airman Kyle Bowman, medical technician, 45 AES. “Downrange we could find ourselves on a [C] 130, [C] 17 or a [KC] 135, and each has different configurations, loading technics and power points that we need to be familiar with. But no matter the aircraft our job is the same, to get our Soldiers home.”
Training scenarios accomplished throughout the mission not only tested the medical skills of both the flight nurses and the medical technicians but also their responses to inflight emergencies such as evasive maneuvers, an inflight fire or loss of cabin pressure.
“We have to be prepared for the unexpected,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kelly Latham, aeromedical technician, 45AES “During an inflight emergency we follow strict procedures. We not only need to take care of ourselves but also our patients.”
Bring our wounded warriors home alive doesn't come easy and initial and recurring training is essential to keep these "flying medics" working together as a well-oiled machine. A fully trained aeromedical evacuation technician, not only needs to complete the necessary medical training but also an array of flight related schools such as Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Angela Poole, having the right people in the right job who are developed and trained is key to bringing our wounded warriors home, “That’s why these training opportunities are so crucial,” she said.
The 45 AES, assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, is one of 17 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons in the AF Reserve and along with the Air National Guard, accounts for 87% of the Air Force’s total AE capability.