Army equips Kunsan's medics with medevac training

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rasheen A. Douglas
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  More than 75 percent of the 8th Medical Group participated in a medical evacuation training here Sept. 19 with Army medics from the C Co. 3/2 General Support Aviation Battalion at Camp Humphreys.

The Camp Humphreys crew was comprised of Army 1st Lt. Matthew Colsia and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard Campbell, UH-60 pilots, and Army Spc. James Donnel and Pfc. James Contino, flight medics, on learning medical evacuation operations around the Blackhawk helicopter.

The 8th Medical Operations Squadron's health and wellness center director, Maj. Ronald Leczner, invited the Camp Humphreys team to Kunsan to familiarize the Wolf Pack medics with the medevac concept.

"In lieu of the recent catastrophic events that have occurred during the past month at Air Shows in the states, it stands to reason that Kunsan's medics should be equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience to respond appropriately and efficiently in the event of a mass casualty during this year's air show here or at the Seawall in Gunsan City," said Capt. Michelle Gordon, 8th MDG nurse manager.

"For our medical group, critical patients can be cumbersome especially when majority of all the facilities that can support a higher echelon of care are several hours away," Gordon said. "This medevac training was essential to ensure our personnel are safe and secure."

The training focused on cold and hot loading, which is loading patients onto the helicopter with the rotor off for cold loading, and on for hot loading.

Donnel made sure all of the Wolf Pack medics were comfortable with cold loading before progressing on to the hot loading. He guided the medics through the training reminding them the importance of knowing medevac procedures before the blades start turning.

"Once the rotors are on, talking isn't an option," Donnel said. "So knowing what to do is paramount."

Airman 1st Class Hannah Pierringer, 8th MDOS family practice technician, said, "The training gave me a new perspective on how we as medics can assist even by means of helicopter."

"It opened up my eyes on the different avenues I could pursue as I progress in this career field," Pierringer added.

Agreeing with her subordinate, the captain said the experience was one she'd not soon forget.

"Personally, it was exhilarating," Gordon said. "I have never been that close to a Blackhawk helicopter before and to have an opportunity to experience and witness the takeoff was terrific. I feel this particular training generated the sense of importance, urgency and difficulty the 8th MDG leadership has been trying to convey to our personnel especially since the 'threat' is real."