Army Reserve trains Navy Expeditionary Medical Force

Photo By 1st Lt. Timothy Yao | Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Yeung and others from the United States Navy Reserve participate in the Global Medic Expeditionary Medical Force exercise in Reserve Forces Training Area Parks, Calif. The Army Reserve is helping supervise the EMF in setting up a tent hospital in an austere environment, and overseeing casualty care, June 19, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by CPL Timothy Yao/Released)  

CAMP PARKS, CA, UNITED STATES

06.24.2016

Story by Cpl. Timothy Yao 

311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command   

RESERVE FORCES TRAINING AREA PARKS, Calif. (June 19, 2016) – Medical personnel from the Navy Reserve are training on how to set up and run a field hospital in an austere environment with guidance from the Army Reserve in the Global Medic Expeditionary Medical Force joint exercise.

“The Army Reserve is helping to marshal us through this process, evaluate ourselves, find out areas where we are strong, and can use improvements on,” said Navy Lt. Mario Riportella, Emergency Medical Technician.
This exercise incorporates the Army Reserve’s Medevac, Navy Reserve medical experts, and the Air Force Reserve air evacuation services.
The Navy traditionally deployed as individuals to Army hospitals, and is now learning how to set up their own tent facilities and train as an entire EMF. In a forward environment, tent hospitals offer first world medicine and bring emergency and surgical capabilities to coalition soldiers and partners.

“If we don’t know the process when we’re under stress and pressure, our normal job becomes even more difficult.” Said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dana Osipower, Physician Assistant. The EMF trained in different types of scenarios ranging from psychological trauma, blast injuries, gunshot wounds, to loading and offloading casualties from a helicopter.

“When they see the type of injury we are simulating, it’s a lot easier to associate with how you would treat it. So in these scenarios, it’s extremely important for us to make them as realistic as possible.” said Osipower.

“The biggest take away is for everyone from all services to be flexible.” Said Air Force Maj. Edward Roliczek, Observer Controller Trainer. Most medical treatment facilities are usually joint service.

“You have to learn each other’s acronyms, procedures, polices, customs and courtesies so we all get along to achieve the mission.” Said Roliczek.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2016
• Date Posted: 07.05.2016 12:44
• Story ID: 202671
• Location: CAMP PARKS, CA, US