Mass casualty exercise highlights camp readiness in Kosovo

Photo By Staff Sgt. Patrick Kirby | Medical personnel from Task Force Medical load notional patients for transfer to the medical evacuation helicopter during the Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo mass casualty training exercise Aug. 28, 2019. Each week TF MED is able to navigate scenarios that sharpen processes and procedures in the event of an actual MASCAL event. This type of preparation helps Regional Command-East Soldiers stay physically and mentally able to contribute to a safe and secure environment in the region of Kosovo. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Patrick Kirby)  

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

08.28.2019

Story by Sgt. Patrick Kirby 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — Task Force Medical conducted a Mass Casualty training event, putting the hospital staff to the test and ensuring readiness, Aug. 28, 2019 on Camp Bondsteel.

TF MED conducted notional MASCAL training events after arriving at Joint Multinational Training Center, Hohenfels, Germany in June and has continued this method of training at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo building its response levels to handle multiple casualties and injured personnel given a short time period.

“A MASCAL is anything that overwhelms our capabilities,” said Capt. Joshua Oliver, brigade surgeon, Task Force Medical. “Anything where we can’t assist anyone else until we get the high number of Soldiers taken care of.”

This exercise tested each Task Force individually and as a team.

The MASCAL training event included multiple task forces across Camp Bondsteel. Task Force Military Police controlled traffic and responded to a notional car accident while Task Force Aviation’s Medical Evacuation assisted in the hospital with casualties. Kellogg, Brown and Root Corporation contract medics and firefighters were the first responders. Task Force Medical treated all of the casualties brought to their facilities by the exercise’s supporting organizations.

“This is the second time we’ve worked with KBR,” said Oliver. “It’s becoming a smooth process. The importance of working with KBR is that if there is an actual mass casualty event, they will be the first to respond, so we need to be able to work with them smoothly to take care of everyone on base.”

Oliver explained, each week TF MED navigates scenarios that sharpen their processes and procedures in the event of a real MASCAL event. This type of preparation ensures Regional Command East Soldiers remain physically and mentally capable of completing their mission in Kosovo. 

“The primary mission for TF MED is assuring those who support KFOR RC East mission – contributing to a safe and secure environment, are healthy and taken care of,” Oliver said.

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• Date Taken: 08.28.2019
• Date Posted: 09.11.2019 04:02
• Story ID: 339448
• Location: CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ