Photo By Sgt. Alex Cano | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Corbin Richardson, Delta Company, 1-224th Aviation Regiment prepares...... read more read more
In the heart of the National Capital Region (NCR), ongoing efforts are being made to revive the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) patient transfer program. The District of Columbia Army National Guard's MEDEVAC program operating at Davison Army Airfield is a vital and dynamic initiative. The program strives to offer superior medical evacuation services to people in need.
The D.C. Guard MEDEVAC team is known for its historic presence as the first medical unit to arrive at the Pentagon after the events of 9/11. This action raised awareness of their vital function. Through subsequent growth, this program fostered successful partnerships with a variety of hospitals, schools, and branches of the armed forces, which enabled joint training exercises that strengthened their collective abilities.
The program's fleet consists of two helicopter models: the UH-60 Blackhawk and the UH-72 Lakota. These helicopters are maintained and equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care during transportation.
Before the rebuilding phase, they would typically receive one to two calls per week. The gratification derived from Soldier’s work on the MEDEVAC team was immeasurable. “it is rewarding to be able to go land and help take somebody who's either hurting or sick or needs that higher level of care and be able to take them from a spot where maybe their chances of successfully making it out without any serious long term effects or issues” long-time member Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lauren Bloch said. While the sound of rotors in a combat environment boosted morale, Bloch emphasized that in non-combat situations, their primary focus was to provide comfort and serve as a safety net.
Delving into the challenges they faced, Bloch underscored the criticality of seamless communication between the pilot and the medical personnel in the helicopter's rear. “ The medical personnel in the back are the ones running the show, they tell us hey, we got to go faster, we got to go slower. Can we try to fly as smoothly as possible?” Bloch said. Precise information is essential for the crew to adapt their speed and flight conditions accordingly.
Despite the challenge in aeromedical evacuation missions, the team members are well-trained and tackled them head-on. They are well-prepared to handle the unpredictability of medical emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of their patients throughout each flight.
The medevac program at Davidson Army Airfield continues to be an essential lifeline for the district. Through their unwavering commitment, exceptional training, and close collaboration with various military and civilian entities, they set the standard for excellence in providing medical evacuation services. The medevac personnel are proud to be a part of this program, knowing they are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of those they served.
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.05.2023 12:28 |
| Story ID: | 447631 |
| Location: | FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 47 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, From Rebuilding to Rescuing, by SGT Alex Cano, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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