KABUL, Afghanistan – An International Security Assistance Force Regional Command-West Medical Evacuation crew performed a series of evacuation exercises near RC-W Headquarters in Herat on March 25.
"Because the Taliban conducts less operations in the winter, we generally go out only three to five times during the month," said Spanish Captain Marta Presa Garcia, the officer leading one of the three RC-W MEDEVAC teams. "In the summer though, we go out anywhere from 15 to 20 times a month. So far, each summer's number of MEDEVACS has increased over the last one."
The exercise began with a landing at ARISC-W Camp Stone where crews worked with soldiers who simulated a critical injury and severe head injury. Once back in the air, the MEDEVAC crew exercised a scenario where ISAF helicopters gunners engaged insurgents firing from the ground. Before completing the mission, HELISAF pilots also performed dust landings, which are necessary in certain locations during the summer.
According to Major Pedro J. Gil, a Spanish doctor, the majority of RC-W MEDEVACs are for injured Afghan national security forces, followed by ISAF and coalition forces. They also respond to civilian traffic accidents.
In the winter, when war-related injuries decline in numbers, MEDEVAC crews can respond to more civilian emergencies.
"I am extremely happy with the care my granddaughter received," said Abdul Rahim (name changed for security reasons), whose three year old granddaughter fell down a narrow 20 meter well on March 20. "I never thought she would make it. There are no words to explain how happy I am."
Neighbours helped Rahim rescue his granddaughter from the well by lowering a bucket and asking her to get in. Rahim drove the girl to Qual-e-naw's Provincial Reconstructive Team on his motorcycle where a MEDEVAC was called. She had a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull and a broken humorous.
Rahim's granddaughter was discharged from the hospital on the day of the exercise.
"We pride ourselves on the level of care we provide from the PRT, the MEDEVAC crews and here at the hospital," said Chief of RC-West's Hospital, Spanish Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Perez Milian. "The main purpose of MEDEVAC is to save and recover lives – both military and civilian. The little girl's discharge today is an example of the great care we are capable of. Today's MEDEVAC exercise ensures our crew is practiced in different scenarios, which prepares them for what we expect will be a busy summer."