86 AES evacuate AFAFRICA Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany—Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuations Squadron successfully transported an injured Airman during an aeromedical evacuation mission Sept. 1.

 

The Airman required immediate care mid-tour during a deployment to Niger that was unavailable at her deployed location, and arrived at Ramstein on a Gulfstream III, giving the 86th AES minutes to transport the patient to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for treatment.

 

The mission demonstrated the efficiency of the 86th AES Airmen, said Senior Airman Luke Walter, 86th AES mission launch aeromedical evacuation technician.

 

“Everyone did an excellent job and worked well together with zero errors,” Walter said. “Because of the professionalism of the crew, mission planners and mission launch, every aspect of the mission went seamlessly.”

 

Aerospace Medical Service specialists assist doctors and care for patients in a wide range of situations. From administering immunizations to assisting in aeromedical evacuations, these highly skilled professionals supply critical support and are valuable members of any healthcare team.

 

These situations sometimes require the help of civilian aircraft to accomplish the mission.

 

“According to the aeromedical evacuation control team regulation, when military assets are not available, we contact civilian airlines,” said Capt. Shailu Joshi, 86th AES current operations officer in charge. “This allows us to procure an aircraft to aid our service members in need without having to contract out to an all-civilian crew.”

 

One of the crew members that helped transport the injured patient, Senior Airman Brionna Coleman, 86th AES mission launch aeromedical evacuation technician, relishes in the fact her training prepared her for events such as these.

 

“We have to be prepared to fly on five different aircraft at any given time here,” Coleman said. “Our training teaches us that being flexible is very important. Although it is a little different interacting with civilians, we appreciate the support and opportunity to fly on their aircrafts. They enhance patient care and provide a quiet and comfortable environment for the patient.”

 

This situation is a learning experience for those involved and will only help Team Ramstein continue to stay Forward, Ready, Now for future operations.