Aerospace medicine summit: Red Baron 'fit to fly?'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  If it has to do with flying, medicine or whether the Red Baron would be qualified to fly today, then there is a good chance it was discussed at the largest U.S. Air Forces in Europe aerospace medicine conference held March 9 to 13.

The question of the Red Baron, a famous WWI fighter pilot, flying status came up when more than 200 members of the medical community from 19 nations met for the 30th Ramstein Aerospace Medicine Summit and NATO Science and Technology Organization Technical Course.

"In one form or another, this unique international medical assembly has been bringing together aerospace medical professionals to share knowledge and network for 30 years," said Doctor (Lt. Col.) Todd Huhn, USAFE-AFAFRICA Command Surgeon Aerospace and Operational Medicine Branch chief.

Two objectives of the conference were to share knowledge and network.  However, the overall idea for the conference was the well-being of Airmen, something the Red Baron's doctors kept in mind after he was shot, but he ignored their advice and continued flying.

"Safety is always very important for us in aerospace medicine," said Huhn. "If we can prevent just one mishap by sharing information and getting better, it makes it worthwhile."

Topics covered during the week included: aeromedical evacuation, aviation safety, medevacing in the Artic, G-suit advances and in-flight emergencies. In order to prevent accidents, the conference shared the experiences and knowledge of more than 53 presenters.

"This conference is very good, because I don't know other nations very well and this is giving me an opportunity to understand more about them," said Maj. Frederic Colleu, French air force senior flight surgeon. "I like hearing the American and European capabilities. It's very interesting and helpful for me and my work as a flight surgeon." 

The participants also got a hands-on view into the U.S. Air Forces  and Danish aeromedical evacuations with tours of their aircraft.

According to Huhn, the event is one way USAFE is ensuring that Airmen are ready and safe no matter the nation, continent or flying status. After ignoring his aerospace doctors, the Red Baron flew and attained 23 more victories. Yet, the crowd agreed he should have been grounded and given time to recover.