Dover C-17 aircraft and crew create combat environment for medical training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Waves of heat and clouds of dust from the four engines of the T-tailed aircraft pelt the faces of the aeromedical evacuation team as they urgently load their patients into the cargo area. An olive-drab flight suit clad loadmaster closes the cargo bay door as the medics scramble to transform the aircraft into a high-altitude hospital. Although a training mission, the intensity of the medics' actions aboard the C-17 Globemaster III reveal the significance of every act and decision they will make over the next few days.

The 512th Airlift Wing's 326th Airlift Squadron provided flight for the 452nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., during an aeromedical evacuation training mission May 7-9.

The training was not only crucial for the medical staff, but also the aircrew.

"(Aeromedical evacuation) missions are important to us," said Tech. Sgt. Mick Callahan, 326th AS loadmaster. "You never know when they're going to happen, so it's imperative that we remain prepared and trained in how to best accommodate the medical team that's flying with us."

The four-person Dover crew welcomed the 12-man March medical team with an engine-running on-load, requiring the California-based reservists to load their gear, mock patients and personnel while the engines roared to expedite take off. While in flight, the team continued to function as they would during a real-world medical mission.

"We have to train as it would be in the real world," said Maj. Cheri Finn, 452nd AES senior air reserve technician. "Training like this -the noise, space and turbulence--far exceeds the experience we could get from a classroom setting. This is the best way to practice for deployments."

Once onboard, the medical team continued their swift tempo while they rehearsed in-air emergencies. The scenarios included a fire in the cargo area and various medical emergencies, like seizures, afflicting team members. The Dover pilots even ushered the medics through a combat landing during a simulated crash landing, mimicking the turbulence they might experience.

The training not only supplied the 452nd AES with medical preparation, but it also guided both Reserve units in how to work with one another when there is no room for error.

"During AE missions, we need to know what the medical team needs and expects of us," said Maj. Mark Chagaris, 326th AS pilot. "Likewise, they should be able to know what our expectations are of them. It makes things go as smooth as possible when we gain that unique experience here on this kind of training, so we are all ready when it's the real thing."

His sentiments were seconded by Major Finn.

"An exercise like this allows both sides to learn how to interact," said Major Finn. "The aircrew and medical crew need to know how to mesh in order to make the mission a success."

The medics, who also work and train on the C-130 Hercules and KC-135 Stratotanker, were able to take advantage of the premier capabilities of the Air Force's newest cargo aircraft.

The C-17 can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions while supporting the transportation of litters and ambulatory patients--with a cargo area holding 36 litters and containing 54 seats. But, space is not the only factor making the C-17 the most capable ambulance in the air. It also boasts more cargo area lighting than other aircrafts, as well as having its own electrical and oxygen sources.

Having an aircrew committed to the mission doesn't hurt either.

"AEs are the most important mission we do," said Major Chagaris. "Next to dignified transfers, nothing really makes the war more real. Picking up our wounded troops out of the combat zones and delivering them to safety, making them as comfortable as possible, and then ensuring they get back home to the ones they love is the most important role we can play. I've flown many missions to deliver cargo that directly supported our war fighters' mission against the enemy, but it is also good to know that I fly to help save lives as well."