Air Force Reserve Airmen conduct medical training during Immediate Response 2019.

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jeffery Sandstrum | Airmen assigned to the 301st Medical Squadron, 301st Medical Group, Carswell Field, Naval Air Station, Fort Worth, Texas, train on simulated patients in a primary ward unit they set up in Maribor, Slovenia, during Immediate Response 2019, May 11, 2019. Once set up begins, their standard is to be fully mission capable within 12 hours. A fully mission capable facility includes an emergency room, operating room and morgue and allows U.S. Airmen to demonstrate their capabilities to our coalition partners. Combined training enables allies and partners to readily respond more effectively to regional crises and meet their own national defense goals. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeffery Sandstrum).  

MARIBOR, SLOVENIA

05.14.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. Jeffery Sandstrum 

Defense Media Activity - Europe Africa

U.S. Air Force Reserve medical personnel assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing,301st Medical Squadron, out of Carswell Field, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas; and the 433rd Medical Support Squadron out of San Antonio, Texas, built an expeditionary medical services facility, health responsive team (EMEDS HRT) and conducted a medical exercise in Maribor, Slovenia, during Immediate Response 2019, May 11, 2019.

IR19 is a multinational exercise, co-led by the Croatian Armed Forces, Slovenian Armed Forces and U.S. Army Europe, taking place in various locations in Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia. Highlights include airborne jumps, air assaults, convoy operations, medical training and the establishment and integration of a multi-national battalion with forces from several nations.

The medical portion began upon arrival with Airmen working quickly to set up the EMEDS HRT, which includes an emergency room (ER), operating room (OR),intensive care unit (ICU), dental support, a recovery room and morgue.

“Our standard is to have the ER ready to go within two hours, the OR within four hours, the ICU within six hours, and then we will be fully mission capable with all ancillary services within 12 hours,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Cromer, squadron superintendent, 301st MDS.

Airmen from all facets of the medical career field, such as surgeons, nurses, medical technicians and various others trained on simulated patients from the Slovenian Armed Forces. They provided care to over 40 patients whose simulated injuries ranged from simple bloody noses to more traumatic injuries, such as missing limbs and burn wounds.

IR19 is designed to improve readiness and interoperability among participating allied and partner nations. Cromer emphasized the importance of the training, saying it creates a partnership and friendship between the two countries. “It’s important that we practice with our coalition partners,” said Cromer. “We depend upon them and they depend upon us to build this relationship so that when in need we can augment each other."

There are approximately 6,000 participants from 15 nations participating in IR19. The overall objective for this exercise is for NATO allies and partner nations to conduct combined theater opening activities (Reception, Staging and Onward Movement (RSOM), conduct integration into a multinational battalion, increase interoperability and enhance freedom of movement. Immediate Response 19 highlights the inherent flexibility and strategic mobility of ground and air forces to rapidly respond to crises, allowing for the right presence where we need it, when we need it.

• Date Taken: 05.14.2019
• Date Posted: 05.14.2019 05:08
• Story ID: 322317
• Location: MARIBOR, SI