Photo By Pfc. Carlos Marquez | Soldiers from the 1019th Engineer Detachment, Indiana National Guard, 113th Engineer...... read more read more
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MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania – French army medical personnel hosted U.S. Army firefighters from the 1019th Engineer Detachment, 113th Engineer Battalion, 219th Engineer Brigade, Indiana National Guard, during a joint medical training exercise at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, Dec. 19, 2024.
The exercise aimed to improve emergency medical response techniques and foster collaboration between NATO allies.
During the scenario, U.S. Army firefighters and French soldiers worked together to respond to a simulated vehicle collision. Tasks included stabilizing injuries, applying tourniquets, and coordinating casualty evacuations. In one instance, a U.S. firefighter applied a tourniquet to a simulated injury on a French soldier, emphasizing teamwork under pressure.
“The language barrier was one of the biggest challenges we faced during the exercises,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Debano, Fire Marshal of the 1440th Engineer Detachment, 507th Engineer Battalion, 177th Military Police Brigade, Michigan National Guard. “However, through teamwork and patience, we found ways to communicate effectively using gestures, shared terminology, and trust. The French forces brought a wealth of experience in field medicine and triage under challenging conditions,”
The training included several scenarios to test coordination and response under pressure. French soldiers prepared simulated casualties for transport by placing them onto stretchers, while U.S. firefighters supported the evacuation process. Another exercise involved treating for shock with a thermal blanket, simulating hypothermia prevention during field care.
“This joint training is vital for building trust and improving interoperability between our forces,” Debano explained. “Medical readiness is a key component of our shared mission within NATO, and working alongside the French forces allows us to prepare for real-world challenges together.”
At the conclusion of the exercise, participants gathered for an after-action review to evaluate successes and areas for improvement. 1st Lt. Debano and Adjudant-Chef (OR-8), Gaspard Chennebault from the French Medical Team led the review. Feedback emphasized the importance of adapting to communication challenges and highlighted the strengths of both teams.
“Challenges like language differences don’t have to be a barrier to success,” Debano said. “With patience, adaptability, and a shared commitment to the mission, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.”
The joint exercise underscored the importance of collaboration in multinational operations. Soldiers from the 1019th Engineer Detachment, 113th Engineer Battalion, 219th Engineer Brigade, Indiana National Guard, and the French Medical Team concluded the training with a group photo in front of emergency vehicles, symbolizing their shared commitment to readiness.
“This type of collaboration ensures that we can operate effectively in diverse environments and alongside NATO allies,” Debano said. “The shared skills and trust built here are critical for saving lives and achieving mission success.”
The French-led medical training at MKAB demonstrated the value of interoperability and adaptability in responding to emergency situations. Training together, U.S. and French forces focus on enhancing their readiness for real-world challenges, ensuring NATO allies remain prepared for joint operations anywhere in the world.
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.23.2024 08:39 |
| Story ID: | 488061 |
| Location: | MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, RO |
| Hometown: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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