FORT KNOX, Ky. —In the weeks leading up to the start of Cadet Summer Training (CST), Fort Knox, Kentucky, has been buzzing with activity in preparation for the arrival of the Cadets. Part of the preparation includes simulated medical training scenarios for the cadre who will be working the field medical clinics during the summer.
Medics discuss treatment options with a mock heat casualty during a simulated casualty evacuation, May 23 at Fort Knox, Ky. (Photo by Savoury Jacobson)
A simulated casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) scenario was integrated at Forward Operating Base Gonya, May 23. This training consisted of multiple casualties of gunshot wounds and heat injuries, allowing cadre to prepare for potential crisis and injuries that could arise during the summer.
Second Lt. Steven Fowler, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, native of San Diego, was one of the main designers of the training exercise, and oversaw much of the action on the ground.
“As part of the command element here for task force med, my job was getting everyone on the ground to work more in a platoon leader role, getting everyone ready and prepped so we can execute this training,” said Fowler.
Soldiers litter carry a mock heat casualty into a medical clinic during a simulated casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) May 23, 2017 at Fort Knox, Ky. (Photo by Trent Taylor).
The casualty training served to prepare the medics and cadre for the arrival of the Cadets, skills needed during the rigorous training that will take place for the next three months.
“This training helps prepare for CST on a lot of levels. It gets our medics the time to see and recognize the treatment care needed for the things we are not expecting, and take the initiative to go out there and react to the unexpected,” said Fowler. “We are never going to know when casualties are going to come in all the time, and we need to be able to react in the moment and on the spot, and get them to where they need to go.”
Spc. David Smith, medic, native of Fryeburg, Maine, participated in the simulation, working directly with the casualties.
“During the exercise, I drove to pick up the patients offsite and transport them to the field clinic, and then during the training, I provided treatment for a heat casualty before preparing them to evacuate,” said Smith.
Smith stated that the simulation allows medics to gauge what skills are needed to handle different emergencies.
Soldiers litter carry a mock heat casualty into a medical clinic during a simulated casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) May 23, 2017 at Fort Knox, Ky. (Photo by Trent Taylor)
“This is good preparation for CST because it will allow us to test our skills and mentally prepare ourselves to be as confident as possible,” said Smith.
The days leading up to the arrival of the Cadets will be spent continually training and preparing for the fast-paced summer ahead.
