FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Summer Training (CST) cadre rehearsed a medical evacuation May 23 before Cadets arrive for their summer training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The purpose of the exercise was to prepare the CST Tactical Operations Center (TOC) for a medical emergency.
This validation was, “to test all systems on post for medical evacuation and land assets. We’re bringing in air methods and testing the redundancies in our systems so that not only will there be air evacuation assets coming to an emergency, but also ground evacuation at the same time,” said Col. Jason Nelson, deputy chief nurse of Cadet Command.
Many elements were being tested during this exercise including proper identification of injuries, communication between elements and response time from all the participants.
Sgt. 1st Class Zach Larson processes incoming information in the CST Tactical Operations Center during MEDEVAC training at Fort Knox, Ky., May 23, 2017.
“This tests the knowledge of everyone in the system, how they communicate, how we document that communication, how we track patients and point of entry and point of care and the follow-up here,” said Nelson.
This medical evacuation exercise consisted of a rolled van with ten occupants.
“This is in support of the Cadets,” said Nelson.
After the exercise was completed, Brig. Gen. Robert W. Bennett gave feedback.
Brig. Gen. Robert Bennett (left) and Col. Matthew Ingram talk in the CST Tactical Operations Center during a medical evacuation training exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., May 23, 2017.
“This was our first exercise and we will have many more other types of exercises like this. We’ve got to ensure that … all players participate and know what the requirements are to standard. We’re preparing for the worse and this is a great start,” he said.
Bennett also commended the participants of the exercise.
“I give kudos to the battle captain in the TOC. Each and every one had a responsibility and they did very well and I’m very impressed from the personnel in the TOC. There needs to be some improvements but we’ll get after that,” said Bennett.
With this training, the CST TOC is prepared if an emergency takes place after the Cadets arrive.
“That’s what’s great about doing this before the Cadets get here. We’ve got to ensure that our safety is first and foremost and that everyone is trained,” said Bennett.
