FORT KNOX, KY. –The Medical Tactical Operations Center (MEDTOC) ran through a practice medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) to prepare for Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Ky., May 23.
“Here in the TOC, we are a center point for information collection and dissemination,” said CST Task Force MEDTOC Operations Officer Capt. Walter Kaer, 61st Multifunctional Medical Battalion.
Cadet Summer Training Taskforce Medical Tactical Operations Center (TOC) cadre participate in a simulated medical evacuation exercise Fort Knox, Ky., May 23.Medical evacuation simulations prepare personel for medical emergencies that may arise. (Photo by Mattie Cook)
The MEDTOC is responsible for communicating with emergency responders who are on the scene and ensuring casualties arrive at the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
“In response to an accident, minutes matter,” Kaer said.
The MEDTOC communicates with emergency responders in a variety of ways. Depending on the casualty, the MEDTOC could get information through radio, landline or cellphone.
Cadet Summer Training (CST) Task Force Medical Battle noncommissioned officer Staff Sgt. Christopher Suarez, 61st Multifunctional Medical Batallion, Fort Hood, Texas, communicates by phone with CST Tactical Operations Center (TOC) during a simulated medical evacuation exercise on Fort Knox, Ky., May 23. Medical evacuation simulations prepare personel for medical emergencies that may arise. (Photo by Mattie Cook)
This particular scenario was a van rolled over and its passengers called Range Control to request MEDEVAC.
This particular scenario was selected for practice because vehicle accidents are some of the most common causalities. However, it is not the only type of casualty.
“In a training environment, heat injuries are something that are likely to happen,” Kaer said.
With information coming from so many different sources, the MEDTOC needs to communicate with each other constantly to respond properly.
“It’s about providing the right response at the right time,” Kaer said.
