The Philippine Army commenced today, January 17, 2022, its first-ever Aeromedical Evacuation Training Program that seeks to enhance the Army’s life-saving capabilities for combat-wounded soldiers through a virtual ceremony attended by course facilitators, students and stakeholders.
A total of 17 students will undergo the blended training program that is divided into the Army Flight Medic Course and the Army Critical Care Flight Medic Course. The 21-week program will enhance the students’ knowledge and skills in treating and increasing survivability of combat-wounded soldiers. It also intends to upgrade the Army Aviation Regiment’s aeromedical capability in anticipation of acquisition of air assets that will be used in the transport of battle casualties.
Aerial medical evacuation is fastest way to transport a combat-wounded soldier from the point of injury to the nearest medical treatment facility.
“The course will capacitate Army surgeons, nurses and flight technicians in improving the chances of survival of combat-wounded soldiers,” Army Chief Nurse Col. Maria Victoria Juan said in her opening remarks.
“Being formerly assigned in the field myself, this training course will give our troops an added morale boost knowing that help is always nearby in case anything happens while we are accomplishing the mission. Today’s activity marks a significant milestone for the Philippine Army,” Army Aviation Regiment Commander Col. Andre Santos, who served as the event’s guest of honor and speaker, said.
The Aviation Regiment, hand in hand with the Office of the Army Chief Nurse and the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon, will work to address the lack of medical evacuation (medevac) helicopters manned by properly trained medical personnel, aviators and their crew working together as a team, Col. Santos added.
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