The Philippine Army launched its first-ever air ambulance manned by a critical care aeromedical team that will bolster the Army’s life-saving capabilities for combat-wounded troops in an aerial medical evacuation simulation at Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on March 21, 2022.
A team composed of military doctors, nurses, pilots and their crew led the simulation highlighted by the roundtrip flight of the Army Aviation Regiment’s reconfigured Bolkow helicopter from the Army Support Command open field to the Hunters-ROTC Parade Grounds.
“Caring for our soldiers, from difficult and austere environments to higher levels of care, is now possible due to the continued advancements in military medicine and dedication of the Philippine Army to turn the Aeromedical Evacuation Capability into reality,” Army Chief Nurse Col. Maria Victoria Juan said.
Col. Juan emphasized that evacuation is crucial because around 90 percent of combat fatalities occur before wounded troops are transported to the nearest hospital. The Army chief nurse added that aerial medical evacuation is the fastest way to transport a combat casualty from the injury site to the nearest hospital.
“We are developing the Army’s casualty evacuation because the life of each soldier counts. Even if we save only one life through this capability, it is already worth it,” Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., said in his remarks following the simulation.
“This will boost the morale of our troops on the ground because they know that help is readily available in case anything happens while they are accomplishing their mission,” the CGPA said, adding that the command is eyeing for additional air ambulances as part of the army’s capabilities.
Photos: Sgt Cesar Lopez PA/ OACPA
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