Ramstein AB medics prepare for emergency situations

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  Medics here sharpened their skills during Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility training Aug. 2 to 6.

A team of nurses, medical technicians, communications specialists and medical administrative technicians, exercised the capabilities of Ramstein Air Base's MASF, which is one of only three in the European Command.

"This is a great opportunity for an Air Force medic," said Staff Sgt. Glenda Castillo, an 86th Medical Group and MASF medical technician. "We get to go out, do the job and give back every second of training we've received."

Each member of the MASF is part of a group of volunteers who staff positions on a two-year rotational basis. They are known as "combatant commander enablers" and are expected to be ready to deploy with only 24 hours notice.

"We do this training so we'll be ready," said Maj. Sharon Franklin, the commander of Ramstein AB's MASF. "Our mission is special and real and in the field is not the time to be training."

To ensure the readiness of the team, Ramstein AB's MASF members brought out their equipment, including emergency medical supplies, communications equipment, tents (one for patients and one for the team to rest at night) and enough litters to support up to ten patients at a time.

But the focus of the exercise was more than just medical readiness. The 13-person crew also trained on tactics, techniques and procedures they may use during joint, multiservice, humanitarian and overseas contingency operations. The team focused on making the training opportunities as realistic as possible, from sleeping in the same tent they would use in the field and eating Meals, Ready to Eat, to perimeter defense and convoy operations.

"The team is completely self-sufficient for up to five days without any required support," Major Franklin said. "After that point, we will need (to be) resupplied, but until then we must be able to provide our own security, feed ourselves and perform engine running on/off loads."

The enhanced skills of the MASF members help enhance the survivability of expeditionary Airmen, not only in times of war, but also by providing lifesaving care to Airmen in humanitarian scenarios.

"I am really excited to be a part of this team," said 1st Lt. Alice Bagby, a nurse at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and MSAF member. "Where I work at LRMC, we get the patients after they have returned from action. Now, being a part of this team I get to be part of that action."