Team conducts emergency medical movement in Antarctica

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • JTF Support Forces Antarctica Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) --  Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica provided a two-person medical team and C-17 Globemaster III to conduct an emergency medical evacuation Sept. 10 for a 56-year-old male assigned to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica.

The patient needed a cardiovascular evaluation and was deemed as too high a risk to go unescorted from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to a New Zealand hospital, said Capt. Greg Richert, the on-board flight surgeon.

"We took an oxygen setup, emergency airway kits, a defibrillator and emergency intervention kit, just to be on the safe side," Captain Richert said. "I have the best job in the world-deploying at a moment's notice, and helping people. I enjoy doing things like this."

The patient was successfully moved without incident aboard the McChord Air Force Base, Wash., C-17 and is currently receiving medical care in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The aircrew and medics are part of the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, with headquarters at Hickam AFB and led by 13th Air Force. The joint task force -- made up of active-duty, Guard and Reserve Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard members -- is currently conducting Operation Deep Freeze in support of the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Antarctic Program.

In addition to moving people in need of medical attention, Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica coordinates strategic intertheater airlift, tactical LC-130 Hercules deep field support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling, and transportation requirements as part of Operation Deep Freeze.

Air Force medical teams have the ability to move patients on five different aircraft. The most common aircraft used for medical evacuation missions are C-17s, C-130s and KC-135 Stratotankers. Medical crews are fully self-contained, supplying their own oxygen and medical equipment. They only need to plug in to the aircraft's electrical system to provide en route care to their patients.

The mission was indicative of the professionalism of the joint U.S. team operating in the Pacific region and of the pride Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica personnel take in their mission, said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica and 13th Air Force commander.

"This movement is really just one small part of the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica mission, but it demonstrates how well our people are trained and how quickly we can respond when needed," General Utterback said. "Our joint team is proud to support the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program as they continue their research in Antarctica, and to help their people when they are most in need." 

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