The emergency response team here went into action after a bus full of Soldiers overturned just outside the base gate.

Fire department, security forces and medical personnel responded to a Nov. 18 call for help just before 10 a.m.

The Soldiers were on their way to the base for airlift to Iraq, when the bus turned over and landed on its side -- causing one fatality and numerous injuries.

The on-scene commander said the emergency response team was notified by explosive ordnance disposal troops near the scene.

The response team immediately secured the scene and began providing victims initial medical care.

“We dispatched two ambulances to the scene with three medical care teams of three physicians and seven technicians,” said Col. Michael Panosian, 386th Expeditionary Medical Group commander. “We also initiated a total medical group recall, stood up disaster teams and prepared three trauma bays.”

The team transported six patients -- suffering from abrasions and minor fractures -- to the medical group for further care. A helicopter medivaced the more critically injured victims to a nearby hospital.

“The EMEDs did an outstanding job on all accounts,” Colonel Panosian said. “The teams were prepared and gave 100 percent. I couldn’t be prouder of the way they responded and cared for our Army Soldiers in need.”

One of the injured patients agreed.

“The treatment was some of the best I’ve ever received,” said an Army sergeant who asked not to be identified. “They knew what they were doing -- and very pleasant at the same time. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”