EMS team deploys to New Orleans

  • Published
  • By Bob Fehringer and Airman Brian Butkus
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFPN) --  Airmen with the 375th Medical Group here deployed to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans on Sept. 1 to provide additional medical support to relief agencies already present in the area.

The Expeditionary Medical Support Team, comprising about 80 doctors, nurses, medical technicians and support personnel, will provide medical care to victims in desperate need of medical attention.

“As of right now, we’re not sure what we will be doing or exactly where we will be,” said Tech. Sgt. Todd Gleadle, a 375th Surgical Operations Squadron medic. “We do know that we will be joined by groups of augmentees from numerous bases across the country and begin giving individuals their much needed medical attention.”

The deploying medics were moving quickly and were eager to assist in any way possible.

“We’re excited because this is what we train for,” said Col. Lawrence Riddles, the group’s commander. “Plus, this is just the right thing to do.”

The group will remain in the Gulf Coast region for an indefinite time.

Besides the medical team, Air Mobility Command continues to support relief operations by flying aeromedical evacuation missions out of the devastated region. (Courtesy of AMC News Service)