The Air National Guard teamed up with REVA Inc., which is the largest dedicated fixed-wing air ambulance transport provider in the Americas to perform an air ambulance transfer drill. The drill, known as Empire Strike, is a two-day exercise on medical evacuation and was carried out at the Schenactady County Airport, at which the REVA northeast base is located.
Wing-to-Wing Transfer Simulation Carried Out
The two teams carried out their exercise using REVA’s Human Patient Simulator, which was used as a mock patient. They practiced how to unload the patient from the C-130 personnel carrier owned by the Air National Guard. And they practiced how to transfer and load the patient onto REVA’s Learjet 35A air ambulance.
This cooperative training exercise was organized with the help of a year-long design effort made by Stephen Hallenbeck, who’s captain of the Air National Guard. Hallenbeck holds the position of a critical care RN at REVA and also the lead exercise planner of the 109th Airlift Wing’s 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
Cooperation from Air Ambulance Transport Team
Both teams were able to work together effortlessly also due to the assistance of REVA’s Field Training Officer, Robbie MacCue, who supported the planning effort. Hallenbeck had commented that the training was a unique opportunity for the two teams to build practical experiences and skills that they can use in real-world disaster scenarios.
According to Calvin Hargaray, REVA’s Safety Management Systems Manager, the drills involved mass casualty scenarios that helped the air ambulance transport team put their Emergency Response Program to the test. Hargaray said that overall the experience promoted the company’s safety culture, which is gradually growing and gave them clearer insights on what to expect.
This drill was the third one executed within the past six years. Hallenbeck has stated that they plan to conduct drills like these once every two years.
