Flood rescue simulation for Spanish Air Force
Led by the Military Emergency Unit the excercise involved a response to simulated flooding, including an air evacuation for multiple victims.
The Spanish Air Force has reported on the Cantabria 17 exercise, which was held from 3 to 7 April. Led by the Military Emergency Unit (UME), the excercise involved a response to simulated flooding, including an air evacuation for multiple victims. The Medical Aeroevacuation Unit (UMAER) was activated along with 35 Wing, which fielded a CN-295 plane to carry out the mission.
The aircraft was configured at Torrejón Air Base in one hour so that it could transport up to 10 patients, including seating for patients with minor injuries, as well as stretchers for two critical patients and four serious patients. The crew consisted of two medical officers, a nurse officer and three specialist technicians.
After eight patients were boarded, the team completed an evacuation flight, with treatment delivered according to each patient’s condition. The crew had no prior knowledge of the number of patients or their care needs, which the Air Force said allowed for better training in the crew’s ability to respond as needed. Lt General Miguel Alcañiz, head of UME, accompanied the team on the flight between Torrejón and Santander, who personally checked the aircraft configuration.
At Santander Airport, the patients were handed over to ground transport teams.
Exercises like Cantabria 17 allow units to work together and share knowledge, said the Air Force.