KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- High above the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, a KC-135 roars through the sky, its mission far different from the usual refueling runs. Inside, Airmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron scurry about the Stratotanker’s cabin, honing their vital skills during a training flight on Feb 12.
Each training opportunity offered insight and improvement while also igniting innovation – enabling the aeromedical evacuation team to improve their readiness and efficiency for service members across the Indo-Pacific region.
“Our [area of responsibility] is big, from Antarctica and Southeast Asia to Guam and everywhere in between,” said Capt. Raymond Kelly 18th AES flight nurse. “There’s no ambulance it’s just ocean, so we fill the gap.”
Flight nurses and medical technicians form the core of the aeromedical evacuation crew. The vast area and the diverse population they serve require the 18th AES to be ready for anything and work as a team.
"There's a unique dynamic in [aeromedical evacuation]. We have a wide range of specialties represented – [obstetrics] nurses, pediatric nurses, clinic personnel – it's incredibly diverse, which is essential because we never know what we're going to get," Kelly explained. "You're not in a massive hospital with dozens of nurses rushing around. Here, it's a tight-knit crew. We interact and we work together seamlessly."
The crew practiced several scenarios in the airborne intensive care unit where they faced a variety of simulated patients with varying needs.
"We had everything from simulated medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes to trauma situations, like gunshot wounds," explained Kelly. "It's about being prepared for any eventuality, much like an emergency room."
With limited access to equipment and space while working in dark quarters these winged warriors of wellness must meet and overcome challenges.
“We operate in an austere environment, it’s not like we can run to the local store to get something we need,” Kelly said. “We are 35,000 feet so we have to be able to innovate, adapt and overcome challenges that come our way.”
For these Airmen, the reward lies not in accolades, but in the impact of their work.
“It's about getting people the help they need, when they need it most," said Tech. Sgt. Courtney Smith, 18th AES aeromedical evacuation technician and flight instructor. "Being able to get those patients to a higher level of care, that's what drives us."