McConnell medics train to do helicopter evacuations (+video)

When troops are injured during overseas deployments, sometimes a helicopter evacuation is required.

The personnel in McConnell Air Force Base’s 22nd Medical Group got some hands-on time with an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Thursday afternoon.

The goal was to familiarize them with the helicopter’s systems, said Lt. Col. Lee Nenortas of the 22nd Medical Group.

“For most of them, they’ve never even set foot in a Black Hawk,” Nenortas said. “We don’t have Black Hawks here at McConnell.”

Soldiers from Fort Riley came to McConnell to lead the training exercise – an uncommon joint exercise between the Army and the Air Force.

“They’re our brothers and sisters right up the road. Having them be able to come down and do this for us is a great benefit,” Nenortas said.

The McConnell airmen examined the interior of the helicopter and practiced carrying people to and from it on stretchers. The helicopter’s blades were not spinning during the exercises.

Nenortas said McConnell hopes to bring the Army medics back on a recurring basis, eventually training while the helicopter blades are turning.

“It’s very important for us, with the wars winding down, that we don’t lose the skills we learned during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts,” Nenortas said.

“Medicine is a team sport. Whether you’re Army or Air Force, it’s important to have the training and get to know the person on the other side of that patient litter.”

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 6:04 PM with the headline "McConnell medics train to do helicopter evacuations (+video)."