SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.
-- Members of the 375th Medical
Group here deployed to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans Sept.
1 to provide additional medical support to relief agencies
already in the area.
The Expeditionary Medical Support
Team, consisting of approximately 80 doctors, nurses,
medical technicians and support personnel, left family
and familiar surroundings to provide their medical expertise
to victims in desperate need of medical attention following
Hurricane Katrina's wrath.
"As of right now, we're not sure
what we will be doing or exactly where we will be,"
said Tech. Sgt. Todd Gleadle, 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 medical troops were
moving on just 36-hours notice, yet were eager to assist
in any way possible. Heading for Louisiana with
his team is 375th Medical Group Commander Col. Lawrence
Riddles.
"We're excited because this is
what we train for. Plus, this is just the right
thing to do," said Riddles.
The group will remain in the Gulf
Coast region for an indefinite time. Hurricane Katrina
has left at least 185 people dead, with the death toll
continuing to rise as more bodies are discovered.
In addition to the EMS team, Air Mobility
Command continues to support relief operations by flying
aeromedical evacuation missions out of the devastated
region.
Additionally,
two aeromedical evacuation crews from the 932nd Airlift
Wing at Scott flew out Sept. 1 to assist with the Hurricane
relief efforts taking place in New Orleans. They entered
a medical staging area and put their skills to work helping
move patients where needed. The aeromedical crews
took supplies with them including litters, heart monitors,
ventilators, power convertors, portable oxygen, assorted
medicines and bandages.
"This is a difficult time for those directly affected
by the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. Our medical crews will
join with other agencies on the ground to give what medical
aid they can, and make a positive difference in the lives
of our fellow Americans," said Col. Maryanne Miller,
932nd Airlift Wing Operations Group commander.
