Medical Team Proves Crew is in Good Hands

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mike Lenart, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Medical Department, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6, and medical personnel with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) tested their capabilities during a mass casualty drill July 25.

A simulated explosion in an urban environment set a scene similar to the one Marines from the 26th MEU could experience during deployment. The event began three hours of controlled chaos for the combined medical team aboard Kearsarge. A wave of 14 casualties, with injuries varying in severity, began arriving by helicopter to Kearsarge for urgent medical attention.

"We received patients with everything from broken bones, compromised airways, compound fractures in legs and arms, as well as amputations," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Harwood Garland, a Primary Triage corpsman. "Once we received and determined the severity of the injury, we moved them on to Secondary Triage, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or the Operating Room (OR) for surgery."

Patients were quickly received, tracked and moved to the appropriate care area effectively, which impressed event the most senior medical officers.

"I thought this team performed really well during the previous mass casualty drill, but this one was absolutely spectacular," said Cmdr. Tracy Thompson, FST 6 officer in charge. "I'm really proud of everyone's performance during this hectic evolution."

With three different medical assets aboard Kearsarge, integration is key to the success of the drill and more importantly, the care of injured service members in a real life scenario.

"From Primary Triage, to the stretcher bearers, to Secondary Triage, everything ran smooth," said Garland. "We train everyday in different areas that all play a roll in a mass casualty scenario. On top of it all, we work hand-in-hand with a very professional and knowledgeable Fleet Surgical Team that is a model example of team players."

Along with training, the mass casualty drill was used to evaluate on board medical response capabilities.

"Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL) is ensuring Kearsarge is ready to deploy in all areas and I had the pleasure to witness the medical portion of the assessment," said Navy Capt. John Burgess, fleet surgeon for 2nd Fleet and CSFTL medical assessor.

"The hair on the back of my neck stood as I watched this well-oiled machine perform at such a high level. I'm very proud to be here with great medical professionals and leaders. I know the Marines and crew will be in great hands during deployment."

The drill was performed in support of the medical assessment phase of Composite Training Unit Exercise, ensuring Kearsarge is capable and prepared to to go to sea for a scheduled deployment this fall.