VR-57 Provides Medical Evacuation
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS130226-03
2/26/2013
From Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve Public Affairs
ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- A crew from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 57 provided emergency medical transport to a Japanese sailor during a passenger mission in Iwo-To (Iwo Jima) Dec. 19.
"Our mission that day was to transport Marines from Okinawa to Iwo Jima and back," said Naval Air Crewman (Mechanical) 1st Class Jason King, the crew chief for the mission.
While on deck, the crew was notified of a medical evacuation requirement for a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) sailor. The sailor, who had just finished his physical fitness assessment, suffered a heart attack and collapsed on his way back to the barracks. Shortly afterward, he was found by a friend who called for medical assistance.
Once aware of the time-critical nature of the emergency, the C-40 crew expeditiously prepared the jet and worked with on-scene medical personnel and airfield staff to load the patient and plan their trip back to mainland Japan.
"I was really proud of everyone involved," said Lt. Julie Guerre-Chaley, the aircraft commander. "The teamwork on the ramp was exactly what you'd expect from a group of professionals."
Using the combination section of the aircraft as a make-shift emergency room, two doctors (one of which was a U.S. Navy doctor assigned to the Marine Unit being airlifted) provided critical care during the hour-long return flight to Atsugi. When they arrived, the Japanese sailor was transported to a city hospital where he went on to make a full recovery.
"We were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time," said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Morton, one of the pilots on the flight. "I'm just glad we were able to help out in a time of need."
At the time of the MEDEVAC, VR-57 was forward deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi in support of Commander Fleet Air Forward.
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