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New contingency aeromedical staging facility opens

  • Published
  • By Linda Frost
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Wilford Hall Medical Center continues its long tradition of healing as it takes on a new mission to provide a temporary staging facility here for ill or injured servicemembers returning from overseas.

In support of the war on terrorism, the 59th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility, or CASF opened June 15, to support the patients in the military air evacuation system.

A team of trained experts will provide medical care and keep patients comfortable for 12-72 hours while awaiting transportation to their final destination.

The 59th CASF is referred to as a contingency facility since it is not part of the 59th Medical Wing's permanent mission. It will remain as long as patient flow mandates the need.

The operation came together quickly after a tasking from the Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to provide a central location within the United States with enhanced medical care and the ability to move patients safely and expeditiously to various locations stateside.

"Texas, being centrally located, along with state-of-the art medical facilities at Ft. Sam Houston, specialty care at Wilford Hall, and our proximity to the Kelly flight line, made locating the CASF here operationally sound," said General Hepburn. "It is a collaborative effort with our Army colleagues at Ft. Sam Houston."

The 59th CASF is one of many strategically placed units across the United States. Other primary staging facilities are located at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Travis Air Force Base, Calif.; and Hickham Air Force Base, Hawaii.

"We pray that this facility will be empty, but we anticipate a continued need for air evacuation patient support. I know we will provide great clinical and compassionate care to the patients that transit Military City USA, commented Maj. Gen. Byron Hepburn, commander, 59th Medical Wing.

Military officials say they anticipate one flight per week direct from Ramstein, Germany to Kelly Air Field here, a short 10-minute drive from Wilford Hall. The number of patients will vary and range from Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen. The critically injured will be transported immediately from Kelly to Brooke Army Medical Center.

General Hepburn said "the ultimate goal is to get them to treatment facilities nearest their home, family or military installation."

Currently, the contingency aeromedical staging facility is staffed by Air Force Reservists deployed from 14 states for a six-month period. In the future, it is expected active duty members will be assigned.

"This is an awesome opportunity for the Air Force Reserves and active duty to make this one mission, one fight," said Col. Debora Esque, commander of the 59th CASF.

The team consists of 43 medical personnel, including a doctor, physician's assistant, nurses, medical technicians and administrative staff. Two active duty Airmen from the 59th MDW serve as liaisons with the reservists and provide operational oversight.

"I want to especially thank the reservists, our Citizen Airmen, who have left their families and children to do our nation's work here in San Antonio. I know they will excel in their important mission in the months ahead," General Hepburn added.