Rodeo 2000: Technicians configure aircraft, teams complete pre-departure checklist, loading
While the wounded were merely dummies or sandbags the pressure was still on to complete the mission within the given time limits and to do it correctly.
"We were very nervous because we were being judged, but we were also confident because we've practiced the scenario we were given many times and have done it in real world situations also," said Staff Sgt. Carl Hayden, team chief for the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron from Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
Working together, the five members of the 445th were the first team to tackle the configuration competition, which included converting the cargo area on a C-141 aircraft into an aeromedical evacuation area.
"We had to set up all our poles, litter straps, string oxygen and make sure we were following the checklist," said Hayden.
Teams must also perform aircrew briefings, load litters and ambulatory patients and complete a pre-departure checklist, all within the specific time restraints.
Army personnel assisted with the litter loading.
"The Army guys did a great job loading the plane," said Hayden. "It really went smoothly."
Rodeo 2000 is the third Rodeo to include aeromedical evacuation and changes and improvements are still being made to improve competition.
"Compared to prior Rodeos everything has improved -- from the setup to the facilities," said Hayden. "A huge improvement is that the umpires are less intimidating, which helps us to relax and perform better."
Along with competing, the teams are also following Gen. Tony Robertson, commander in chief of U.S. Transportation Command and commander of Air Mobility Command, order to learn something new.
"This is a huge learning experience and we'll definitely use what we learn to improve on our processes at home," said Hayden.
Aeromedical evacuation is a small career field and according to Master Sgt. Jose Tamayo, a Reserve aeromedical technician with the 932nd AES from Scott AFB, Ill., nearly everyone knows everyone else.
"The competition is friendly and we wish everyone luck," said Tamayo. (FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).
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