Doboj -A MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation) exercise was conducted, May 10, in the area east of Doboj to train and test members of the Nordic Polish Battle Group (NPBG) in medical emergency response techniques, security, evacuation and cooperation between units and nations.
The exercise scenario simulated a car accident, involving both SFOR and civilian casualties. After a request for assistance was received by emergency personnel, it took approximately twenty minutes for the first MEDEVAC teams to arrive on-scene.

Upon arrival, they immediately began securing the accident scene and providing initial treatment of the injured. It soon became clear, considering the number of casualties involved and the severity of their injuries, that additional assistance would be necessary. Additional medical personnel, ambulances and a helicopter MEDEVAC was immediately requested. Answering their request for evacuation assistance, four U.S. Blackhawks departed from Tuzla, Eagle Base and soon arrived at the scene.

The severely injured were immediately placed on the "birds" and flown back to Eagle Base for follow-on treatment. The remaining injured were then either flown or brought by ambulances to Camp Danevirke, the Danish camp in Doboj for follow-on treatment.

A total of 19 casualties were successfully treated and evacuated throughout the exercise, which involved a team effort consisting of medics, doctors, military police, rescue units and helicopter personnel.
Operating within multinational units makes exercising even more important, due to the fact that soldiers and officers from different nations come from a variety of backgrounds and training philosophies. By effectively coordinating with one another and establishing common routines and standards, multinational personnel assigned to SFOR are able to successfully carry out any task assigned, as was demonstrated throughout the course of the MEDEVAC exercise.

With members from more than eight different nations represented, this is especially true for personnel assigned with the NPBG in MND-N. It is a way of doing business which has allowed the unit to effectively operate as one multinational team within SFOR and has contributed to the overall success of SFOR operations.

Related links:
Training and Exercises
The Nations of SFOR: US
The Nations of SFOR: Finland
The Nations of SFOR: Denmark