Yokota medics make moves in aeromedical evacuation exercise

Airmen from the 374th Medical Group receive simulated patients from a UH-1N Huey for an aeromedical evacuation response exercise during the Beverly Morning 24-1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. Beverly Morning is a base-wide exercise to hone Yokota Air Base's readiness for real-world emergencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

Yokota medics make moves in aeromedical evacuation exercise

Airmen from the 374th Medical Group evacuate a simulated patient from a UH-1N Huey to a medical transport vehicle during exercise Beverly Morning 24-1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. The 374th Medical Group regularly practices transporting patients from various aircraft to facilities that can offer the appropriate medical care in response to critical injuries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

Yokota medics make moves in aeromedical evacuation exercise

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sofia Juarez, 374th Medical Group (MDG), tends to a simulated patient during exercise Beverly Morning 24-1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. The 374th MDG operates a 15-bed facility that is expandable to 115 beds and provides routine health care to more than 11,000 personnel on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

Yokota medics make moves in aeromedical evacuation exercise

Airmen from the 374th Medical Group lift a simulated patient into a medical transport vehicle during exercise Beverly Morning 24-1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. Securing each affected patient into the medical transport was the final action the Airmen completed before departing the flight line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

Yokota medics make moves in aeromedical evacuation exercise

Airmen from the 374th Medical Group carry a simulated patient from a C-130J Super Hercules to a medical transport vehicle during exercise Beverly Morning 24-1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. Securing each affected patient into the medical transport was the final action the Airmen completed before departing the flight line. (U.S. Air Force Public Affairs photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

Yokota medics make moves in aeromedical evacuation exercise

Capt. Raymond Kelly, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) representative from Kadena Air Base, Japan, directs 374th Medical Group personnel toward a C-130J Super Hercules Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. The 18th AES works closely with personnel from Yokota to ensure fast, safe transportation for medical patients during an emergency. (U.S. Air Force Public Affairs photo by Senior Airman Hannah Bean)

Yokota medics make moves in aeromedical evacuation exercise

Published Oct. 22, 2023
By Tech. Sgt. Taylor Altier
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

The 374th Medical Group responded to a simulated aeromedical evacuation and mass casualty scenario during the Beverly Morning 24-1 exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20.

Airmen from the 374th Medical Group work together to remove a simulated patient from a helicopter — Airmen from the 374th Medical Group work together to remove a simulated patient from a UH-1N Huey for a mass casualty response exercise during Beverly Morning 24-1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. Airmen ensure they are prepared through hands-on practice to accurately and efficiently provide medical care in high-stress emergencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

Evacuations and mass casualty scenarios are designed to mirror real-world crises, offering Yokota Airmen an opportunity to improve their emergency response skills while fortifying base readiness and resilience.

This portion of the BM 24-1 exercise consisted of a simulated enemy attack on a nearby installation with multiple personnel wounded, warranting an emergency evacuation to Yokota medical facilities. The injured were transported via Yokota UH-1N Huey and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to the 374th MDG, where they would receive immediate care.

“Responding to medical crises is an essential part of our mission,” said Col. Gregory Richert, 374th MDG commander. “They prepare our first responders for the unexpected and ensure we are always ready to provide care and support, no matter the circumstances.”

Airmen from the 374th Medical Group prepare to lift a simulated patient into a medical transport vehicle during exercise Beverly Morning 24-1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. Beverly Morning 24-1 is an exercise that is carried out to ensure Yokota Airmen are ready to rapidly respond to potential crises and maintain the base’s status as the focal point for power projection in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

Supporting units were also assessed, as medical response exercises also test communications

infrastructures between the various commands at the incident location and throughout coordinating agencies, executing and improving upon established base procedures.

A 374th Medical Group Airman unstraps a gurney from a helicopter — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Troin Yost, 374th Medical Group, unstraps a gurney from a UH-1N Huey during exercise Beverly Morning 24-1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2023. The 374th Medical Group ensures the medical readiness of the 374th Airlift Wing, Fifth Air Force, and U.S. Forces Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey)

“We understand that during an emergency, our ability to convey vital information can mean the difference between life and death, and our ability to communicate and cooperate with other units efficiently is paramount,” said Richert. “These readiness actions ensure Team Yokota is ready to rapidly respond to real-world crises and maintain its status as the focal point for power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.”