Black Hawk helicopters to be used in training exercise at Trident Medical Center on Monday

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Physicians, nurses, and other members of the trauma team at Trident Medical Center will participate Monday in a medical evacuation drill with Army Aviation crews from the South Carolina National Guard.

Three MEDEVAC UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters will be deployed as part of the exercise. Officials say flight medics will conduct aeromedical critical care and patient handover.

During the training, Black Hawk helicopters will land on the hospital’s helipad off University Boulevard.

“Many of our trauma team members have had the honor of serving in the military and have been part of medical evacuations from combat zones. The skills they’ve learned overseas, and the additional training they’ve had, are critical as we develop better ways to prepare to receive and care for patients who are part of a medical evacuation or a mass casualty event,” said Dr. Seon Jones, who leads Trident Medical Center’s trauma program.

Trident Health leaders described the scenario-based training as a unique opportunity to review aeromedical evacuation support procedures, train in treating casualties, casualty evacuation, flight operation functions, and conducting expeditionary deployment operations in support of civil authorities.

They said the exercise will enhance National Guard Soldiers’ preparedness to support domestic operations.

“It is imperative to provide all involved with as realistic training as possible. The relationship we have with Trident Health has allowed us to conduct this aeromedical intensive care training,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Tyler C. Lorick, standardization pilot, Det 2 C Co 2-238th.

Monday’s exercise is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude by noon.