EMEDS Training at Exercise Maroon Surge

An assembled Expeditionary Medical Support System during Exercise Maroon Surge on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 7, 2018. Distinguished host nation visitors observed Airmen from the 86th Medical Group lead simulated ambulance loading and unloading with partner nation forces. The visitors also received a tour of an EMEDS, from the diagnosis room to the surgery room. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)

EMEDS Training at Exercise Maroon Surge

Airmen from the 86th Medical Group and the 86th Logistics Squadron set up an Expeditionary Medical Support System modular field hospital during en route patient staging training during Exercise Maroon Surge on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 4, 2018. The primary EMEDS missions are to: provide forward stabilization and resuscitative care; deliver primary care, dental services, and force health protection; and prepare casualties to evacuate to the next level of care. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ariel Leighty)

EMEDS Training at Exercise Maroon Surge

Airmen from the 86th Medical Group and the 86th Logistics Squadron set up an Expeditionary Medical Support System modular field hospital during en route patient staging training during Exercise Maroon Surge on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 4, 2018. EMEDS have a scalable design that allows the Air Force to deploy them in configurations that support small teams supporting a limited number of casualties, to large medical systems offering specialized care. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ariel Leighty)

EMEDS Training at Exercise Maroon Surge

Airmen from the 86th Medical Group and 86th Logistics Squadron, joined by members of the Croatian armed forces, set up an Expeditionary Medical Support System modular field hospital during en route patient staging training during Exercise Maroon Surge on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 4, 2018. Designed for rapid mobility and efficient setup, EMEDS can deploy within 24 hours of notification, and establish emergency room capability in two hours, operating room capability in four hours, and critical care capability in six hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ariel Leighty)

EMEDS Training at Exercise Maroon Surge

Airmen from the 86th Medical Group treat a patient with simulated minor injuries in an Expeditionary Medical Support System modular field hospital during en route patient staging training during Exercise Maroon Surge on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 9, 2018. Treatment at an EMEDS is a vital step in the en route care continuum, getting patients prepped for aeromedical evacuation to higher level of care. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ariel Leighty)

EMEDS Training at Exercise Maroon Surge

Airmen from the 86th Medical Group conducted Ability to Survive and Operate training in an Expeditionary Medical Support System modular field hospital during en route patient staging training during Exercise Maroon Surge on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 9, 2018. ATSO training is designed to improve Airmen’s performance during stressful circumstances. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ariel Leighty)

EMEDS Training at Exercise Maroon Surge

Published June 28, 2018
By Peter Holstein
Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs

FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- To project forward medical capability into deployed settings, the Air Force uses Expeditionary Medical Support System. EMEDS are modular, scalable field hospitals that allows the Air Force to field medical capabilities ranging from small teams that provide skilled medical care for a limited number of casualties, to a large medical system that can provide specialized care to a population at risk of more than 6,500.

EMEDS training is a vital readiness task. During Exercise Maroon Surge in June 2018, the 86th Medical Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, practiced setting up and delivering care within an EMEDS, training with U.S. partner nations to enhance expeditionary medical preparedness and mass casualty evacuation capabilities.