Guardsmen from 2nd Brigade of the Texas State Guard (State Guard) spent their November weekend drill honing critical aeromedical evacuation skills in Angleton, Texas. Partnering with personnel from the National United States Armed Forces Museum, the Guardsmen utilized CH-46 helicopters to simulate real-world disaster response scenarios. The training focused on reinforcing basic first aid techniques, preparing ad hoc landing zones, and operating a rescue basket to extract casualties during natural disasters or emergencies.
The Texas State Guard routinely collaborates with the Texas Army, Air National Guard, and other agencies on vital Aerial Port of Embarkation (APOE) and Aerial Port of Disembarkation (APOD) operations. This comprehensive training is essential as the Texas State Guard frequently responds to natural disasters, providing lifesaving support to communities across the state. By mastering aeromedical evacuation techniques, including the use of rescue baskets and coordination with helicopter crews, Guardsmen are better able to quickly stabilize and prepare injured Texans for transport to the nearest medical facility during natural disasters, severe weather events, or other emergencies. These exercises are made possible through collaboration with valued agency partners, reflecting the 2nd Brigade’s motto, ad omnia parati—“ready for anything.”
Guardsmen from Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, practice providing aeromedical evacuation support with the assistance of National United States Armed Forces Museum personnel and their CH-46 helicopters in Angleton, Texas, Nov. 16, 2024. Guardsmen reinforced basic first aid skills and learned to prepare an ad hoc landing site and use a rescue basket as would be utilized in a natural disaster or other emergency. Thank you to our valued agency partners without whom such an exercise would not be possible. Well done, all! 2nd Brigade is ad omnia parati, “ready for anything!” (Texas State Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Willie Grimes) #duty#honor#texas#TXSG#TXMilitary#TexansServingTexas
Source: Texas State Guard
