First responders from the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, the 96th Civil Engineer Group Fire Department, 96th Security Forces Squadron, Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services and Okaloosa Med Flight responded to a simulated mid-air helicopter collision and crash on the Eglin Air Force Base range. The realistic exercise with more than 20 injuries served to validate the 6 RTB’s mass casualty exercise procedures and their ability to work as part of a unified command. The exercise was held September 28. U.S. Air Force Photos by Ilka Cole.
(Above & Below): A simulated downed U.S. Army helicopter smolders during the 6th Ranger Training Battalion’s annual mass casualty exercise Sept. 28 at Eglin Air Force Base.
A U.S. Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion member lays injured at the simulated helicopter crash scene.
A U.S. Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion member lays in the grass with simulated injuries near the helicopter crash scene.
U.S. Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion members assess and stabilize a simulated helicopter crash victim.
U.S. Army Captain Roland Salazar, 6th Ranger Training Battalion physician’s assistant, treats a simulated helicopter crash victim.
Firefighters with the 96th Civil Engineer Group put out flames from the simulated helicopter crash.
A 96th Civil Engineer Group firefighter walks a simulated victim away from the helicopter crash scene.
96th Civil Engineer Group firefighters and U.S. Army Capt. Roland Salazar, a physician’s assistant with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, work to dislodge a simulated victim from the helicopter wreckage.
An Okaloosa Med Flight first responder assesses a simulated helicopter crash victim.
A U.S. Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion member waits for treatment near the simulated helicopter crash.
U.S. Army 6th Ranger Training Battalion members, load a simulated victim into the helicopter transport.