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AFSOUTH Airmen conduct SMEE with Brazilian air force

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Adam Grant
  • 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs
RIO DE JANEIRO --  U.S. Airmen traveled to Brazil to participate in a week-long subject matter expert exchange with members of the Brazilian air force, from April 20-24, focusing on deployment and employment of Expeditionary Medical Support.

EMEDS is a modular field deployable hospital platform consisting of a series of adjoined climate-controlled tent structures with triage, surgical, X-ray, laboratory, intensive care, orthopedics, optometry and dental capabilities, according to Mr. Lewis Rissmiller, Air Combat Command surgeon general program manager.

Men and women from the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) routinely visit partner nations in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean to exchange knowledge and ideas covering a variety of military disciplines, Maj. Brian Neese, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) chief of international health specialists division said. Through this sustained engagement with partner nations the U.S. military is able to deter adversaries, preserve stability, support allies and partners, and cooperate with others to address common security challenges and promote regional security.

Throughout the week, U.S. and Brazilian teams exchanged information on how both air forces utilized EMEDS, focusing on setup and tear down, command and control, and logistics.

"Before we can use EMEDS, we have to first think about other things that effect EMEDS like how having the proper amount of space could either help or hinder operations," said Maj. Leticia Bland, from the 937th Training Group at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

Bland also said there are a lot of things to consider when establishing an EMEDS such as the placement of doors to eliminate unnecessary traffic and the placement of additional tents. Other briefings covered a myriad of topics including logistical support considerations and how to effectively command an EMEDS. 

After the presentations concluded, the group conducted a round table discussion to brainstorm how each could collaborate to ensure future endeavors are successful.

"It's important that we have inter-operability and are able to train and execute the mission together," said Neese. "It's truly remarkable to see what they've been able to do so far, and with this partnership between both of our air force's the sky is the limit."