PABRADĖ, June 17, 2011 – Medics of Exercise Amber Hope are taking the medical training received since June 14 out of the classroom and into the field at the Pabradė Training Area.
Medical experts from the Pennsylvania National Guard's medical detachment have moved to the next level by recreating real life scenarios in field conditions and by forcing their students to react quickly to life threatening situations without jeopardizing mission success.
"The feedback is tremendous," said Sgt. 1st Class Frank Karluk of the Pennsylvania Guard. "We have a moulage technician that came with us from Pennsylvania and the Lithuanians have allowed us to use their military technician who is also a physician's assistant, who is doing a tremendous job with the moulage and making the injuries look very real."
After learning in the classroom and practicing in the field, medics from all participating countries of the Exercise Amber Hope will be better prepared for whatever the battlefield throws at them.
"Most of the soldiers who went through are asking how many more times they can do it," said Karluk. "They're begging others to let them be part of the group and trade out. They just want to do this as many times as they can."
By using real troops and realistic make-up, soldiers are able to experience true immersion, which helps measure what they've really learned.
Exercise Amber Hope 2011 provides an excellent opportunity for NATO and Partners for Peace (PFP) countries to train together and prepare for potential future challenges. It is also a great opportunity to strengthen relations with our partners and share common experiences.
Captain Jean-François Lambert, PAO Canadian Forces
