Afghanistan Task Force Gets Mine-resistant Ambulances

By Sgt. Jim Wilt, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

Feb. 12, 2008 - Doctors and medics here received a new tool to aid in the treatment of wounded servicemembers on the battlefield. The tool is a little too big to carry in a medic's aid bag, and it comes equipped with armor and a crew-served weapon. The newest configuration of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle -- the MRAP ambulance -- was shown to the Combined Joint Task Force 82 staff yesterday.

Having the MRAP ambulance brings survivability to the battlefield, Army Lt. Col. Coll Hadden, the forward MRAP joint program manager, said.

Hadden said the vehicles are equipped with life-saving equipment not usually found in ambulances on the battlefield such as oxygen, suction capabilities and vital-signs monitors.

"You're getting the medical capabilities to the soldier, as opposed to getting the soldier to the medical capabilities," the colonel said. With the added capabilities, Hadden said, the "golden hour" doctors have for treating a patient is not lost to transporting the wounded servicemember as the capabilities are brought to the patient.

Just as important as the new medical equipment on board is the armor the vehicle is wrapped in. Able to withstand large-calibre projectiles as well as being mine-resistant, the MRAP ambulance provides a safe haven for medical personnel to transport and treat as many as six patients.

"It offers increased protection and allows medics to ... treat casualties in a safe location," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Patrick L. Melvin, a CJTF 82 medic.

The mine-resistant vehicle also adds an advantage, Melvin said. Because of the threat from improvised explosive devices, the ambulances the task force currently uses can't be driven to the battlefield, he said. The MRAP's V-shaped hull and armor allow it to be used in ground evacuations when air assets are not available.

The task force will field the new vehicles after medics and operators are trained in its use..

(Army Sgt. Jim Wilt serves in the Combined Joint Task Force 82 Public Affairs Office.)