SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Members of the 375th Medical Group here deployed to hurricane-ravaged
New Orleans Sept. 1 to provide additional medical support to relief
agencies already in the area.
The Expeditionary Medical Support Team, consisting of approximately
80 doctors, nurses, medical technicians and support personnel, left
family and familiar surroundings to provide their medical expertise to
victims in desperate need of medical attention following Hurricane
Katrina’s wrath.
"As of right now, we’re not sure what we will be doing or
exactly where we will be," said Tech. Sgt. Todd Gleadle,
375th Surgical Operations Squadron medic. "We do know that we will be joined by groups of augmentees
from numerous bases across the country and begin giving individuals
their much needed medical attention."
The deploying medical troops were moving on just 36-hours notice, yet
were eager to assist in any way possible. Heading for Louisiana with his
team is 375th Medical Group Commander Col. Lawrence Riddles.
"We’re excited because this is what we train for. Plus, this
is just the right thing to do," said Colonel Riddles.
The group will remain in the Gulf Coast region for an indefinite
time. Hurricane Katrina has left at least 185 people dead, with the
death toll continuing to rise as more bodies are discovered.
In addition to the EMS team, Air Mobility Command continues to
support relief operations by flying aeromedical evacuation missions out
of the devastated region.