DESERT STORM AFTER ACTION REPORT

File: aabas_03.txt
Page: 03
Total Pages: 6

(13) Medical Intelligence. Often medical intelligence vas received later than lt. could
have been for maximum benefit. It is recommended that
attention be paid to rapid dissemination of medical intelligence throughout
the theater as soon as it becomes available. By and large intelligence
received was thorough but in conversation with providers from other
institutions and other services it was Found that there were times when these
providers knew about particular conditions sooner than we did at the lst Air
Transportable Hospital.

b. ADMINISTRATION. The administrative staff was responsible for the Medical Control Center,
Patient Administration areas and Medical Logistics.
The staff responded admirably to the deployment and did an excellent job.
Medical Logistics did especially well throughout the deployment supporting not
only the ATH but also one squadron medical element and three aeromedical
staging Facilities that were located elsewhere. Medical Logistics- also
supplied Army Navy and Marine units early in the deployment that had no
access to medical supplies whatsoever. Problems were noted as follows:

(1) Forms. The levels and types of forms that were deployed were inadequate. It is
recommended that appropriate forms in quantity be deployed
with the ATH. It is also recommended that additional filing cabinets and
bulletin boards be obtained.

(2) Communications. Better telephone systems if possible were
needed. Better radio systems including a radio to communicate with JMRO would
also be helpful.

(3) Lack of maintenance technicians. It is noted that more medical maintenance
technicians and medical materiel technicians are needed for the function of the ATH. It is
recommended that one medical materiel and one medical maintenance technician be added to the
personnel package of the ATH.

c. DEPARTMENT OF NURSING. The Department of nursing not only provided outstanding care to the
patients in the Air Transportable Hospital but also learned aeromedical staging facility operations
and implemented them when appropriate. They also provided multiple immunization series to the 1st
TAC Fighter Wing as well as associated Army units. Problems were noted as follows.

(1) Infection Control Hazards - Hand washing facilities. Running water and field sinks
are felt to be critical and need to be added to every ATH. These were not available during this
deployment.

(2) Drainage Problems. The ATH would flood during times of heavy rain and it is thought
that there would be n great deal of pooling of blood in a mass casualty situation. It is
recommended that ATHs be placed on hard surfaces or paved surfaces if at all possible. This is also
importance for dust control.

(3) Continuing Education. There was noted to be a lack of professional literature and
continuing education opportunities. It is recommended that if deployments stretch on for months,
more attention be