CMD RPT ODS 17 MAR 91 AMD CDRS SUMMARY 17 MAR 91

File: 980811_sep96_decls6_0002.txt
Page: 0002
Total Pages: 17
Subject = CMD RPT ODS   17 MAR 91 AMD CDRS SUMMARY   17 MAR 91

Box ID = BX003208

Folder Title = 251ST EVAC HOSP-ANNEX E ODS

File Cabinet = Week-38

Parent Organization = HSC

























           6. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED:


               Transportation:    Immediately after exiting the airplane, it
           became obvious that insufficient vehicles were available to
           transport personnel and equipment to the billeting area.
           Consequently, personnel waited for hours to be transported fro the
           airport to their quarters.    The absence of sufficient types and
           numbers of vehicles severely restricted operations during the first
           several weeks in-coltntry.   Procuring MRE's and bottled water       for
           440 plus personnel placed an unnecessary strain on unit supply
           personnel who had access to a single pick-up truck.        After
           approcimatc?ly 3 weeks in the area of operations, additional vehicles
           were obtained from the host nation hospital and another military
           Evacuation hospital.    Future plans to mobilize Evacuation hospitals
           should include thorough coordination of transportation requirements.
           If vehicles are not available in the? AO, the unit should be allowed
           to transport TOE vehicles.

               Supplies:   Contrary to the information provided the unit prior
           to deployment, t@,.e host nation hospital was not sufficiently
           equipper; to provide medical care to large numbers of combat
           casualties.   Based on an evaluation conducted bg professional
           members oi this unit, the KKMC hospital was found to be critically
           short of surgical instruments, certain specialized surgical
           equipment and some medical supplies.      Medical supply personnel
           frantically worked to procure critically needed items from various
           sources including the supporting MEDSOM, USAMMA, and other medical
           units.  Most of the equipment and supplies were finally obtained
           several days prior to the beginning of the ground offensive;
           however, several items e.g. automatic irrication equipment, surgical
           instrument set, and irrigation rods +or litters, were never
           received and could have been very critical shortages had the war
           been e:@tended. If an evaluation of the KKMC hospital was performed
           by US medical professionals prior to the arrival of'this unit, the
           results were inadequate or totally misrepresented.        A very thorough
           inspection of the hospital should have been made to insure that the
           desired level of medical care could be supported with existing
           equipment and supplies.     Ideally, a team composed of medical
           professionals, medical supply personnel, biomedical technicians, and
           medical administration personnel should evaluate a host nation
           hospital prior to being staffed by US military personnel.         Such a
           team should be tasked with the responsibility of accurately
           identifying medical equipment and supply deficiencies as well as
           design problems.    Additionally, the team should prepare a written
           plan to overcome or correct problems prior to the beginning of
           hostilities.

               The 251st Evacuation Hospital was supported by the 32nd MEDSOM
           at KKMC.   Although the 32nd MEDSOM provided excellent support in
           view of the situation, some problems were encountered with the
Unit = OTSG        
Parent = HSC