The Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine, on Friday trained 11 of its personnel on aeromedical evacuation during national emergencies.

The Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, AVM Nnandi Ananaba, in his graduation speech said the graduation was a milestone in the march towards attaining the great potential of the institution.

According to him, it is in line with one of the key enablers of Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar’s command philosophy, which is “Deliberate training and mission-oriented force development.’’

The AOC was represented by the Chief of Medical Services, NAF Headquarters, Air Cmdr Ikechukuw Ogbodo

The 11 graduating students underwent six-week training.

Mr Ananaba said, “I am aware that the German Technical Advisory Group led by Lt.-Col. Frank Abel and his team played a crucial role towards the integration of the Air Mobile First Aid Unit with NAFSMSAM.”

He said that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to appreciate the German group for its invaluable contributions towards building the capacity of NAF personnel in emergency medicine.

Mr Ananaba emphasised that Tactical Combat Casualty Care courses were crucial for the members of the Armed Forces as they provide specialised training in life-saving techniques tailored to the unique challenges of combat situations.

The AOC added, “You are therefore expected to use the new skill acquired during NAF operations and in response to national emergencies.”

According to him, NAF’s active involvement in operations comes with its inherent health challenges that affect both the personnel and their families, and by extension, NAF operational efficiency hence the need for skillful, dedicated and sound attitudinal medical professionals to care for them.

He noted, “I am also aware that the commandant of NAFSMSAM and his team of instructors are working tirelessly to come up with a proposal. The proposal will expand the scope of this training to personnel from civil institutions, paramilitary organisations and National Emergency Management Agency.”

Mr Ananaba said this was a welcomed development and urged the commandant and his team to continue improving on their modest achievements.

He urged them not to relent on their efforts in trying to justify the huge investment made by the Chief of the Air Staff to the institution.

Mr Ananaba charged them to show professionalism while discharging their assigned tasks to contribute their quota to the health care development of the service and the nation at large.

According to him, it should be done in line with the NAF’s core values of “Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.’’

Mr Ananaba told the personnel that the Nigerian Air Force expected them to be at their best for the effective and efficient performance of their duties.

He added, “Let me also remind you that discipline is the bedrock of any fighting force upon which cohesion and team spirit is built. You must uphold the high standard of discipline that our service is known for. Let me also caution that you must remain apolitical at all times in line with the military code of conduct.’’

Earlier, the Commandant of the School, Air Cdr Rilwanu Abdullahi, had said that the batch B Aeromedical Evacuation Technician Course began on February 5.

Mr Abdullahi said the Air Mobile First Aid Unit was established on November 16 2021, with the aid of GTAG.

He said, “The unit was recently placed as a department under the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine. It is to provide level 2 emergency medical care in support of NAF operations, as well as respond to national emergencies.”

According to him, the unit has effectively trained medical personnel in both emergency medical response and Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

He said the objective of the course was to equip military personnel with the skills to administer immediate medical care under fire.

Mr Abdullahi said that TCCC courses increased the likelihood of survival for injured comrades on the battlefield.

He said, “This training enhances the overall readiness and effectiveness of military units by ensuring that individuals are prepared to respond swiftly. And to also effectively evacuate casualties in high-stress environments, ultimately saving lives and fostering a culture of care and support within the armed forces. Currently, NAFSMSAM is articulating a proposal to extend these training capabilities to civil organisations and other paramilitary bodies.”

Mr Abdullahi said that collective commitment to excellence was paramount if the service was to effectively discharge its constitutional role.

He commended the Chief of Air Staff for his vision in enhancing the capacity of this school by providing an enabling environment for the modest successes recorded so far.

“The Chief of the Air Staff has shown enormous interest in this school and has taken giant strides to ensure its success. On our part, the school will continue to strive till we achieve our mandate as one of the leading health institutions in the nation, “Mr Abdullahi said.

(NAN)