Setting New Standards for Critical Care Air
Transport Team Training, Ensuring Rapid Response in Combat
and Civilian Emergencies
CINCINNATI, June 4, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- UC Health and the Air Force's 711th Human
Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
announce a groundbreaking expansion and enhancement of the Center
for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) program at
the University of Cincinnati Medical
Center.
This transformative $10 million
initiative confirms the partnership's commitment to preparing Air
Force medical personnel to deliver critical care worldwide. This
expansion equips them to excel in both combat and civilian
emergencies and advances Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT)
standards.
"This investment underscores our commitment to continuous
improvement and readiness in aeromedical evacuation and critical
patient care, ensuring we can respond to medical emergencies
globally," stated Col. Tory Woodard,
commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine
(USAFSAM). "These military-civilian relationships are critical to
our nation, helping train our medics and sustain the skills needed
for our operational missions. This expansion helps us prepare for
the next generation of aeromedical evacuation and critical patient
care."
Building on a Legacy of Collaborative
Training
Col. Valerie Sams, MD, director of C-STARS
Cincinnati and University of Cincinnati
Medical Center's Division of Trauma and Critical Care, United
States Air Force, reinforced the significant impact of this
expansion. "Our partnership with UC Health and the Air Force has
delivered impressive results in training military medical
personnel," says Col. Sams, a volunteer associate professor in the
Department of Surgery at the UC College of Medicine. "This
expansion further enhances our training programs, ensuring the Air
Force remains prepared to deliver expert medical care
globally."
Expanding Training Capabilities
Through cutting-edge
simulation technology and immersive environments, the program will
empower medical personnel to excel in high-stress scenarios and
deliver expert care to critically injured patients, anywhere.
The new state-of-the-art simulation center will modernize
readiness training, incorporating high-fidelity manikins, immersive
VR simulations, and data-driven performance analysis. It will allow
the training of 300 CCAT teams annually, compared to 108 currently,
ensuring the Air Force can respond effectively to future conflicts
and mass casualty events.
Deepening Engagement
Through joint research and
educational outreach, it seeks to strengthen bonds between military
and civilian healthcare professionals, enriching the broader
healthcare ecosystem. C-STARS is part of the UC Institute for
Military Medicine in the Department of Surgery at the UC College of
Medicine.
Celebrating Two Decades of Partnership
UC Health
marks two decades of
military-civilian collaboration, hosting the C-STARS program since
2002. This partnership has offered vital training for military
medical personnel and spurred innovation in the local healthcare
system. With nearly 5,000 professionals trained, C-STARS enhances
Air Force readiness for combat and peacetime missions, as well as
civilian disaster relief efforts.
The C-STARs program expansion has received the support of local
leaders, including:
- Rep. Brad Wenstrup,
D.P.M: "During my time as a surgeon in Iraq, CCAT ensured that the work we did in
theater was completed at our bases in Germany, and back in the US, saving the lives
of so many service members. By investing in the already successful
partnership between Wright Patterson Air Force Base and UC Health,
we can make this program the model for any high-level national
response, while also improving the training programs for our
service members so they are best prepared for the high-intensity
operational mission."
- Rep. Greg Landsman, OH-01: "This expansion demonstrates
UC Health's leadership in medical training and the impactful work
happening in the region. Our medical military employees deserve
comprehensive training to deal with any critical situation. By
expanding their education using cutting-edge technology, our
service members will be able to provide the highest quality
care."
To learn more, visit
www.uchealth.com/education/c-stars/ and www.afresearchlab.com.
About UC Health
UC Health is an integrated academic
health system serving the Greater
Cincinnati and Northern
Kentucky region. In partnership with the University of Cincinnati, UC Health combines
clinical expertise and compassion with research and teaching – a
combination that provides patients with options for even the most
complex situations. Learn more at www.uchealth.com.
About AFRL
AFRL is the primary scientific research and
development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays
an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and
integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air,
space, and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500
across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the
globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology
ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology
development. Learn more at www.afresearchlab.com.
CONTACT:
Alex Lolli
Sr. Marketing and Communication Consultant
UC Health
378614@email4pr.com
513-310-1761
See attached for photos. Please credit UC Health.
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