Afghan Air Force Begins Scheduled Aeromedical Evacuation Flights Published Sept. 10, 2010 By Capt. Rob Leese 438th AEW PAO KABUL, Afghanistan -- The Afghan National Security Forces began weekly aeromedical evacuation flights from Kandahar to Kabul on Sept. 8, 2010. While the Afghan Air Force's Kabul and Kandahar Air Wings will continue to provide AN-32 and C-27 aircraft, crews and flight medics for emergency aeromedical evacuations, this scheduled service provides stable and predictable medical care. This aero medical capability allows the Afghan National Army's Kandahar Regional Medical Center to prioritize transportation of the injured to Kabul's National Medical Hospital for more advanced treatment. This allows as required and use the scheduled flights to make beds available for future patients. This AAF-ANA partnership enables the best possible medical care for Afghanistan. Col. (Dr.) Bruce Nelson, 738th Air Expeditionary Advisor Group at Kandahar, Flight Nurse Advisor Capt. Cassandra Ayott, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group in Kabul are among the medical team improving the level of clinical, aeromedical and casualty evacuation medical care provided by the Afghan Air Force. There are other NATO "ground" advisors working "shoulder by shoulder" to improve the AAF's medical capabilities. This was the first "dedicated" AN-32 aeromedical evacuation flight carrying Afghan National Security Forces brought to the Kandahar Air Wing ramp by ambulance from Kandahar Regional Medical Hospital for transfer to the National Military Hospital in Kabul. Afghan flight medics from the air wings at Kabul and Kandahar coordinate patient transfers, and as necessary, provide the best possible "care in the air." The routine, scheduled aero medical evacuations will allow beds to be freed at smaller medical facilities, and will also improve care over the previously ad hoc system.