The 433rd AMDS participated in LAMAT 25 in Saint Vincent, enhancing medical readiness through diverse healthcare services. They treated over 1,100 patients, performed surgeries, and trained local staff, fostering professional relationships. This mission highlighted the importance of adaptability in healthcare delivery and reinforced the commitment to global health initiatives.
During the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission held from March 10 to 21, 2025, thirty-one Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron (AMDS) collaborated with local healthcare professionals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This initiative, part of a larger global health engagement led by Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH), aimed to enhance medical readiness and foster partnerships within the region.
The mission employed a diverse team of specialists, including family medicine, emergency medicine, dental care, and ophthalmology, to improve clinical capabilities at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Center. The cooperative effort not only advanced healthcare services but also cultivated valuable professional relationships among the Airmen and their Saint Vincent counterparts.
U.S. Air Force Col. James Bershinsky expressed, “Our Airmen are going to partner with all of the amazing people in Saint Vincent and generate experience, share knowledge and gain friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Over the two-week mission, Airmen successfully treated more than 1,100 patients and conducted 36 surgical operations while repairing 46 pieces of medical equipment. This engagement provided essential hands-on training in critical medical skills, benefiting both U.S. medics and local healthcare practices.
Furthermore, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chante Richardson noted, “Being able to share knowledge that we have learned in the U.S. with the locals is twofold… This experience has refreshed many of us.” This collaboration emphasized the sharing of advanced medical techniques as well as traditional practices.
As part of a Total Force initiative, AFRC Airmen worked alongside active-duty personnel to provide vital dental care through the first-ever mobile dental unit visit to Canouan and Union Island. Approximately 250 dental visits were conducted, offering teeth cleanings, extractions, and dental hygiene education to communities with limited access to such services.
U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bates remarked on the mission’s effectiveness, stating, “We’re gaining real-world experience in dealing with challenges and adapting to be very productive with the limitations that we face on an island.” This adaptability was critical in delivering healthcare services efficiently.
The program culminated in a health fair, where over 500 residents received essential medical services, including screenings and consultations. Moreover, training on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) was provided to local healthcare staff, enhancing their trauma response capabilities.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Monique Downs emphasized the uniqueness of the setting, stating, “I’ve never seen a setting like this before, but I think it will better prepare me for the future.” The experience cultivated critical thinking and adaptability in resource-limited environments.
Lt. Col. Aaron Goodrich highlighted the mission’s aim to prepare military medical personnel for future deployments, underscoring the value of teamwork and collaboration throughout the mission. He stated, “This mission has successfully underscored the importance of teamwork and collaboration, with participants at all levels.”
In summary, the 433rd AMDS’s participation in LAMAT 25 significantly contributed to operational readiness and medical capabilities within the Air Force Reserve Command, further solidifying their commitment to impactful healthcare missions globally.
The 433rd AMDS’s involvement in LAMAT 25 highlighted their dedication to enhancing medical readiness and fostering partnerships within the Caribbean region. By delivering essential healthcare services, training local healthcare providers, and adapting their practices to a resource-limited environment, the Airmen not only improved local healthcare capabilities but also enriched their own professional and personal growth. This mission exemplifies the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and the ongoing commitment to global health outreach.
Original Source: www.dvidshub.net
