Portsmouth, VA  –   PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Apr. 28, 2021) – Naval Medical Center Portsmouth’s (NMCP) Emergency Management department provided training for members of NMCP Command Safety, Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT) leaders, and Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services Engine 23 crew on the MedSled emergency evacuation device, April 28.

The training is taught to provide hands on preparation for the proper use of the MedSled; learn the three-step process and training support to a level that the participants can return to their units; and are comfortable conducting training for their unit.

“The goal is to train 50 personnel per quarter to ensure proficiency among the staff and first responders in the event of an emergency evacuation here similar to evacuation of St. John’s Mercy Hospital after an EF 5 Tornado hit Joplin Missouri, or the evacuation of NYU Langone Medical Center in New York during Hurricane Sandy,” said Barton Allen, NMCP’s Emergency Manager.

In the wake of disasters, healthcare facilities across the country are reviewing their disaster preparedness plans, including emergency procedures for evacuating non-ambulatory patients and staff. MedSleds were developed to ensure no one is left behind. Over 3,500 healthcare facilities nation-wide use the device.

As the U.S. Navy's oldest, continuously-operating military hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally-acclaimed, state-of-the-art medical center, along with the area's 10 branch health and TRICARE Prime Clinics, provide care for the Hampton Roads area. The medical center also supports premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsman for future roles in healing and wellness.