Simulating a large-scale earthquake with an epicenter in the Magdalena Centro area, in Colombia, the Hemispheric Humanitarian Aid Exercise Angel of the Andes III, Cooperation VII began, coordinating efforts and standardizing procedures for responding to emergencies caused by natural disasters.
The Colombian Air Force, as a member of the United States Air Force Cooperation System (SICOFAA), received immediate support following the appeal for humanitarian assistance, in which 15 countries worked in this simulated emergency, with Resources, aircraft, crews and highly trained personnel in search and rescue missions, to provide timely assistance.
UH-60 Black Hawk, Bell 212 and Huey II helicopters of the Colombian Air Force carried out insertion and extraction of personnel in the area of Puerto Boyacá (Boyacá) and Puerto Salgar (Cundinamarca) through helicopter rappel, for the search and rescue of people, as well as aeromedical evacuations.
In the same way, the KC-390 transport aircraft of Brazil, Hercules C-130 of Canada and Chile, and the Dornier DO-328 of the United States joined the exercise to carry out mass transfers of patients in critical condition, as well as to transport humanitarian aid, medical personnel, rescuers and specialized equipment to provide the required care.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), with the work of relief agencies of the Colombian Army and National Police, the Red Cross, Civil Defense and the National Fire Department have actively participated in providing timely response and making their Resources available, complying with high safety standards.
It should in the same way be noted that the Honduran Caravan C-208 aircraft has carried out the aeromedical transfer of critical patients, who have been handed over to the medical staff of the Field Hospital constructed as part of the Humanitarian Support Exercise.
United to Save Lives is the motto that calls for the American continent countries military forces, preparing and training them for comprehensive assistance in real emergencies as members of SICOFAA, in order to strengthen joint operation in emergency response as the Combined Task Force of the Continent.
Source: press-Colombian Air Force
