Colleagues from METC participate in MEDEX-25 medical training organised by the Latvian Navy

On 25 April, the military exercise MEDEX-25, organised by the Latvian Navy, took place in the Baltic Sea, Liepāja and Skrunda. The main objective of the exercise was to strengthen cooperation between military and civilian structures to ensure a high level of readiness to respond to crisis situations involving mass casualties.    

During the exercise, the actions of medical personnel – doctor assistants and soldier-rescuers - were trained for situations involving several simultaneously injured persons, including tactical medicine and advanced first aid. Participants improved their skills in triaging, caring for, and evacuating the injured from both land and maritime environments. The exercise scenario also included the hospitalization of casualties.

MEDEX-25 exercise involved the Latvian Navy forces in cooperation with nine Emergency Medical Service brigades, Air Force helicopters, the Medical Unit of the 4th Kurzeme Brigade of the National Guard, the Kuldīga Hospital Emergency unit, and personnel from Rīga Stradiņš University Medical Education Technology Centre (RSU METC).

Erīna Akmene, a clinical simulation instructor at RSU METC and one of the METC team representatives at MEDEX-25 training, noted: ‘Such exercises often take place in forests, but this time a very interesting and highly appropriate location was chosen - the Skrunda military apartment town. The casualties - that is, simulated patients and mannequins - were also prepared accordingly, as rescuers had to deal with external injuries, amputations, and cardiological complications. The exercise definitely also inspired the RSU METC staff to consider new approaches in technical solutions.’

MEDEX-25 exercises demonstrated that effective cooperation between military and civilian structures is essential to ensure rapid and professional assistance in crisis situations. Such training strengthens readiness to act in difficult conditions and promotes mutual trust and coordination.