MASCAL EXERCISE “HOT DUST 161” KFOR TACTICAL RESERVE MANOUVRE BATTALION

KTM Battalion conducted the Medical Exercise "HOT DUST 161”, at Camp "Slim Lines”, in order to Exercise and test the KTM MASCAL PLAN.

"HOT DUST 161” was a KTM multinational Exercise where a MASCAL Situation was simulated in order to rigorously test the KTM MASCAL PLAN.

A "MASCAL” can be defined as a situation which there is an excessive gap between the casualty load and medical capabilities for its conventional management, it demands an organized medical approach where the concept of triage is essential.

The main objectives of the exercise were developed joint interoperability of both air and ground elements across the diverse range of multinational units within KFOR and also to achieve a coordinated response of KTM command elements and personnel.

Additionally, another key element was to improve the Command and Control process during a MASCAL situation, thereby turning ‘chaos’ into an organized emergency process through the application of proper triage, medical treatment and evacuation of casualties.

The exercise was based on a scenario of an IED attack on a KTM vehicle at the main gate of the base, resulting in 8 victims with different degrees of severity.

The Primary Target Audience for this Exercise was the Portuguese and Hungarian Medical Team which constitutes KTM Role 1 as well as all Combat Lifesavers of the battalion. A key contribution to the exercise was also made by the AIRMEDEVAC TEAM (US Rotary Wing) from MNBG-E that evacuated 2 Priority 1 Patients, as well as Hungarian Medical Team from Camp "Novo Selo” that unloaded the patients, simulating a Role 3 Hospital.

Exercises like this are essential to maintain the readiness of troops and increase the operational flexibility in situations that are often fluid and unpredictable.