Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
10 June 2014
For the second year, the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) provided onsite medical support for the nearly 2,000 participants and an equal number of spectators in the EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon that took place on June 8, 2014 in Cambridge, Maryland. This competition at Great Marsh Park featured a 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride. After the bike ride, the race ended with a 13.1 mile run. This competition was sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT) and organizers followed the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) rules.
In order to support this major event, the MDDF activated Operation Eagleman under the command of Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Stanley Minken. Operation Eagleman successfully utilized MDDF assets from the 10th Medical Regiment, Finance Corps, the new Pioneer Detachment and Troop Command to succeed in this mission. Building on previous experience, the MDDF staffed a “mobile hospital” that was operational for the duration of the competition with support from the Delmarva Regional Health Care Mutual Aid Group.
MDDF medical personnel were busy throughout the competition and treated 168 athletes during the event. Some athletes who were in need of follow-up medical care were transported to Dorchester General Hospital with MDDF medical staff coordination. More than 500 volunteer man hours were provided by MDDF personnel. The Operation successfully prevented hundreds of patients from converging on the local medical system. The cooperative relationship between the organizers of the competition, Dorchester County Emergency Management, Dorchester County EMS and the MDDF set the standard on collaborations and provides crucial training on surge capacity medical care.
Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Minken commented that, “Our MDDF team was able to build on lessons that we learned during last year’s event that helped to enhance our operational effectiveness. Participating in this event is a win-win because the athletes get great medical care and our state soldiers gain valuable experience. We hope to build on this activity and continue to improve our service delivery model for many years to come.”
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov.
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