SAN FERNANDO, El Salvador –
A combined U.S., Salvadoran team provided medical care to more than 900 patients during a medical readiness and training exercise, or MEDRETE, held at Centro Escolar in San Fernando, El Salvador Aug. 25 and 26.
Twelve members of Joint Task Force Bravo's Medical Element worked together with representatives of the Salvadoran army and the Salvadoran Ministry of Health to provide the care. Joint Task Force Bravo is based in Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.
The mayor of San Fernando, Rodolfo Alvarez and a representative of the U.S. embassy in El Salvador, business representative Robert Blav, welcomed the medical team during the MEDRETE's opening ceremony Aug. 25.
"As the mayor of San Fernando, I am glad to have U.S. and Salvadoran military personnel here doing this MEDRETE," Mr. Alvarez said. "The medical team provided all patients preventive health information and supplies, such as toothbrushes, vitamins and soap. Patients went on to be evaluated by triage nurses, see doctors if necessary and receive appropriate medication free of charge."
"It is good to have partners with the people and the military members of El Salvador," said Army Lt. Col. Marie Dominguez, Medical Element commander, Joint Task Force Bravo. "The people in the San Fernando area were happy we were here"
Joint Task Force-Bravo's mission is conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief throughout Central America. Joint Task Force-Bravo's Medical Element is scheduled to participate in its next MEDRETE Sept. 10 to13 in Costa Rica.