In a groundbreaking development for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), the Naval Division successfully conducted a joint Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) exercise with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on October 8. This historic collaboration took place during the departure of the PLA Navy Hospital Ship Ark Silk Road and focused on the evacuation and treatment of severely injured personnel at sea, showcasing the capability of both forces to work together in a realistic maritime emergency scenario.
The exercise was pivotal in allowing RFMF personnel to operate from their Hydrographic Vessel, FNS Volasiga. It involved a simulated maritime incident that required the rapid evacuation of injured individuals from the Volasiga to the Ark Silk Road, where Chinese medical teams were prepared to provide advanced medical care. Fijian naval forces managed casualty stabilization, coordinated communications with the hospital ship, and executed patient transfers under operational sea conditions. The medical team aboard the Ark Silk Road demonstrated exceptional coordination and readiness, ensuring seamless patient reception and care.
This joint drill tested critical emergency procedures, encompassing inter-ship communication, casualty management, and patient transfer protocols. Notably, it marked the first time Fijian naval personnel engaged in a drill with a Chinese naval hospital ship, providing an invaluable opportunity to enhance their technical and operational skills.
The exercise not only improved RFMF personnel’s exposure to contemporary medical capabilities and facilities but also instilled greater confidence in conducting maritime medical evacuations. The successful execution of the MEDEVAC exercise represents a significant milestone for the RFMF Naval Division as it bolsters its operational readiness and responsiveness to maritime emergencies, an essential capacity given Fiji’s geographical context.
Moreover, conducting the drill during the Ark Silk Road’s departure added a dynamic, real-world element to the scenario. The RFMF expressed gratitude towards the crew of the Ark Silk Road for their cooperation and professionalism, signaling a commitment to fostering international partnerships in defense and emergency response.
This pioneering joint MEDEVAC exercise sets a strong foundation for future training and operational cooperation, enhancing Fiji’s maritime response capabilities and contributing to broader regional security. Both nations look forward to strengthening their military ties, furthering collaborative efforts in humanitarian assistance, and improving response mechanisms in the Indo-Pacific region. Such initiatives exemplify the hope for a resilient and cooperative future in addressing maritime and humanitarian challenges, underpinning the shared commitment to safety and security in the Pacific community.