US Air Force Medical team concludes 1st LAMAT mission in St Vincent, treats over 700 patients

A team of the United States Air Force Medical and Support Personnel collaborated with medical partners in St Vincent and the Grenadines to provide its first medical assistance engagements under their LAMAT mission.

During their visit to the island nation from March 4 to 12, the team provided treatment to more than 700 patients, donated $180,000 USD in supplies and medicines and provided $800,000 USD in medical services.

While sharing the development on its official Instagram account, the officials said that the LAMAT 24 team was everywhere across the island in St Vincent and added, “Making sure we were helping as many patients as possible.”

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According to the information, 34 active duty and reserve Airmen travelled to St Vincent to support this year’s Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission. During their stay on the island, the members worked closely with their host nation counterparts to partner and sharpen skills through mutual education and training. Following the completion of their mission in St Vincent, the team said, “Our Lamat 24 medical assistance team helped treat hundreds of patients while making real friendships and lasting memories on these beautiful islands. We thank all those who made it happen as we say goodbye.” As the team arrived on the island, the troop commander Jessica Arcilla said that the LAMAT mission is unique and added that the scope of the team’s work is vast, but the focus is clear – to work collaboratively with the counterparts in St Vincent and the Grenadines and provide the needed care for patients.

It was the first time that the US Southern Command directed medical team collaborated and partnered with St Vincent medical professionals and delivered support and resources to the island nation and helped it to enhance its healthcare system.

In addition to this, the orthopaedic team of LAMAT performed first ever knee arthroscopy surgery of St Vincent. During the closing ceremony of the mission in the island nation, Arcilla said that the team in professionals in St Vincent taught the team how to be inventive, resourceful, creative and better problem solvers.

As of now, the LAMAT 2024 mission has impacted more than 2200 patients across three locations in the Caribbean including Suriname, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The team will be moving forward to St Kitts and Nevis this week to continue helping people there.