IN a historic first for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), the Naval Division conducted a joint Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) exercise with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy during the departure of the PLA Navy Hospital Ship Ark Silk Road on 8 October.
The exercise focused on the evacuation and treatment of heavily injured personnel at sea, demonstrating the ability of both forces to work together in a realistic maritime emergency scenario.
The RFMF Naval Division participated through its Hydrographic Vessel, FNS Volasiga, which played a central role in the exercise. A simulated maritime incident required the rapid evacuation of injured personnel from the Volasiga to the Ark Silk Road, where Chinese medical teams stood ready to provide advanced medical care.
Fijian naval personnel carried out casualty stabilisation, coordinated communication with the hospital ship, and executed patient transfers under operational conditions at sea. The Ark Silk Road’s medical team received the patients onboard, demonstrating seamless coordination between vessels.
The joint MEDEVAC exercise tested critical procedures, including inter-ship communication, casualty handling, emergency medical response, and patient transfer protocols. It was the first time Fijian naval personnel had conducted such a drill with a Chinese naval hospital ship, offering an invaluable opportunity to enhance their technical and operational skills.
The exercise also allowed RFMF personnel to gain practical exposure to the Ark Silk Road’s medical capabilities and facilities, building confidence and experience in conducting medical evacuations at sea.
The successful completion of this exercise represents a significant milestone for the RFMF Naval Division, as it continues to strengthen its operational readiness and ability to respond to maritime emergencies.
Conducting the drill during the departure of the Ark Silk Road added a dynamic, real-world dimension to the scenario.
The RFMF Naval Division expressed its appreciation to the crew of the Ark Silk Road for their collaboration and professionalism.
This first-ever joint MEDEVAC exercise lays the groundwork for future engagements in training, operational cooperation, and medical support, all aimed at enhancing Fiji’s maritime response capabilities.
