Lithuanian military medics support NATO mine-countermeasures group at sea

Lithuanian military medical personnel are serving with a NATO mine-countermeasures group at sea, providing emergency care and preparing crews for medical emergencies, LRT reported.

The personnel from the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Dr Jonas Basanavičius Military Medical Service provide medical support, assess crews’ readiness and advise the group commander on medical matters. Their duties also include checking ships’ medical equipment and medicine supplies, and ensuring medical staff are prepared for their assigned tasks.

They help protect divers involved in mine-clearance operations by assessing diving risks and preparing for injuries or cases of decompression sickness. The medics also organise and coordinate international medical exercises, including simulations of accidents and mass-casualty incidents, to improve cooperation among crews from different NATO countries.

The team plans medical evacuations and coordinates with helicopter crews, shore-based rescue services and medical facilities. Providing care at sea can be difficult because of limited space and resources, challenging weather and the distance to the nearest medical facility.

Lithuania is leading Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) for the third time. The group is commanded by Lithuanian Navy officer Commander Donatas Gečas, and its flagship is the Lithuanian Navy staff and supply ship Jotvingis (N42). Lithuanian Navy officers previously led the group in 2014 and 2020.