In conflict zones and crisis-stricken areas, delivering high-quality medical care is a formidable challenge. From frontline trauma care in war-torn regions to rapid medical deployments in humanitarian emergencies, Aspen Medical has built a global reputation for its expertise in military and emergency healthcare. With over two decades of experience in regions such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and West Africa, the company has played a crucial role in bridging healthcare gaps where they are needed most.
In this exclusive interview, Claire Westbrook-Keir, General Manager of Aspen Medical, sheds light on the company’s innovative approach to military healthcare. She discusses Aspen Medical’s role in conflict response, its collaboration with defense organizations, and the latest advancements in battlefield trauma care. She also shares insights into the growing importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening medical resilience for armed forces worldwide.
How does Aspen Medical provide high-quality healthcare in conflict zones and crisis areas?
Aspen Medical has been operating in conflict zones and crisis areas for more than 20 years – supporting international responses in Solomon Islands, East Timor, West Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. Most recently we have been supporting international response to unrest in the Caribbean and Ukraine. From deploying rapid response teams, to complete solutions involving mobile surgery units, field hospitals and aeromedical evacuations.
Aspen Medical has a proven track record of rapidly deploying medical teams to areas affected by conflict and disasters. For instance, during the battle for Mosul in Iraq (2016-2017), we were contracted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to manage and staff trauma field hospitals and maternity units. An international team of 140 professionals from 25 countries provided care to 47,890 patients and delivered 2,997 babies, achieving a mortality rate of just 0.39%. This operation marked the first time WHO engaged a commercial company for clinical services in such a setting.
How is Aspen Medical innovating to meet the growing demand for scalable military healthcare?
To address the increasing need for scalable military healthcare, Aspen Medical emphasizes the integration of military and civilian health capabilities. Their Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Katrina Sanders, has discussed the importance of this integration, sharing insights from missions in Ukraine and the Caribbean. Such collaborations enhance operational readiness and ensure that military personnel receive comprehensive care.
How does Aspen Medical work with governments and defense organizations to strengthen medical resilience and readiness?
Aspen Medical collaborates closely with governments and defense organisations to bolster medical resilience and readiness. Our expertise includes rapidly deploying medical teams, providing specialised training, and establishing self-sufficient mobile hospitals. These efforts ensure that military forces remain focused on their missions while maintaining robust health systems.
What role do industry partnerships play in military healthcare, and how does Aspen Medical help bridge gaps?
Aspen Medical has been bridging gaps in military healthcare infrastructure by ensuring rapid and effective medical support where it is needed most. Its expertise includes deploying comprehensive, adaptable solutions that help sustain operational readiness and deliver essential care in the most challenging environments.
How does Aspen Medical approach public-private partnerships in defense, and what benefits do they offer?
Aspen Medical advocates for reimagined public-private partnerships in defense sectors. By leveraging the agility and expertise of private healthcare solutions, we enable military organizations to concentrate on their primary missions. This collaboration ensures that health systems remain robust and effective, even in challenging environments.
What key lessons has Aspen Medical learned from crisis response, and how do they shape future strategies?
From our extensive experience in crisis response, including managing Ebola Treatment Units in West Africa and field hospitals in Iraq, Aspen Medical has learned the importance of rapid deployment, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with local health professionals and the community. These lessons have shaped our strategies, emphasizing the need for adaptable solutions and strong partnerships in crisis situations.
What are the latest advancements in battlefield trauma care and emergency medical response?
Aspen Medical has been at the forefront of battlefield trauma care and training for almost two decades. We provided care of battle casualty training to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the UAE military at Al Minhad Air Base for several years.
Today, Aspen Medical is teaching cutting-edge trauma surgery to Ukrainian doctors as they grapple with the reality of a war dominated by deadly unmanned drones, which have fundamentally altered the battlefield.
Aspen Medical has partnered with the US-based Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine to undertake a study into Ukraine’s combat casualty care and the lessons from the first large-scale country-to-country conflict fought in Europe since World War II. Commissioned by the US Department of Defence, the findings are being used to buttress Ukraine’s medical capabilities through data analysis and training and develop lessons for US and allied forces.
How does Aspen Medical support mental health and rehabilitation for military personnel?
In the USA, Aspen Medical has partnered with Hawaii Native Corporation, Dawson, to provide telehealth services to Defence personnel facing mental health challenges across the United States.
This 24/7/365 service employs psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialised counselors to provide a confidential, on-demand support system to assist our service personnel through their mental health challenges.
Aspen Medical is a veteran-owned and managed organisation that employs veterans across its global operations. Recognising the unique talents of, and challenges for veterans transitioning to civilian workplaces, Aspen Medical has developed a specific program for its veteran community.
How does Aspen Medical set up field hospitals in crisis zones?
Aspen Medical has demonstrated expertise in rapidly setting up field hospitals in crisis zones such Iraq, West Africa, the Caribbean and Afghanistan. In Mosul, Iraq, we established and managed three field hospitals, providing critical trauma and maternity care during and after the conflict. The approach includes the rapid deployment of comprehensive medical teams and logistics experts, mobile hospitals – ensuring the facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.
What is the future of military healthcare, and how will Aspen Medical contribute to it?
Aspen Medical envisions a future where military and civilian healthcare systems are increasingly integrated. By fostering partnerships and leveraging industry expertise, we aim to enhance operational readiness and ensure that military personnel have access to high-quality medical care, both during active operations and in long-term support scenarios.
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