Signs help direct medical transfers

FORT SILL, Okla. (Jan. 22, 2015) -- New signposts on Fort Sill ranges now make medical evacuations sites more identifiable. The Ambulance Exchange Points (AXP) have always been here and identified by military grid coordinates.

But since Jan. 7, nine highly visible signs aid in locating the sites, said David Harper, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS) training division chief.

AXPs are locations on Fort Sill ranges where an injured Soldier is taken in a unit evacuation vehicle to be transferred to a Reynolds Army Community Hospital ambulance to get to the medical center, Harper said.

The AXP signs are about the size of speed limit signs, double-faced, and feature white reflective backgrounds.

The AXP locations have been around for many years, but it was just recently when a unit leader informally suggested to the commanding general that signs be erected at the locations, Harper said.

When the seven signs were being made, Harper said he realized that one location would soon be inaccessible because of planned construction, so another AXP was created. And, the distance for an evacuation vehicle to travel at another AXP was deemed to far, so an additional AXP was designated.

The AXPs are designated by military grid coordinates, as well as latitude and longitude and can be found in Fort Sill Regulation 385-1 Safety Post Range Regulation.

The nine AXPs are:

Alpha at Peachtree crossing.

Bravo at Hoyle Bridge.

Charlie at Bleak Troop Medical Clinic, Bldg. 6039.

Delta near Pig Farm Crossing.

Echo at 4-Mile Crossing.

Foxtrot at Mow-Way and McKenzie Hill roads.

Golf at Twin Gates (Highway 115).

Hotel at White Wolf Crossing.

India at McKenzie Hill and Blue Beaver roads.

Soldiers needing more information about AXPs can review FS Reg. 385-1, Chapter 5 MEDEVAC Procedures and Requests, 5-4 Ambulance Exchange Points.

The regulation is available on the Fort Sill Intranet: Click on "Fort Sill Forms and Publications," then under "Publications" click "Fort Sill Publications," go to the "Regulations" tab.