On Nov. 21 2014, Medical Department Activity- Japan (MEDDAC-J) successfully conducted an exercise, ensuring its Ebola Virus Disease response plans.

The event was aimed at validating staff on comprehensive Ebola preparedness and to show the community MEDDAC-J's commitment and preparedness.

The MEDDAC-J exercise included identification of a mock patient with Ebola using symptoms and epidemiological factors.

Leaders say the patient was led through a very stringent process in order to protect clinic staff and visitors.

Coordination was then made through a Japanese Hospital to enable the pickup and successful admittance of a suspected Ebola patient.

As an ambulatory care clinic, MEDDAC-J would send suspected Ebola patients to the host nation medical facilities.

Successful coordination with Japanese authorities is a significant step in any exercise.

The local Hokenjo, which is similar to a state health department, worked very closely with MEDDAC-Japan in planning for the care of an Ebola patient.

Their assistance and cooperation ensured the successful execution of the preparedness drill.

The lessons learned from the training will help MEDDAC-J and Japanese partners further refine the plan for the care of Ebola patients, and the safety of staff and communities.

MEDDAC-J greatly appreciates the cooperation and assistance of Host Nation partners and have great confidence in their capabilities, leaders say.

"Overall the exercise was a great success. The performance of our staff and the collaboration with the local Host Nation organizations really added to the exercise's realism and generated important lessons learned to incorporate into our plans, "said Lt. Col. Philip Ginder, Deputy Commander for Administration for MEDDAC-J.

Although the probability of an Ebola case presenting to Brigadier General Crawford E. Sams Clinic is low, MEDDAC-Japan is well-prepared to quickly identify, isolate, and transfer any suspected Ebola case.