354th Medical Group sharpens lifesaving skillset through competition

Senior Airman Keayra Hall, 354th Medical Operations Squadron, provides medical personnel with details on a simulated patient with an abdominal wound, severe right leg bleed above the knee, and a right leg fracture, July 25, 2018, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. After securing the scene, the team worked to control bleeding, establish an airway, and assess breathing. (Courtesy Photo)

354th Medical Group sharpens lifesaving skillset through competition

Published July 25, 2018
By 1st Lt. Bryan Mayville
354th Medical Group

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The Icemen of the 354th Medical Group conducted an extensive training exercise encompassing hands-on Self-Aid Buddy Care, litter carries, and patient decontamination, July 25, 2018.

Training opportunities such as these help Airmen prepare for the unexpected in a stressful combat environment. They provide Airmen with the tools needed to deliver life-saving healthcare during the crucial minutes following a combat related trauma.

“Airmen get a visual of what it would be like to be in that situation. If we were to ever get deployed, we would have the knowledge and skills necessary to step up and become leaders,” said Airman 1st Class Tyteanna Arnold, logistics technician with the 354th Medical Support Squadron.

The medical group was divided into eight teams for the competition. Training began with a series of three scenarios depicting multiple combat-related injuries. The teams were given an Individual First Aid Kit and expected to secure the scene, control bleeding, establish an airway, and assess breathing. They were graded on their ability to work together, appropriately provide medical care, and effectively communicate in stressful situations.

Next, each team competed in a series of litter carry and evacuation drills where members navigated hills, walls, and low-crawled with the litter under an obstacle. Each team had to demonstrate competence in assembling the litter cart as well as proper use and patient safety.
Following the competition, the medical group met at the decontamination tent set up by the in-place patient decontamination team in 14 minutes. The time was clocked under the 20 minute readiness requirement needed in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear incident. The decontamination team treated 10 litter patients and 58 ambulatory patients.

“These training opportunities provide our Airmen with combat medical skills that we don’t normally get the opportunity to truly exercise,” said Lt. Col. Valerie O’Brien, 354th Medical Operations Squadron Commander. “They help prepare our Airmen for the fight tonight mentality.”