Medical Operations Squadron trains for real-world contingencies

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  With exercise Vigilant Ace 16 under way, there's no doubt the medical Airmen are revving full speed in intense training scenarios.

The Airmen in the emergency services section use this exercise to train on a multitude of injuries in the event of real-world contingencies.

"We treat anyone with life, limb, eyesight or severe morbidity injuries," said Tech. Sgt. Lerinda Carle, 51st Medical Operations Squadron emergency services flight chief.

The emergency services flight is also used as an intensive care unit during exercises to assist with patients who can't be downgraded to the delayed triage area. Patients who are downgraded are not considered life or limb threatened.

So far the Airmen in the section have trained on shrapnel, inhalation burns and gunshot wounds. They can also be tested on other types of burns, fractures, head injuries and open wounds. They are evaluated on how promptly and effectively they respond to each simulated injury to ensure the casualty amount stays to a minimum.

"The most important thing we can do is take care of patients," said Carle. "We need to make sure we get them in and out quickly and to the right location for proper care.

"So far my team is doing great," she said. We have a lot of new Airmen who've never experienced these scenarios and this is a perfect opportunity to get them up to speed."

Although the injuries are simulated, role players have costume paint to create a more realistic environment. Each role player is given a number and a detailed card stating the severity of the player's injuries. Doctors and nurses along with medical technicians evaluate the simulated patients as they would in real life, in an effort to save the exercise player.

Care can include IV drips, X-rays, receiving blood, ultrasounds and more depending on the situation.

"As a whole I think everyone here is doing great so far, we work very well together," said Staff Sgt. Emily Brown. "When someone is not there or we need to step in, we're able to do so.

"The unity among the MDOS creates a well balanced asset to the "Fight Tonight" mission here on Osan."