Reserve medical squadron trains during mass casualty exercise

  • Published
  • By Capt. Bernie Kale
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Reservists from the 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron run to the scene of a simulated tornado disaster, Oct. 18, 2015, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The annual exercise encompassed all types of training scenarios, including triaging of patients and bandaging broken or missing limbs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)

Around 75 members of the 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and Dover Civil Air Patrol teamed together Oct. 18, 2015, for a mass casualty training event on base, here.

In a post tornado scenario, the CAP portrayed injured and deceased victims strewn across three buildings near the base dental clinic. As part of their Unit Training Assembly, Reserve medical technicians responded, triaged and treated the simulated casualties.

Master Sgt. Anthony Ware, 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, assess the simulated injuries of a Delaware Civil Air Patrol cadet during a mass casualty training exercise Oct. 18, 2015, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The cadets exhibited simulated injuries including severe head trauma, dismembered limbs and open bone fractures. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)

"We were able to stress our resources, and maintain accountability, and perform this safely during the exercise," said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Branson, a 512th AMDS reservist and also part of the exercise inspection team. "The exercise is constantly changing and we are evaluating the adaptability of the 512th AMDS members to the numerous changes that occur in the exercise."

This is the second year the CAP has volunteered to assist with the hands-on training event, and to provide a realism that mannequins couldn't provide, said Branson.

Reservists from the 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron prepare to litter-carry a Delaware Civil Air Patrol cadet during the scene of a simulated tornado disaster, Oct. 18, 2015, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The annual exercise encompassed all types of training scenarios, including triaging of patients and bandaging broken or missing limbs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)

"The mannequins provided a challenge as they do not moan or react to being moved," said Branson. "We've been able to use the Civil Air Patrol as our patients and it has worked out great because the AMDS gets to train with real patients that have moulage and react to being carried and moved around thus providing a more realistic exercise experience."

The 3-hour scenario involved reservists using self-aid buddy care, various personnel carry techniques and litters. While the training scenario primarily focused on medical aspects, exercise organizers simulated other factors of a mass casualty incident. Those included simulations of security and fire rescue responses and varying chemical, biological and hazardous materials considerations. 

Technical Sgt. Joseph Fallet, 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, works with reserve medical staff to triage a Delaware Civil Air Patrol cadet during the scene of a simulated tornado disaster, Oct. 18, 2015, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The annual exercise encompassed all types of training scenarios, including triaging of patients and bandaging broken or missing limbs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Bernie Kale)

"It can easily be referred to as organized chaos," Branson said. "But the chance to practice their skills in a simulated environment with real people as patients are invaluable."