SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Medical readiness teams at the 20th Medical Group leveled up their response capabilities through hands-on decontamination and aeromedical evacuation training on March 13 and 27, underscoring the 20th MDG’s commitment to building a combat-ready medical force.
The decontamination course introduced Airmen from 3 different Installation Medical All Hazards Response teams to standards from U.S. Air Force tactical doctrine and Occupational Safety and Health Administration best practices for hospital-based mass casualty response. The training included skills such as chemical, biological, and nuclear decontamination—critical in the event of CBRN incidents or industrial accidents where contaminated patients must be stabilized before entering medical facilities.
“Whenever we can come together as a disaster response force and exercise our capabilities, the more confident we feel in our preparedness to respond in an emergency situation”, said 1st Lt. Erik Austin, 20th MDG Medical Readiness Flight commander.
Beyond hazardous response training, the 20th MDG also hosted instructors from the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Training Squadron, stationed at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, for AE training on March 13, giving clinical personnel insight into patient care phases typically outside their daily scope. This event not only exposed Airmen to potential AE-related career fields but allowed them to complete nine Medic-X checklist items and a Comprehensive Medical Readiness Plan CAT I task, all outside their usual avenues.
Medic-X is an initiative by the Air Force Surgeon General to ensure all medical personnel are equipped with the life-sustaining skills needed for a challenging and dynamic future battlefield where resources may be limited. It consists of a list of 52 skills encompassing base-level patient care, such as assessing pain levels, infection control, taking vital signs, and more.
“With [Air Force Force Generation] requirements and competing clinical priorities, it is imperative that we seek out different ways, such as AE crews [from the 375th AETS] coming to Shaw, to get after requirements that keep us ready to take care of the mission down range,” said Lt Austin.
These training initiatives support the Wing’s strategic goals by advancing key lines of effort, reinforcing a comprehensive medical readiness program, and preparing Airmen to respond anytime—anywhere.