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Exercise drives MDG to success

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  • By Exercise drives MDG to success
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Medical Group held a major accident response exercise here, April 3, that featured a mock explosion at the base gym, sending the 20th MDG into action.

The exercise's intent was to test Airmen's ability to handle pressure under adverse situations and effectively triage patients.

"The purpose of the exercise was to focus on the various mass casualty hazards and threats that may impact healthcare delivery and the appropriate planning and training initiatives that need to be undertaken in order to make clinical staff and leadership more resilient during a crisis," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Garrison, 20th MDG administrator.

Simulated injuries and deaths ranged from a simple sprained wrist, to burns and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Among the injured was Capt. (Dr.) Lindsey Goetz, 20th Medical Operations Squadron family physician, who was treated for a lower leg amputation.

Goetz said the team did well as they applied life-saving measures to ensure her survival.

The 20th MDG's ability to respond quickly is a key focal point of their mission, said Garrison.

She added that during mass casualty exercises, the perceived role of the clinic quickly expands beyond the provider of healthcare to the provider of safe refuge, direction and support for impacted individuals.

"Our disaster teams are highly trained in the event there is a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) casualty event, our first responders can treat appropriately to the next echelon of care so no lives are lost in the event," said Garrison. "Exercises like this prepare us for a CBRN event involving mass casualties for which the clinic may not be generally trained, equipped or prepared for."

Col. Curt Prichard, 20th MDG commander, spoke to the success of the exercise saying that it was a direct result of the proper training, sense of urgency and their Airmen's knowledge, giving them the ability to treat wounded and succeed at their respective jobs.