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18th MDG 'scrubs' decontamination training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  With a frenzied ruffling of plastic suits against hooded masks and respirators, rubber gloves and boots, the group rushed to erect the decontamination tent, knowing they would only have moments to save the soon-to-arrive patient's life.

In little more than nine minutes, the stage was set and triage hurried to the first victim.

Before beginning the scrub of the victim, the team placed the manikin on the tent's decontamination table using a modified litter carry and began removing the simulated contaminated uniform with sets of special razor blades - all while on a time limit.

This was the scene of Kadena's medical staff's decontamination training at the 18th Medical Group, June 9.

"This training ensures the in-place patient decontamination team knows how to rapidly and effectively deploy the equipment for timely response," said Theresa Casey, Decontamination Education and Consulting on Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Decontamination instructor. "Events over the past 15 years have shown that people, if they can leave the scene of a terrorist event or chemical disaster, will do so and go to the nearest medical facility for help. Thus, decontamination of patients at the medical facility can be a medical emergency. We also teach a decontamination process that is effective for chemical, biological, radiological and most toxic industrial materials."

The training was spread across three days, with the first two ironing out the logistic "wrinkles" with the team leadership. On the third day, the teams organized their assets to prepare for the simulated emergency by first going through the motions with the aid of their instructor, then being evaluated in a timed inspection.

Mrs. Casey said the at least biannual training is essential to preparing Air Force medical emergency responders for real-world disasters, whether it's a result of an attack or a peacetime incident.

"We try to get to the bases at least once every two years with the specific training, and encourage the teams to continue to train quarterly to maintain their skills, train new members, and maintain the [decontamination] equipment," said Mrs. Casey. "This team was already very capable with several experienced members, but there were several who were new to the team. This training is designed to sharpen the response of the experienced staff, and introduce knowledge and skills to the new members. I think we accomplished both this week."

Master Sgt. Eleanor Amiscosa, 18th Medical Operations Squadron team chief for the decontamination training, said she felt working with the hard-working team during the training was very rewarding.

"I like leading the team of very dedicated personnel," said Sergeant Amiscosa. "This will determine how fast we can get to patients and get them into our facility. This will increase our response time and hopefully decrease the time it takes the injured person to get back to the fight.

"It's a hard team to be with, but it's rewarding," Sergeant Amiscosa continued. "A lot of lives are in our hands."