JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
From cuts and bruises to impaled shrapnel and broken bones, the 633rd Medical Group personnel handled various injuries during a mass casualty exercise at USAF Hospital Langley at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, March 24, 2016.
Approximately 600 active-duty Service members, civilian personnel and contractors participated in the exercise in preparation for the AirPower over Hampton Roads Open House, April 22-24th.
"A huge exercise that brings the whole hospital together like this really benefits our training program," said U.S. Air Force Col. Craig Forcum, deputy commander of the 633rd Medical Group. "It really stresses the system and allows us to see what we need to do better to prepare for an event that hopefully does not happen, however if it does we are adequately prepared."
The medical readiness team at the hospital took approximately a month to plan the exercise that focused on several different scenarios, such as an airplane crash, to ensure the medical staff is prepared and familiar with these situations.
"We held a tabletop exercise recently, and went through about 20 different scenarios," said Col. Susan Pietrykowski, commander of the 633rd Medical Group. "This particular exercise will incorporate several facets of those tabletop scenarios into one exercise."
In order to ensure accuracy, there were 30 patients with realistic injuries, such as broken bones, blood and trauma to help the medical staff become comfortable when
dealing with such injuries.
"We are hoping this exercise helps prepare our staff for what to expect with mass casualty incidents," said Forcum. "These events can be traumatic for the medical staff as well."
To help the community as a whole be prepared for the unexpected, Langley partnered with the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Medical Strike Team, a federal program created to respond effectively to mass casualty events, whether caused by terrorist attacks or natural disaster.
"Our community engagement with the Hampton Roads Strike Team helps us because they bring capabilities that we do not offer here and strengthens our existing capabilities." said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Burgos, superintendent of the 633rd Medical Group.
While the exercise was a success according to the 633rd Medical Group, they have confidence that their training will carry into the upcoming air show.
For individuals planning to attend the open house, Forcum suggests patrons stay hydrated, and apply sunscreen as instructed. However, for any unexpected health-related incidents, the MDG will have a first-aid tent available for all guests.
"The public should go online and know the rules set forth by the 633rd Air Base Wing," said Burgos. "Then come, be safe, enjoy the air show and hopefully nothing bad happens."
For more information about the air show, visit www.airpoweroverhamptonroads.com