LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 633rd Air Base Wing Exercise Evaluation Team conducted a Major Accident Response Exercise, July 16, at Langley Air Force Base, Va., testing the ability of emergency responders to react and recover from a nuclear power plant accident.
The full-scale exercise tested the units' ability to activate a point of distribution, dispense mass prophylaxis, attain 100 percent accountability of all Joint Base Langley-Eustis personnel, monitor radiation levels and make health-risk recommendations in the wake of a nuclear power plant accident at the Surry Power Station in nearby Surry, Va.
To effectively execute the exercise, various role players were asked to participate in different scenarios to test the units' ability to respond. Simulated scenarios ranged from stolen medication to people experiencing psychological issues and heart attacks, allowing responders to practice how to handle incidents caused by a nuclear accident.
Emergency services were tested on their ability to distribute potassium iodide, a medication acquired through the Strategic National Stockpile. Use of potassium iodide can prevent absorption of radioactive iodide and may help prevent cancer and other diseases.
"Our goal today is to dispense the mock medication to 400 people every hour," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Paveena Posang, 633rd Medical Group delayed team alternate team chief. "If a situation like this were to happen, we are prepared to take action in a timely manner to protect personnel."
For Airman 1st Class Jessa Gatchalian, 633rd MDG pharmacy technician, exercises like the MARE put the possibility of real-world situations in perspective.
"We are doing exactly what we would do if there were a real disaster," said Gatchalian. "It's because of different scenarios and training exercises like these that I am confident if a situation were to happen, I know how to effectively do my job."