Training team ‘tests the pulse’ of responders

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  While giving birth in a hotel isn't an ideal situation for an expecting mother, it is a possibility for emergency responders. However, training for such a unique scenario takes in-depth planning and coordination

That is where the 31st Medical Group medical simulation team comes in. By focusing solely on training for 31 MDG personnel and partner agencies, Missy Hanley, 31 MDG medical simulation operator, and Gene Bryan, 31 MDG medical simulation coordinator, aim to increase readiness in and out of the clinic.

"Taking our medics and other members out of their comfort zone and into a simulated environment gives everyone a chance to practice their skills and communication," said Hanley. "Traditional training on [self-aid, buddy care] and day-to-day tasks is valuable, but outside simulations build overall skills like team work, resource management and on-your-feet solutions."

The simulation team also invites other agencies, like the fire department and security forces, to engage with medical group personnel to further improve synergy between members. Recently, the team conducted a childbirth exercise at Aviano's on-base lodging. Firefighters from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron teamed up with 31 MDG ambulatory services Airmen to help the "patient" through the birthing process.

To further improve the training, the simulation team added complications and other injects during the scenario to challenge participants. Bryan said pushing the training to the limits in a safe environment is critical to success in real-world situations.

"We have had three instances where we conducted a training scenario and shortly after similar events happened in real life," said Bryan. "The teams have come back to us and said, 'We were able to keep our cool because [the event] happened just like the training.' I think that speaks for itself when it comes to the value of doing everything we can to make simulated training as realistic as possible."

Hanley added that having open dialogue among participants allows them an opportunity to share ideas freely with each other.

"This is a learning environment, and we really emphasize that with our injects," explained Hanley. "Often, we will tell key players to make mistakes on purpose so we can see if the other members will speak up and make a correction."

Hanley said every member has valuable input and hesitating to address a mistake can mean the difference between life and death in the real world.

In addition to injects, Hanley and Bryan also like to step back, survey the participants and provide feedback during the exercise.

"We hope to be a fresh set of eyes for an otherwise common scenario," said Hanley. "When a player performs a routine task, we question the action. In this way, the player isn't thinking of what to do, but why to do it. With that in mind, if they can't perform the standard procedure, they can instead react on the spot and continue care."

Through their teaching efforts, Bryan has seen a culture change within the different clinics concerning training.

"I've been here for approximately three years, and there is a definite shift of perception on training," said Bryan. "Because we plan the training, our team members can focus more on their jobs instead of trying to squeeze in time to create scenarios. I think combining that with the scenarios' in-depth details motivates participants to get excited and give these opportunities their full attention."

With motivated personnel at the simulation team's disposal, Hanley believes they can continue to improve the work and efforts of every exercise participant.

"It is great to see all of our players engage in simulated scenarios as if they are real because that means people want to do well," said Hanley. "With that kind of dedication, [Bryan] and I have to keep raising the bar so our participants remain ready for anything the real-world can throw at them."