20th MDG exercises in combat environment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Ingold
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Boom! With rain on the horizon and fog filling the air, 20th Medical Group Airmen rush to provide care to simulated patients through their deployed patient care exercise, Aug 2.

The exercise tested Airmen on their ability to safely evacuate simulated wounded patients from a vehicle hit by a simulated improvised explosive device.

“Our Airmen are really appreciative to get hands-on training and to have the opportunity to learn,” said Lt. Col. Melissa Meister, 20th Medical Support Squadron commander. “This is an open environment that focuses on training and not necessarily whether or not you are screwing up.

To create realism, the training involved the firing of a cannon, the shooting of an M-240 machine gun and a smoke machine.”

“The cannon and gunshots made it very real and very intense,” said Senior Airman Tessa Tugo, 20th MDG medical lab technician. “They did a really good job with that.”

The exercise served as a reminder of the realities medical Airmen face downrange.

“We are responsible for medical readiness, but we need to make sure we are combat-ready medics,” said Lt. Col. Marquita Price, 20th Medical Operations Squadron commander. “Today allowed us to practice like we play and provide care in a stressful environment like the ones we might encounter when we deploy.”