Ellsworth practices life-saving skills for upcoming ORI

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Hurley
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth Airmen conducted an Operational Readiness Exercise, Aug. 24.

The Airmen had the opportunity to put their training and skills to good use during the ORE, as they acted out scenarios in a simulated-deployed environment.

Staff Sgt. Keith Stetser, 28th Medical Group ambulance services journeyman, said the exercise was practical for both new and veteran Airmen.

"This is effective practice for some of our newer Airmen who have never deployed," he said. "It's also good practice for those of us who have experienced a deployment, by helping us to keep our skills sharp and adapt to changes in procedures."

Practice was also a constant theme of conversation for exercise evaluators, including 2nd Lt. Jake Sabin, 28th Contracting Squadron team chief, and Tech Sgt. Matthew Paxton, 28 CS superintendent, as they observed 28 CS Airmen perform protective procedures against a simulated chemical attack.

"Everyone improves with practice," said Lieutenant Sabin. "The purpose of this exercise is to utilize proper procedures in response to each possible scenario, so our Airmen will be prepared for all operations in a deployed environment and be confident by knowing they are ready for anything."

Sergeant Paxton said one aim of the ORE was to ensure the safety of deployed Airmen, and enable them to effectively accomplish the mission and return home.

"We want to make sure our Airmen's emergency management skills are raised to the highest standard," said Sergeant Paxton. "The ORE gives us the opportunity not only to prepare for the upcoming ORI, but to ensure our Airmen are properly trained and prepared to get the job done and come back."

Staff Sgt. Calvin Courtney, 28 CS simplified construction contracting officer, assisted Airmen in honing their skills by playing a casualty during the ORE.

"Acting as an injured Airman, your wingmen will simulate Self-Aid and Buddy Care by treating for shock and going through the different steps of healing for the specific injury," said Sergeant Courtney. "Acting as an Airman killed in action, however, you will be removed from the office in order to allow the second in command to step in and take over. This role playing allows everyone in the office to practice and get comfortable assuming the responsibilities of anybody else in the office."

Sergeant Courtney, who has deployed alongside Army soldiers in Afghanistan, commented on how crucial practice is to donning protective gear.

"With this training and preparation, Airmen can do what needs to be done without thinking," said Sergeant Courtney. "They learn to feel what is right rather than just throwing on their equipment when a chemical attack is imminent. In a deployed environment, you're never very far from your bag of protective gear against chemical warfare. Practicing to don it quickly and properly can save your life."

According to Sergeant Courtney and Lieutenant Sabin, diligent practice of procedures in routine exercises, such as the ORE, can yield improved success in both the upcoming ORI and in a deployed environment.