28th MDG monthly field training exercise a success

  • Published
  • By Airman Sadie Colbert
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Medical Group held a field day exercise Aug. 19.

The field exercise occurs once a year and requires all medical flights to work closely to accomplish objectives for each training scenario in preparation for crisis situations.

"It's not if something happens," said Airman 1st Class Samantha Aguilar, 28th MDG public health technician. "It's when it happens."

The training consisted of four stations: Alaskan shelter setup, ambulance loading, litter carries, an obstacle course and self-aid buddy care techniques.

"When we go to the flightline to pick up casualties, they don't expect us to look to higher ups and ask them what to do," Aguilar said. "We're expected to know what to do. We're the base's medics."

This type of training proves vital when situations like dehydration or accidents demand life-saving skills be implemented immediately.

"Nobody is trained as thoroughly as we are, so if something does happen, [Airmen] look to us to be able to help," Aguilar said.

"Exercises like this [act] as a refresher," added Airman 1st Class Breanna Ward, 28th Medical Support Squadron resource management technician.

Ward added being able to work with fellow 28th MDG flights to accomplish tasks fosters teamwork and communication, and makes the field day more successful.