Airmen practice CCA procedures

Airmen put on mission-oriented protective posture gear for contamination control area training during an operational readiness exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 12, 2014. The purpose of the CCA was to train Airmen on how to properly remove contaminated individual protective equipment after a chemical or biological attack. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Airmen practice CCA procedures

Airman 1st Class Madison Goodwin, 28th Munitions Squadron load crew member, processes through a contamination control area during an operational readiness exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 12, 2014. Processing through the CCA gives Airmen hands on experience of how to properly decontaminate and remove protective equipment to avoid further contamination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Airmen practice CCA procedures

Published Sept. 16, 2014
By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Approximately 200 Airmen from across the base participated in contamination control area training during an operational readiness exercise Sept. 12 in the Pride Hangar.

The CCA is a thorough decontamination site that processes individuals exposed to chemical warfare agents through multiple stations.

Airmen assigned to the 28th Medical Support Squadron and 28th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in the training exercise with Tech. Sgt. Robert Bartlett, 28th MDSS medical records technician, acting as the team lead.

"The purpose of this training is to help Airmen learn how to properly go through a contamination area and remove clothing materials to avoid further contamination," Bartlett said.

During training, Airmen go through a series of decontamination stations where all protective equipment, web belts, canteens and gas masks are removed and isolated.

"If we didn't do this kind of training we wouldn't be effective down range in those areas where there could be a potential chemical attack," Bartlett said. "Without training, Airmen could further contaminate themselves, each other and could potentially lead to death, which is why Airmen should take this training seriously."

Bartlett highlighted that the main goal of the training was for Airmen to pass on what they learned to members of their unit. He also added that when it's time for the next exercise the wing will be more capable of safely moving out of contaminated environments.