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PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. –The 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron’s Critical Care Air Transport Team has developed a training environment so realistic it simulates the high-stakes environment of combat search and rescue missions while building readiness and effectiveness by immersing personnel in hands-on scenarios that replicate the stress and urgency of real-world operations.
A CCATT is comprised of a physician, nurse, and respiratory care practitioner to support the movement of critically injured patients while in transit to larger medical facilities. While in the air, a CCATT member may perform several medical procedures such as facilitating mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress, ensuring continuous delivery of critical medicine, and conducting blood transfusions for patients experiencing severe blood loss.
“Our integration with other parts of the wing allows CCATT to train under conditions that closely mimic real-world scenarios. By utilizing our unique training opportunities on the ground and in-flight, this allows us to practice closer to the point of injury; enhancing readiness and medical skills giving us a major advantage,” said Master Sgt. Samantha Roberts, CCATT flight chief.
Typically, pararescuemen handle initial patient care and transport to a Role 3 facility, which offers advanced capabilities such as X-ray and full hospital services. CCATT then steps in to transfer these patients to higher echelons of care, such as medical facilities that require long distance travel.
One pivotal element of the 920th ASTS CCATT’s training is their state-of-the-art simulation lab, designed to mimic the interior of an HC-130J aircraft. This facility includes high-fidelity mannequins, green lights, and ambient airplane noise that create a realistic environment where team members can practice critical care procedures and patient movement logistics.
“The simulation room ensures familiarity with equipment and mission logistics. The ability to practice patient movement from point A to B, aircraft loading and offloading, and patient care in realistic conditions prepares service members for real-world missions,” said Maj. Alexander Torres, medical director and officer in charge for CCATT.
By providing a controlled, yet realistic, training environment the simulation lab allows CCATT members to hone their skills. The simulation space was created in an effort to try and replicate the simulation spaces of formal CCATT schools. This lab can help prepare CCATT members to succeed in their training pipeline and also in a deployed environment.
Inside the simulator, CCATT team members train with a wide range of medical equipment including ventilators, monitors, and advanced life support devices that mirror equipment used in real missions. This allows them to practice critical scenarios such as in-flight medical emergencies that include cardiac arrests, stabilizing combat injuries, and caring for multiple casualties simultaneously.
Some important equipment provided in the simulation lab include Zoll 731M portable ventilators and Propaq monitors to track vital signs. The simulation space also features the NATO litter system for patient movement as well as the Zoll X defibrillator for advanced cardiac life support. Additionally, the lab includes advanced arterial and venous access catheters and neurocritical care monitoring devices for care in critical situations.
The lab also facilitates patient loading and unloading in low-light, austere conditions and managing prolonged care during long-duration flights. Simulating environmental stressors like cabin depressurization and turbulence ensures personnel are trained to maintain high standards of care, even in extreme conditions.
By practicing medical procedures in such an environment the ASTS can build proficiency in providing immediate, front-line care while preparing for patient stabilization and handoff to recovery teams. This realistic training would ensure ASTS Airmen are not only familiar with their equipment and logistics but also ready to execute missions under the pressure of a battlefield.
Continuous training and integration with rescue units ensure that Airmen across the squadron are well-prepared for various scenarios, enhancing the overall medical readiness and effectiveness. This unique collaboration between ASTS and other parts of the rescue wing allow them to train to provide medical care in combat situations, ultimately enhancing the success of CSAR missions.
| Date Taken: | 09.17.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2024 15:05 |
| Story ID: | 481093 |
| Location: | COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Innovative training lab enhances CCATT readiness for combat rescue medicine, by TSgt Darius Sostre-Miroir, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
