MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Twelve Airmen from the 23rd Medical Group recently participated in an emergency medical technician refresher course to renew their life-saving skills.

The week-long course, which covered basic medical knowledge, new technology and updated information, was taught by the 23rd MDG training and education department.

"The purpose of this course is to refresh the memory of the EMTs," said Master Sgt. Paul Bryant, 823rd Security Forces Squadron independent duty medical technician. "It is meant to build confidence so that they know what they're doing in a real emergency."

The first two days of the course were spent reviewing medical procedures such as cardiac management, new equipment introduction and personal healthcare.

"It's important that before an EMT can take responsibility of other people's lives, they have to learn how to take care of themselves," said Mark Soliz, 23rd MDG education manager.

There were two types of new equipment introduced, the Zoll cardiac monitor and an auto pulse, which automatically provides chest compressions without human involvement.

After going over formal education, the EMTs began hands-on practice with medical mannequins simulating realistic situations.

"It takes a while to get used to some of the scenarios because we rarely get to see them while we work," said Staff Sgt. Erin Grimme, 23rd Fighter Squadron independent duty medical technician. "But it's really nice to be able to practice and play with new equipment."

The medical technicians participated in practicals to include airway management, cardiac management, traction splints, bleeding and shock control, using a spine board, using a Kendrick extraction device, patient medical assessment and patient trauma assessment.

During the assessments, the more experienced EMTs assisted in evaluating and providing feedback based on each person's performance.

Every year, EMTs are required to take a refresher course in addition to 48 hours of continuing education. The class is held twice a year, usually in August and November.

"I've been taking the course for several years now," said Sergeant Grimme. "It is a good learning experience and training opportunity."

The last day of the course ends with an exam in the morning along with a discussion of how the week went.

"I gain more knowledge from these courses," said Sergeant Grimme. "It is important for us to take these classes in order to keep up on a lot of skills we need, including when we deploy."