23d MDG completes IPPD training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Crampton
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs

The 23rd Medical Group completed their In-Place Patient Decontamination training at the 23d MDG medical facility, April 8, 2021.

The IPPD training prepares medical personnel to respond to emergency events involving chemical and biological contaminants.

“If there are any large events, like a contaminant explosion, we’re the ones that basically run people through, clean them off and get them into the medical group for treatment as soon as possible,” said Capt. Tanner Brunnworth, 23rd Medical Group dentist and decontamination team chief. 

The training covers many skills such as setting up the newest decontamination center tent that was put into action last year, decontaminating, and treating patients as rapidly and as thoroughly as possible. Personnel train on how to properly put on their protective gear under the guidance of highly experienced instructors. 

“We need the ability to decontaminate the patients for their sake and to protect medical assets,” said Jeff Alder, a DECON LLC instructor. “For the airfield to generate combat power, they need the key functions open, and this medical group is a key function to generate combat power for the 23d Wing. This decontamination system ensures that you don't lose your medical capability by having contaminated patients go into the clinic and having good intending medics treat them and then they get themselves exposed.”

Alder also mentioned occurrences where decontamination was necessary, such as the incident in June of 2017 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where an explosion and subsequent fire required the local medical facility to decontaminate approximately 50 people.
 
“Emergencies happen and they're not something that anybody plans for,” Brunnworth said. “The end goal is to keep people safe, to get patients into treatment and to save lives. I think it's important that we get out here and do this kind of stuff. I'm confident that we're more than ready for the job.” 

The vital IPPD training challenged Airmen to complete the setup of a fully operational, in-place decontamination tent within a specified timeframe. 

Alder said the team exceeded the standards by completing all required tasks with time to spare.

The three day training resulted in more capable and mission-ready Airmen.

“I think it's been great,” Brunnworth said. “I'm excited to know that we're ready if we're ever called upon.”

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