Course increases first responders' readiness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In the event of an accident, the first people on the scene need to be able to assess injured people, to begin treatment if needed and then assist medical personnel when they arrive.

The first-ever first responder's course at Moody gave eight Airmen from the 820th Base Defense Group the chance to practice the skills and gain the confidence they need at the scene of an accident.

The course is three days long and gives students the opportunity to actively participate in life-like scenarios with instructors. The instructors demonstrate different medical techniques such as assessing the scene, checking vitals and administering oxygen. Afterward each student practices what they have learned.

"The students are taught different medical techniques so they can be prepared to administer care if they are the first to arrive on the scene of an accident," Mark Soliz, 23rd Medical Group education manager and course instructor. "It's important that Airmen learn the basic medical skills to provide care in the event of something happening, especially while they are deployed."

The class also teaches students how to deal with several different medical emergencies from delivering babies, bleeding and shock, cardiac arrest management, airway management and trauma.

"This course teaches me how to react in the first few critical moments I arrive at the scene of an accident," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Speaks, 820th BDG medical materials. "It gives me the knowledge to be able to respond quickly and teaches me about situational awareness."

The course is challenging and students not only have to learn and practice the medical skills they learn, but are also tested on them.

"Prior to being certified each student has to take a practical and 50 question written exam," said Mr. Soliz. "If a student fails any part of the exam, they do not pass and will not receive their certification."

The scenarios presented to the students in this course will prepare them if ever faced with a real-life situation.

"It's definitely a beneficial and very intense course," said Sergeant Speaks. "I now feel I have the confidence to be able to help in an emergency if I were the first to arrive."

This was the first time the national registered course was taught here at Moody.

"This will not be last time the course is taught here," said Mr.Soliz, "I hope to be able to teach the class a couple times a year and not just to members in the BDG but everyone here on base."

Every Airman could benefit from taking this course. An accident could happen at any time and this class helps prepare Airmen to be able to handle a medical emergency.