MARE tests base, community airshow accident response abilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A large-framed aircraft was completing a bank turn during a flying demonstration when it experienced terminal engine failure and then crashed into a static display, causing more than a hundred casualties and fatalities.

This was the scenario simulated during the Major Accident Response Exercise on Oct. 15 in preparation for the upcoming Community Appreciation Day Airshow on Nov. 13.

With an expected crowd of many tens of thousands, the community can rest assure that the 23rd Medical Group, other supporting base agencies and off-base agencies are prepared to respond to anything that happens.

"This exercise was designed to provide a realistic approach and response to a large-scale accident," said Bill Hebert, 23rd Medical Group medical readiness planner. "This will test our ability to respond, triage and stabilize patients, disperse patients and care for minimal patients who self-represent."

The exercise also allowed Moody members to effectively integrate with local, regional and state emergency responders to provide the best possible care for wounded patients, including the movement to care facilities across the region.

"We have been coordinating our current network of regional resources since 2007," said Mr. Hebert. "One of the main objectives we look at is not overloading any single hospital so there's no significant backup of care. The clinic here will still be staffed and taking care of the minimal patients, which include minor scrapes, headaches and individuals experiencing stress."

More than 100 moulage victims with serious injuries to minor cuts littered the flightline as medical personnel rushed to treat based on severity.

"Our medics treat based on the signs and symptoms of a condition, so moulage allows for a more realistic representation of a situation," Mr. Hebert said. "Actually seeing someone with a serious injury, covered in debris and smoke, is more realistic than someone moaning and just pretending they are hurt."

In addition to the 23rd MDG, independent medical technicians, firefighters and security forces also had their chance to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the exercise, including providing on-scene responses and cordons.

This was the largest-scale exercise of its kind in at least the last 13 years and showcases a positive relationship with the local community.

"It's all about having a positive state of readiness so that our friends and neighbors can come out and enjoy the airshow without worrying about safety," said Senior Master Sgt. David Smith, 23rd Component Maintenance Squadron special projects officer. "In this case, turning to our neighbors who also rely on our capabilities helps our first responders be an effective team; a coordinated effort is always vital."

A local emergency medical services worker also agrees, saying it's important to take advantage when opportunities like this are presented.

"In any event where there will be a large influx of people, it's important to be as prepared as possible," said Tim Brogdon, South Georgia Medical Center EMS chief. "Being able to communicate and coordinate with the base about available assets and services before the airshow allows us to provide the best response possible in case something does happen."

The Community Appreciation Day Airshow is free to the public and will open its gates at 9 a.m.