Role-players evacuate a dining facility during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. Bagram emergency crews responded to a simulated massive casualty event involving dozens of volunteers experiencing a wide range of simulated injuries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
Firefighters respond to a simulated massive casualty event during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. The exercise was designed to test Bagram’s first responders and emergency managers in order to maintain readiness for potential real-world crises on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
A “wounded” soldier is loaded onto an ambulance during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. The exercise was designed to test Bagram’s first responders and emergency managers in order to maintain readiness for potential real-world crises on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
Soldiers load a simulated patient onto an ambulance during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. The exercise was designed to test Bagram’s first responders and emergency managers in order to maintain readiness for potential real-world crises on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
A “wounded” Airman lies at a casualty collection point during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. Exercises like this ensure Bagram is well postured to respond to real-world attacks, disasters and other crises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
“Wounded” base personnel await transport at a casualty collection point during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. Exercises like this ensure Bagram is well postured to respond to real-world attacks, disasters and other crises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
A “wounded” Airman lies at a casualty collection point during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. Exercises like this ensure Bagram is well postured to respond to real-world attacks, disasters and other crises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
Role-players evacuate a dining facility during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. Bagram emergency crews responded to a simulated massive casualty event involving dozens of volunteers experiencing a wide range of simulated injuries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
Airmen treat their simulated injuries during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. Exercises like this ensure Bagram is well postured to respond to real-world attacks, disasters and other crises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
Firefighters respond to a simulated massive casualty event during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. The exercise was designed to test Bagram’s first responders and emergency managers in order to maintain readiness for potential real-world crises on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
Firefighters carry a simulated patient to a casualty collection point during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. The base conducts regular joint exercises to ensure effective interoperability between Air Force and Army emergency crews on Bagram. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
A Dept. of Defense civilian treats a role-layer’s simulated injuries during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. Bagram emergency crews responded to a simulated massive casualty event involving dozens of volunteers experiencing a wide range of simulated injuries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
A Firefighter carries a litter into a dining facility during an emergency response exercise at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012. The base conducts regular joint exercises to ensure effective interoperability between Air Force and Army emergency crews on Bagram. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)
by Tech. Sgt. Shawn McCowan
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
10/15/2012 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN -- Training is a normal part of life for any Airman. But when deployed, that training can feel more like a dress rehearsal. Members of 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Emergency Management were counting on that when they planned a recent exercise to test emergency responders.
The exercise simulated the damage resulting from a helicopter crashing into a dining facility. Senior Airman Angela Jackson, a key member of the Emergency Management team that planned and executed the exercise, held a few last-minute meetings with some volunteer "victims." Then she prepared to take notes on how well things played out. Her goal was to look for both efficiencies and opportunities to improve.
"This is where these things can really happen. Back at home station, it's just training. But places like Bagram are where our training is actually used. That's why we have exercises here. So our emergency responders stay ready to take action," said Jackson.
Jackson said the Emergency Management team hoped to see an organized and efficient response. Just two minutes after Bagram's Giant Voice alerted, "Exercise, exercise, exercise..." responders were on the scene and assessing victims. While Jackson said the exercise was successful, she and the team were already considering adjustments for the next one.
