Simulated Smoke

5/31/2011 – KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Members of Kandahar Air Wing, 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and Afghan Air Force participated in a mass casualty exercise here recently. During the simulated exercise, Simulated smoke was inserted into the event with a goal of making the scenario as close to a real event as possible. The exercise’s goal was to improve response time, demonstrate clear command and control while also evaluating the wing’s preparedness to manage a mass casualty situation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long)

Triage

5/31/2011 – KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Members of Kandahar Air Wing, 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and Afghan Air Force participated in a mass casualty exercise here recently. During the simulated exercise, Afghan medics provided prioritized medical triage to the wounded of a Mi-17 engine fire. The exercise’s goal was to improve response time, demonstrate clear command and control while also evaluating the wing’s preparedness to manage a mass casualty situation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long)

KAW conducts mass casualty exercise

Published June 2, 2011
By Capt. Jamie Humphries
438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Members of Kandahar Air Wing, 738th Air Expeditionary Wing and Afghan Air Force worked together recently in response to a simulated mass casualty scenario on base.

The exercise's goal was to improve response time, demonstrate clear command and control while also evaluating the wing's preparedness to manage a mass casualty situation. The event also tested the readiness of wing and Afghan medical professionals.

"We held an exercise March 31 and noted significant improvements by the AAF, firefighters, security forces and medical professionals this go round," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Long, 738th AEAG Command Chief. "They brought a strong sense of urgency and competent skill set to the staged disaster and this exercise aimed to build on the momentum and continue to improve. The security force team did an excellent job providing a cordon to the disaster area as well."

The scenario took place on the flight line with the scenario calling for an AAF Mi-17 to experience a fuel leak leading to a fire. Simulated smoke was inserted into the event with a goal of making the scenario as close to a real event as possible. Afghan firefighters responded to the incident scene while medics provided prioritized medical triage to the wounded passengers.

"Wow, we made a lot of progress in a short amount of time," said Mohammad Hassan, KAW Command Sgt. Maj. "I am very proud of our continued partnership and the training is really paying off."

Although wing first response professionals received most of the training during the exercise, maintenance personnel were also involved and according to professionals received good hands-on training.

"Maintenance professionals also participated in this exercise and were lauded for properly moving an adjacent Mi-17 without any coaching. We are very fortunate to have Maj/ Eric Glasz, 738th AEAG, advising our Afghan partners on command and control operations. His leadership led to streamlined coordination and a much quicker Afghan response time to the incident," said Chief Long.