Medical simulation center provides harsh training realities

From left, Spc. Larry Harper of the 209th Aviation Support Battalion, Spc. Martin A. Cardenas, Sgt. Raul Zepeda and 2nd Lt. Andre Mathews Sr. of the 57th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (right), transport a simulated casualty during medical training at the Medical Simulation Training Center at Kandahar Airfield, June 14. Kandahar Airfield features one of only two Medical Simulation Training Centers in Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Tyler Meister)

Medical simulation center provides harsh training realities

Published June 30, 2012
By Spc. Tyler Meister
117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The feedback students receive at the Medical Simulation Training Center from the site's realistic mannequins can be very harsh and exacting.

If students don't apply a tourniquet properly or open an airway quickly in training scenarios, an "injured" mannequin with simulated vital signs can quickly deteriorate into a "lifeless" mannequin.

Experiencing a simulated death can be a tough lesson for a student. But it's better to experience the lesson on a training site than the battle field, said Gerald Smith, MSTC site leader.

"The training here is special because it features realistic scenarios for students," said Smith. "We feature $50,000 medical mannequins that breathe and bleed just like a real person."

Smith teaches all service members here life-saving skills ranging from standard Combat Life Saver courses to advanced, battle-simulated medical training.

"Our training allows medical personnel to practice realistic treatments on life-like mannequin casualties that breathe and bleed," said Smith. "(A) training (facility) like this is rare, especially in Afghanistan."

Aside from this MSTC, Bagram is the only other location in Afghanistan that has a MSTC. There were six MSTCs throughout Afghanistan but only two remain due to troop draw downs, Smith said.

Smith trains about 250-300 service members each week but said the MSTC had the capability to train even more troops each week. The MSTC can also validate medical certificates for emergency medical trainers and medical providers.

Smith and the MSTC's staff provide a curriculum that balances the basics as well as the latest battlefield techniques.

Smith emphasized the center is eager to share important medical-treatment knowledge with all service branches.

"We are here to support everyone," Smith said. "The opportunities for unique, high-quality training exist here. Some units just don't know who we are and what we have to offer."