An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

386th Airmen receive confined space training

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Bowcock
  • 386th Air Expeditoinary Wing Public Affiars
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance and Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadrons engaged in a confined space training scenario Wednesday at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

Confined space training allows participants to react if someone they work with becomes trapped in an enclosed area with limited access.

According to exercise planners, a confined space for the purpose of this exercise would be defined as the wing of an aircraft. Maintainers use special equipment that allows them to breathe so that they are not overcome by fumes from the fuel tanks.

"Fuel tanks are located in the aircraft's wings which can be a hazard when performing maintenance if the proper safety equipment is not worn," said Senior Airman Nampol Maikeo, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron crew chief deployed from the 146th Airlift Squadron, Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, California. "The opening is no more than two feet wide, creating an even bigger challenge in getting a victim out."
For exercise purposes, participants utilized "Rescue Randy," a training mannequin, to depict an Airman working inside the wing of a C-130J Hercules.

386th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron fire station two chief, Tech. Sgt. Timothy Fay stated, "In a real word situation, the victim would be trapped inside the wing, however for the safety of all participants, 'Randy' was laid on top of the entrance."

Throughout the exercise, cards were placed on "Randy" to inform participants of the current state of the victim.

Once members of the 386th EMXS found "Randy," they began CPR and self-aid and buddy care in an attempt to save the victim's life. They called for support from the 386th ECES to send first responders from the fire station. It was up to the first responders to get "Randy" off the plane to receive emergency medical care. The quick actions of both teams working together seamlessly help to ensure a smooth rescue in the event of a real emergency.

"Overall we had 16 personnel involved," said Fay. "Pre-planning takes 20 to 24 man hours. The exercise went extremely well. Everyone hit their benchmarks and did it safely. It was a good outcome."

This type of confined space training is held twice a year on The Rock to maintain proficiency and provide training for new personnel.