Decontamination training keeps Mustang medics sharp

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Members of the 51st Medical Group went through an in-place patient decontamination training course here Sept. 18 and 19.

The training course provided the participants with the skill set needed to respond and process patients through decontamination areas in cases of hazardous material exposure, said Maj. Joseph Rountree, 51st Medical Support Squadron Medical Readiness Flight commander.

"The need to decontaminate is a possibility, not only because of our location, but also in light of HAZMAT that we have off base," Rountree said. "If a patient presents contaminated, before providing care, the patient should be decontaminated to maximize treatment outcome while minimizing the potential spread of contamination"

The participants are now certified to process contaminated patients at both the pop-up decontamination facility and at the hospital.

"There is a war-time decon process, with people in MOPP (mission oriented protective posture) gear, that is very different from a peace-time process, so it's important to know the two processes are different," said Theresa Casey, decontamination instructor and consultant with DECON LLC. "If I was contaminated I would want this team to help me out, because they have that knowledge. When you look at how they've prepared with their supplies and personal protective equipment, they're spot on and ready for something bad to happen, we just hope it doesn't."

Although the 22 participants in the course came from many different sections throughout the 51st MDG, it was "just another day in the office," Rountree said.

"We have dentists, dental technicians, optometrists, public health technicians, medical logisticians, in addition to the nursing ward staff and family practice staff out here," he said. "We are medics and healthcare providers who are here to deliver care or facilitate care delivery."