OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. - The 155th Air Refueling Wing’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Detachment-1 participated in a full-scale exercise conducted by the National Disaster Medical System.
The Nov. 13 exercise brought together local, state and federal agencies to simulate a large-scale emergency response, highlighting the collaboration needed during domestic crises.
The exercise enabled Airmen with the 155th CERFP Detachment-1 and the 55th Medical Group, local first responders and medical professionals to practice coordination and response strategies. Over 30 civilian entities, including hospitals and county and state emergency management agencies, tested their capabilities in managing mass casualty events.
“Today’s event is crucial to building effective partnerships with our local and federal community partners,” said Lt. Col. Angela Ling, CERFP Detachment-1 commander. “If a large-scale disaster were to occur, the NDMS and the VA (Veterans Affairs) would play a critical role in coordinating patient care, with Omaha serving as one of the primary sites for patient reception. The presence of our unit enhances our ability to provide rapid, coordinated medical support.”
Ling said the exercise showcased the capabilities of the 155th ARW’s CERFP, which can quickly deploy personnel and medical equipment to assist in homeland disaster operations. By integrating with civilian agencies, the unit ensures that its personnel are familiar with local protocols and can seamlessly respond when called upon.
“The goal during my command has been to integrate our personnel into the community so that when a disaster strikes, we are seen as a reliable partner,” said Ling. “We want to be the partner that people reach for or request when disaster strikes. That collaboration not only strengthens our community relationships but also enhances retention and ensures we are prepared for any emergency.”
Capt. Amye Dusatko, a nurse with the 155th CERFP, said the exercise was an invaluable learning experience for military and civilian personnel. As a nurse at the VA in her civilian role, Dusatko noted the benefits of seeing both sides of the operation.
“It’s important for us to understand the different capabilities, communication styles and even familiarity with inpatient forms between civilian and military responders,” said Dusatko. “By working together, we can bridge gaps in terminology and procedures, which ensures we can operate effectively when a real emergency occurs.”
The exercise also highlighted the capabilities of the military medical teams. Dusatko noted that many of the civilian partners, including VA staff, were surprised by the advanced medical equipment available through the CERFP, such as ventilators and field trauma care systems, which can stabilize patients in the field before transferring them to more extensive medical facilities.
“One of the biggest takeaways for the VA team was seeing our full emergency room setup in the tent,” said Dusatko. “They were surprised by our capacity in the field to stabilize patients and hold them long enough to get them to more specialized care.”
Exercise participants practiced triaging patients, coordinating evacuations and communicating effectively across organizations.
This year’s exercise served as a powerful reminder of the vital role that community partnerships play in disaster preparedness and response.