MUÑIZ AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Puerto Rico – Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard's 156th Medical Group introduced a trauma training simulator lab during their regularly scheduled drill this week.
A demonstration of the lab, held on April 6 at the base in Carolina, showed the simulator lab's capability to the 156th Wing's leadership and Puerto Rico state guard air members. The simulator lab is part of the third phase of a five-phase medical modernization project valued at about $160,000.
“As a pilot I understand the value and benefits of leveraging the capabilities of a simulator,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Evaristo Orengo, commander of the 156th Wing. “Having the opportunity to train in complex and time-sensitive scenarios is critical for our warfighters to build muscle memory that will lead them to make the right decisions in the field and save lives.”
The simulator lab features a SimMan 3G PLUS mannequin that allows medical personnel to train in solving complex medical scenarios. It offers an immersive and realistic experience and is controlled remotely by an instructor through a tablet interface in a separate control room.
“Entering the third phase of this project, our immediate goal is to train 100% of the medical group Airmen and capacitate them to the point where they will perform at their best no matter the emergency,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Francisco Nieves, commander of the 156th Medical Group. “Regardless if our Airmen are responding domestically or abroad, we will be ready.”
The lab supports individual and team-based training, focusing on critical skills such as decision-making and communication.
“One of our goals is to maximize the learning experience by providing a modern training environment where we can leverage the lab’s capabilities to provide specific training on what Airmen can experience in the real world,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Leonardo Negron, a clinical nurse with the 156th Medical Group, Detachment 1.
The demonstration included a team of five Airmen working together to respond: one medical provider, two nurses and two emergency medical technicians.
“We set a scenario where a patient collapsed and was brought in for medical attention,” said U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Adliana Martinez, clinical nurse with the 156th Medical Group, Detachment 1. “We wanted to see how the team worked together and communicated effectively to bring that patient back.”
In addition to the SimMan 3G Plus mannequin, the simulator lab includes stations with prosthetics where Airmen can train in medical techniques such as blood drawing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
“There are two scopes to be considered when utilizing the equipment. One is as a maintainer, ensuring components are clean and operational, batteries and liquids replaced, as well as requesting parts as needed,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Carlos Torres, respiratory therapist with the 156th Medical Group, Detachment 1. “The second is as a facilitator, who creates the different training scenarios and ensures the lab is ready to provide the best training experience.”
The team in charge of the simulator lab consists of Negron, Martinez and Torres, who serve as facilitators and ensure all aspects of the lab operate as intended.
“I want to highlight the enthusiasm Lieutenants Negron, Martinez and Sergeant Torres brought today. They grabbed the bull by the horns and took ownership of this project,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Juan Santos, nursing superintendent with the 156th Medical Group.
Phase four of the project includes expanding the simulator labs services to the wing population and providing opportunities to conduct in-depth CPR and Tactical Combat Casualty Care training experiences. The final phase includes expanding this capability to collaborate with other regional medical groups.