April 17, 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron search and rescue technicians conducted a first-response – a Major Air Disaster (MAJAID) – exercise near the 14 Wing Greenwood airfield. The real-life scenario featured several volunteers who simulated the role of individuals involved in a detailed, large-scale disaster.
The SAR-Tech team was tasked to get to the scene, identify the best response, and assess and treat each “victim” found.
The SAR-Techs “will have to triage, move and treat the casualty. They have to train on preventing hypothermia and patient care in a realistic environment,” Sergeant Vincent Brousseau explained.
The setting included mock aircraft, medical tents, trees and more obstructions and challenges – all strategically scattered in the field. Not knowing what to expect, the SAR-Techs entered the area and immediately started to act. Within minutes, the SAR-Tech team, letting their training and expertise take over, had the scene organized. Using real medical equipment and treatment practices, the team coordinated the treatment and extraction of patients appropriately. All had unique requirements and simulated injuries that required different levels of attention.
Understanding the importance of timely decisions and action, SAR-Techs and support teams are constantly honing – and improving – their skill sets. Scenarios such as this recent MAJAID allow them to train and learn in a more realistic environment; ready to be more effective saving lives in a variety of real-world situations.
All photos: Corporal B. Ritter, 14 Wing Imaging
