349th Medical professionals train in dedicated, state-of-the-art, Sim Center at Travis

  • Published
  • By Ellen L. Hatfield
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  On the fourth floor of David Grant Medical Center, tucked away at the end of a hall, is the 60th Medical Group's Simulation Center, where Travis Air Force Base medical professionals train on simulated patients.

During the Sept. 7 and 8 "Super" unit training assembly weekend for the 349th Air Mobility Wing, Reserve doctors, nurses, and medical technicians, were able to utilize the center to train on procedures and skills they use less often.

The Sim Center is 2,000 square feet of dedicated, state-of-the-art, training equipment and space. Included are Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advance Trauma Life Support, Independent Duty Medical Technician, Trauma Nurses Core courses, Respiratory Therapy, Phase II Technician - aerospace medicine and surgical services, Phase II Respiratory Technician, Nurse Upgrade Program and Critical Care and Transport Team courses.
The classroom was buzzing with activity, as Airmen practiced a variety of skills at several work stations. Instructors stood by to observe, discuss and assist. Notably, every Airman in the room was smiling as they went about their work. Capt. Daun Vaswani and Tech. Sgt. Gary Sumpter practiced their phlebotomy skills on a mannequin arm; Capt. Luci Mattson instructed a circle of attentive Airmen on splinting and extremities injuries, with splinted leg in hand.

As Senior Amn. Mark Reyes deftly prepared sutures and began suturing a large square of artificial "flesh," Capt. Teh Lee, a nurse instructor, praised with, "Nice work," and turned to his own suturing. Lt. Col. Joann Danner listened, checking off a grade sheet, as Tech. Sgt. Bobi Skogen explained proper insertion and monitoring of a chest tube, in place on an armless torso. Skogen moved on to catheterization and engaged in lively discussion with Capt. Gina Bohren.

A group of nurses were huddled around an infant mannequin, discussing neonatal care, and some of their experiences, as they worked. Capt. Raychaelle Blue showed the proper swaddling technique for a newborn, as the group looked on.

"This is awesome, just great," said Capt. Mikaela Rogstad, when Col. Timothy Brininger, 349th Aeromedical Staging Squadron commander stopped by their station.
"The whole training was very interesting" said Staff Sgt. Deborah Spangler, an aerospace medical technician with the squadron. "We went around to various sections to learn the skills. We talked with the trainers, then got to practice the skills.

"Many of us don't do this kind of work in our civilian jobs outside the Reserve, so this is a good opportunity to practice - we get the training, and we keep up on our qualifications," she added.

Chief Master Sgt. Mark Kloeppel, senior air reserve technician for the 349th Medical Group, echoed the enthusiasm of his team. "We were extremely pleased with the hands-on training our doctors, nurses and medical technicians received during this weekend. We are also very thankful for our active duty team Airmen, who opened up the state-of-the-art Simulation Center to ensure our training was exceptional."

"The feedback I received from each and every medic was that, in addition to deploying in support of the war-fighter, this training was exactly what they are in the Air Force Reserve to do."