Sheppard responds to severe weather exercise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As a tornado bears down on Sheppard, severe storm procedures go into effect. Airmen-in-Training proceed to the nearest storm shelter under the watchful eye of instructors and military training leaders, and everywhere across Sheppard, the only concern is the safety of its personnel.

Unfortunately, even in the best of situations, things can go wrong. Nestled securely within a storm shelter, an Airman suddenly collapses; he has no pulse and is not breathing.

Once again his instructor's spring into action, two beginning CPR, while a third dashes for the automated external defibrillator nearby. Quick thinking and cool-heads prevail, restoring the Airman's heartbeat, while outside a storm rages on.

It is only after the storm passes that the true devastation is revealed and casualties are found. Four AIT were caught outside, injured by debris and strewn about by the storm. Again, training and thought save the day, and self-aid buddy care skills sustain the Airmen until help arrives.

Fortunately for Team Sheppard, the storm was imaginary, the Airman who fell out was a practice dummy and the injuries were simulated with dye and make-up. But the Severe Weather Response Exercise, held May 3, gave Sheppard personnel the chance to hone their skills and learn a few new ones in case the next time isn't just practice.

"Considering the time of year, this type of exercise is very timely," said Maj. Walter Yazzie, 82nd Training Wing Inspector General. "We're in tornado season. The objective of the exercise was to get the base populace thinking about severe weather and the actions they would need to take."

Major Yazzie said the exercise had two other goals: practice the reaction of medical personnel to a casualty situation and to evaluate Sheppard's communication process for severe weather incidents.

The base fire department, 82nd Medical Group, 82nd Security Forces Squadron and 363rd Training Squadron were all put to the test during the hands-on portion of the event.

Major Yazzie said while the official analysis hasn't been completed, it appears Team Sheppard performed satisfactorily.

Ambulances and fire engines responded quickly, bringing the "injured" the care they needed. While all involved knew it was an exercise, those responding moved with the speed and surety of a true disaster.

"It's a lot of coordination with various people, making sure everyone's on the same page." said 2nd Lt. Kurt Holtzman, temporary exercise evaluation team assistant on casual status at the 80th Flying Training Wing.

The exercise was ended early, due to the fire departments needed response to a real-world fire on base.

"That just shows the flexibility of our first responders," Major Yazzie said. "They can go from exercise to real world with a radio call."

Major Yazzie said the early end to the exercise didn't hamper its overall effectiveness, as the objectives had already been met.

For more information on severe weather precautions and procedures, please click here.