Mass casualty exercise tests first responders Published Nov. 16, 2009 By Airman 1sr Class Robert Hicks 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 7th Medical Group recently finished their second mass casualty exercise here Nov. 13. The exercise provided first responders and medical technician's with real world scenarios to ensure response time and capabilities are efficient. "Our main purpose of this exercise was to see how all components of the medical team, such as initial responders, mental health and the decontamination team, worked together as a unit," said Maj. Ed Kosterman, 7th Medical Group exercise evaluation team chief. The exercise involved 25 volunteers who sustained injuries such as bruises, cuts and a few major injuries from simulated explosions. There were also victims who sustained simulated injuries from radiation. Before the exercise, the simulated wounded were instructed on how to act in a manner that would best meet the training needs. Some were completely unconscious while others could only respond to pain or act hysterical just to add to the chaos. The 7 MDG is one of the few units on Dyess who rely on their downtown counter parts. "We also wanted to focus on web emergency operation center which is a program we use to communicate with Hendricks Medical Facility to forewarn them about the victims who are being transported to their facility." More than 80 Airmen participated in the mass casualty exercise. "I was very impressed on how well the Airmen responded and moved with a sense of urgency," said Major Kosterman. "They handled the situation well and didn't panic under pressure."