MDS training proves 'golden'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sherri Bohannon
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AFB, La. --  Nine 917th Medical Squadron personnel converged on Fort Gordon, Ga., June 9-22 for true-to-life training with more than 500 of their Air Force active-duty, Reserve and Guard counterparts. 

Golden Medic 2007 "seamlessly integrates the air and ground components in transporting patients expeditiously and efficiently to appropriate medical facilities for treatment," according to 706th Provisional Wing Commander Col. Janet Moore-Harbert. Their motto, she says, is "Planes will fly; patients will move." 

In what was described as a "MASH-style" environment, 917 MDS personnel served on an expeditionary medical support team, EMEDS + 10 as it is commonly referred to. In wartime, this team is ultimately responsible for the emergency treatment and transference of patients wounded in battle to medical facilities. They often transport them by helicopter, the Army Huey, or by transport plane, like the C-17 or C-130. 

"Every part of the training was totally realistic," Master Sgt. Michael Mazerat, 917th Medical Squadron medical services attendant said. "We were able to see all the pieces (of the EMEDS +10 operation) put together, and we got a feeling of 'Wow, it works!'"
Despite setbacks and a storm which knocked down 25 tents, the EMEDS team still managed to pull together and accomplish the treatment and transfer of over 200 patients during the exercise. 

With current equipment capabilities, Sergeant Mazerat said wounded personnel have a 90 percent survival rate, much higher than in past wars. 

"Self aid-buddy care is critical," he said. "Taking care of your buddy in the beginning makes all the difference." 

(Information compiled and provided by Master Sgt. Michael Mazerat and Staff Sgt. Michael Root, 917 MDS)