375th AES receives new training simulator

Staff Sgt. Dasha Ermanova, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation technician, and Captain Damien Miller, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse attach ECG leads to a simulated patient in order to assess the electrical activity of the patients heart on a new training simulator at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois on May 5, 2015. The Cargo Compartment Trainer comes equipped with new features including an upgraded camera and recording system which gives the ability to replay training scenarios and document trends. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Daniel Garcia)

375th AES receives new training simulator

Staff Sgt. Dasha Ermanova, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation technician, supports the leg of a simulated patient while Staff Sgt. Ryan Edwards, 375th AES aeromedical evacuation technician performs a dressing assessment on an injury on a new training simulator at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois on May 5, 2015. Aeromedical evacuation technicians are required to participate in the simulator two times every six months. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Daniel Garcia)

375th AES receives new training simulator

Staff Sgt. Dasha Ermanova, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation technician, assess a simulated patient's responsiveness while comparing the results on a vitals monitor on a new training simulator at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois on May 5, 2015. The Cargo Compartment Trainer comes equipped with new features including an upgraded camera and recording system which gives the ability to replay training scenarios and document trends. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Daniel Garcia)

375th AES receives new training simulator

Capt. Damien Miller, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse, provides rescue breaths to a simulated patient who is having difficulties breathing while Staff. Sgt. Dasha Ermanova is prepared to suction the patient if required on a new training simulator at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois on May 5, 2016. The Cargo Compartment Trainer comes equipped with new features including an upgraded camera and recording system which gives the ability to replay training scenarios and document trends. The 375th AES completed 117 missions in the year 2015. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Daniel Garcia)

Team Scott receives new aeromedical training simulator

Published May 12, 2016
By Airman Daniel Garcia
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th AES held a ribbon cutting ceremony May 6 for a newly built simulator that alleviates training difficulties due to availability-limited airframes.

The 375th AES Cargo Compartment Trainer (CCT) is designed to provide AE crew members a realistically simulated clinical experience to challenge their thinking and problem solving skills in an environment that mimics the aircraft experience.

It provides the crew with a high demand, low threat environment, to develop and test their clinical ability and promote clinical education and discovery.

"I believe these changes are a significant improvement, because it fosters a more realistic environment, which allows hands-on training to develop an increased comfort level on operational missions," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Hicks, 375th AES aeromedical evacuation technician.

"When it comes to training, a big problem is creating a realistic atmosphere.

"The simulator is a significant improvement in creating that realistic training environment."

The new CCT includes a larger space that is designed to replicate the inside of a KC-135, which is one of four main aircraft the 375th AES uses for patient transport, as well as a wooden floor with tracks that allows securing of the stanchion litter system.

Additionally, the cameras and recording system have been upgraded, giving the ability to replay training scenarios and better document trends.

The aeromedical crews are required to participate in training on the CCT twice every six months. Facilitators train crew members through various scenarios and physiological states, video recording and playback for an enhanced learning experience.

"From a seasoned flyer perspective, I have learned a lot about medical simulation and how this is the way of the future for the medical profession," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Edwards, 375th AES aeromedical evacuation technician.

"As I have worked with my team to develop medical scenarios and training events to guide and mold new AE flyers, I have seen first-hand an improvement in the confidence of medical technicians."

In addition to the 117 real-world missions the 375th AES completed in 2015, they also perform live training missions. The CCT will help augment and enhance these missions.

The 375th AES will use this platform to complete their required training.

Hicks added, "Our new CCT helps to better execute our mission by aiding in clinical readiness through practical and realistic hands-on training," said Hicks.

"While the operational tempo is slowed down, it is vital that we maintain our clinical skills and knowledge--the CCT helps us do just that."