301 MDS becomes AFRC’s newest unit able to staff medical facility

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Robert A. Poisson
  • 301st Medical Squadron
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  The 301st Medical Squadron becomes the newest Air Force Reserve Command's unit able to establish and fully staff a 25-bed Expeditionary Medical Support (EMEDS) facility in a deployed environment.

Sixty-five Reserve medics joined guardsmen and active duty from around the globe to train on how to support this vital asset June 21-26 after completing nearly 4,000 hours of readiness training at the Medical Readiness Training Center, Camp Bullis, San Antonio, Texas. 

"This course was the best realistic training platform I have ever attended in my Air Force career," said Senior Master Sgt. Marisol Rex, 301 MDS medical administration superintendent.

The 25-bed EMEDS facility contains emergency room, ambulatory care, lab, radiology, pharmacy, bio-environmental/public health, dental, operating room, intensive care, nursing care and command capabilities for our war fighting brethren.

The fast-paced training week enhanced the Airman's skills beyond all specialty code didactics.

"Working in a high-stress environment with other medics in the EMEDS was an eye opening experience for me," said Staff Sgt. Zaw Latt, 301 MDS medical administrative technician. "I was glad to know the cadres were there to teach us, not trick us. Having to apply critical thinking and innovative solutions for a high volume of patients tracking kept me on my toes. It was a great experience overall and portrayed a great deployment environment."

They practiced erecting and dismantling facilities; they learn how to set up their departments; and then they manage their facility with fast-paced exercises that drew upon their resolve, skill, patience and control. The realistic environment, scenarios and patients challenged the Airmen's triage capabilities, emergency medicine managing open wounds, broken and lost limbs, blast injuries and mental fatigue. Engulfed in their challenges, their radiology capabilities were imperative, especially for those cases requiring surgical intervention.

Medics practiced suturing, acupuncture, chest tube insertion, intravenous insertion and wound care. At the same time, instructors exposed technicians to open surgical cases bringing realism to the forefront.

"An Airman must draw from their training and adapt to the rigors of an austere environment," said Col. Robin Cholopisa, 301 MDS commander.

The medical squadron's EMEDS journey dates back to late last year when the new mission arrived. It re-leveled manning requirements and after seven months, the MDS capabilities evolved. 

When all Airmen meet training requirements, the 301 MDS takes on the responsibility as AFRC's newest and third unit able to establish and operate an EMEDS facility at a moment's notice.