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36th MDG trainers coach Airmen on lifesaving skills

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Arielle Vasquez
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
In the case of any emergency, the 36th Medical Group Airmen must be ready at a moment's notice to effectively put their skills and training to use and administer lifesaving techniques.

Airmen assigned to the 36th MDG education and training office are responsible for providing the most current training so service members attending the courses can return to their respective units with their new skills, ready to assist in an emergency.

According to Tech. Sgt. Carlos Lomeli, 36th MDG basic lifesaver director, classes are open to individuals who require the knowledge of CPR as a part of their job description to include active-duty and air reserve component members and civilians. Training is crucial to those who are firefighters, medics, security forces members, unit fitness managers and physical training leaders.

To ensure quality patient care, instructors teach programs that provide individuals with the necessary training and knowledge including the Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, Heartsaver CPR and Basic Life Support Instructor courses.

The education and training section offers two classes per month to allow members of the 36th MDG to stay current with their qualifications and ready to perform their duties. This includes Heartsaver CPR, which teaches adult CPR and how to use the automated external defibrillator. The other course, BLS for Healthcare Providers, is designed for healthcare professionals who need to know how to perform lifesaving skills in a hospital and out-of-hospital settings. They need to know how to provide CPR, be skilled on AED use and choking relief in a timely manner. The section also provides their classroom, equipment and training sessions when other units may need to use it for training.

Currently there are about 40 BLS instructors in the wing who teach the classes. Lomeli is in charge of teaching the BLS Instructor course to certify others to become instructors.

"It is key to support units and teach instructors these skills especially so they can pass on knowledge to others who may want to become a PTL or a UTM," said Tech. Sgt. Marcus Poulos, 36th MDG Education and Training unit training manager. "We spread the wealth since there are so many units."

The training and education office also instructs representatives from other units on the self-aid buddy care instructor course. Once others are provided the skills they need, they are then qualified as monitors to teach Airmen in their unit. The classes are held at the 36th MDG once a month.

During the various courses, instructors use specially designed equipment to make scenarios more realistic. Mannequins, CPR masks and videos have been approved and provided by the American Heart Association to teach the courses.

"Having knowledge and being able to perform lifesaving skills is beneficial for professional development and to gain confidence to make a difference in someone's life," said Capt. Denise Frederiksen, 36th MDG BLS administrator. "It's applicable everywhere you go and a tool you'll never regret having."