Practice makes perfect for med group Published Nov. 29, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Janet Haliburton 56th Fighter Squadron Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 56th Medical Group participated in a field medical unit readiness training exercise from Nov. 3 through Monday at Fowler Park to hone their warfighting field practices. More than 40 medical personnel attended the field-type training in two day and evening sessions. Some of the medical training covered included medical intelligence, field sanitation, combat stress, wound care and casualty management; and command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. "The preparation for the training took about one and-a-half months," said Capt. Sam Gonzales, 56th Medical Support Squadron Medical Readiness Flight commander. "We wanted to present field deployed training that would be realistic to what they would experience in theAir Expeditionary Force setting." Participants were briefed on the Air Force Medical Service mission and doctrine, and tents were erected to prepare for simulated casualties. Captain Gonzales said collected information from medical group personnel who recently returned from deployments helped with training scenarios. "We capitalized on the experiences that people have brought back from the field," Capt. Gonzales said. Capt. Sean Moore, 56th Medical Operations Squadron Family Practice Clinic nurse, who returned in May from a six-month deployment, prepared video briefings of deployments in theater to increase the realism of the training. "I have been deployed four times in the last five years," Captain Moore said. "I hoped that I brought the process and planning that deployments take in the field to the training scenarios." The refresher training was on target for some who will deploy in the near future. "I work in a clinic and you sometimes forget you are the first responder to casualties in a combat situation," said Airman 1st Class Kristin Lemley, 56th MDG mental health apprentice. "The training for experienced deployers helps paint a better picture of what we will really see." The medical group training will continue beyond the recent field training. "This won't end our training," Colonel Chozinski said. "We have required training that is continuous. Since the closure of our emergency services last summer, our medical personnel participate in trauma training with local area hospitals to remain proficient." The MDG completed the field medical training with transporting patients to a helicopter provided by the Papago Park Army National Guard Readiness Center. "I wanted the training to build cohesiveness and pride," said Col. Joseph Chozinski, 56th MDG commander. "I believe it was successful."