McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn. -- Members from the 134th Air Refueling Wing participated in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training conducted at Montgomery Ridge Middle School, Maryville, Tennessee, May 23, 2024. This combined training event brought together Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and Tennessee Office of Homeland Security members to assist in the training of local teachers.
Mr. Ian Berg, Anti-Terrorism Program Manager for the 134th ARW, explained the goals of the event.
“We wanted to teach this to our local educators, because we are a part of this community, and many of the students who attend these schools are the children of Airmen here on base.”
In the event of a mass casualty at a local school campus, the instructors sought to ensure that educators within our community have the basic skills to assist injured persons until help can arrive.
The TCCC training provides practical information on the basic principles and skills related to casualty care. These skills included assessing patients, massive hemorrhage control using tourniquets and hemostatic dressing, and techniques to mitigate shock in patients after hemorrhaging is under control.
Berg said, “I value sharing this information because of the proven difference it can make during emergency situations. I want these educators to be prepared and feel empowered to make a difference when they are needed most.”
The course was taught over several hours, through a combination of lecture and practical exercises using medical training equipment.
Trainers included Mr. Ian Berg, Senior Master Sgt. Jack Atkinson from the 134th Medical Group, Tech. Sgt. Michael Cornett from the 134th Security Forces Squadron, Sergeant First Class Giovanni Dezuani from the 1-230 Assault Helicopter Battalion, and Supervisory Special Agent Nicole Sanders from the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security.
With twenty participants for this initial course, the instructors had a sizable group who were excited to improve their skills for the betterment of their students and peers.
“I personally participated because this type of training is not something that is often taught to educators,” Berg explained. “But a couple hours of training can mean a life saved, and that is well worth my time.”