Preparing for the final exam Published March 14, 2008 By Amand Creel 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- An out of place C-130 Hercules on Taxiway J1 was the setting March 11 as members of the Robins Community tested their readiness for a real-time emergency. The exercise was designed to test the base's first responder's reaction to an on-base emergency. The scenario involved the C-130, which caught fire while maintainers from the 402nd Maintenance Wing worked on it. The fire was discovered when the supervisor came to check on the maintenance crew and saw smoke and an unidentified liquid under the aircraft. The players arrived at the scene as members of the maintenance crew wondered in to the grass just beyond the ramp. Many of the scenario's victims, both civilian and active-duty, fell to the ground screaming for help, while others wandered to emergency personnel, arms waving in an effort to get help for themselves and the other victims. Though the smoke and injuries were fake, the training exercise allowed the players to test their own reactions and gave evaluators an opportunity to suggest changes to help responders be more prepared in the event of an actual emergency. The maintainers were painted to imitate burns or other injuries they could have sustained during the incident. The victims also coughed and gasped for air to signal they were also stricken with smoke inhalation. Firefighters, security forces members and members of the Houston Healthcare Emerg-ency Medical Service all agreed the exercise was invaluable to help them prepare for actual emergencies. "It gives us practice, organizing it in our heads and practicing things over and over again," said Brian Abbott, with Houston Healthcare EMS. "It gives us things to think about for next time." He added it helps them see their mistakes and what they need to brush up on. Master Sgt. Vince Green, medical exercise team evaluator, said the most important thing for this exercise was identifying the hazard and taking care of the injured. He said one thing the players did well was working together as a team. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Rosser, an EET, said he was pleased with the response of the base's firefighters. The firefighters said training exercises like these help them to be ready in the face of an emergency, because they never know what the scenario will be. Stan Beard, assistant chief of operations said the exercise is important because, "When it's absolutely crazy out here, they know what to do and how to do it." Security forces members agreed the chance to react and learn from mistakes before a real incident is priceless, because it could mean the difference in life or death. Airman Julie Shearon, who was participating in her first exercise, said the opportunity showed her how importanceof being alert and learning from mistakes now rather than later. "If something is wrong they tell you now, so when the real world happens you know what to do," said Senior Airmen Kevin Wines. It's important to see how chaotic a minor event is, because it helps put into perspective how hectic a larger event or emergency could become if they aren't prepared for it, he added. Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Smith, an EET, said the security forces personnel did well, but there were a few glitches they need to work on. He said the most important objective for the security forces members was to set up a cordon around the incident area. He added, however, they were also there to assist other first responders with those injured. Members of the 402nd MXW were also glad to have the opportunity to test their own response to a situation involving their employees. Jeff Witmer, a member of the EET, said it was the perfect opportunity to test the 402nd MXW's response without having to worry about the consequences. "We have multiple airplanes out here at one time, anything can happen at any time," Mr. Witmer said. "Our people have to be prepared to spot the signs of an emergency."