Self-aid, buddy care skills crucial to inspection success Published Dec. 4, 2012 By Chief Master Sgt. Chryl Ruff 514th Aerospace Medicine Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- During the operational readiness inspection, Airmen will be evaluated on their ability to render medical care in emergency conditions. Here are a few self-aid and buddy care tips to help Airmen shine during the inspection: Prioritize: Airmen should focus on threats to their patient's airway, breathing and circulation. Minor injuries, such as a broken wrist or a twisted ankle, can wait to be treated, but an obstructed airway, shortness of breath or major bleeding can kill if not quickly recognized and treated. Differentiate between conventional care and care under fire. In most cases, Airmen should stick to the priorities mentioned above. However, in certain circumstances, it is more important to stop the bleeding first. In a care-under-fire scenario, Airmen who are in immediate danger, should adjust the priority to maximize survivability of themselves and their patient. In this situation, the only aid an Airmen should provide is to stop major bleeding with a tourniquet, before seeking safety. All other medical interventions must wait, because they take up too much time and attention away from returning fire or taking cover. Re-assess your buddy. Self aid and buddy care interventions are not definitive medical care. However, when professional medical personnel are not available, Airmen may have to render care for a prolonged period. In the period after an attack, known as "alarm black," Airmen should expect to spend some time waiting before base leaders determine the area is safe to return to normal operations. Airmen cannot evacuate casualties during this alarm condition. While waiting for the chance to get casualties to definitive medical care, Airmen should not forget to frequently reassess the basic priorities - airway, breathing and circulation. If there are multiple casualties, an Airman should be assigned to keep an eye on them. When wearing the full chemical protective ensemble, a buddy check can be a simple as asking for a thumbs-up to ensure the patient is doing well enough to follow directions. Keep real-world threats in mind. Operating in chemical protective gear is a big part of the "fight" part of an Airman's fit-to-fight physical readiness. The minute Airmen don the gear, their hearts and lungs have to work a little harder to accommodate the extra weight. The protective mask limits peripheral vision, the gloves and boots limit dexterity and the operational tempo and scrutiny of an inspection can contribute to the overall stress load. Some common sense countermeasures bear repeating for Airmen participating in the readiness exercises and inspection. They shouldn't smoke. They should maintain a good cardiovascular fitness routine. They should also drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids two to three days before the exercise for best results, and be familiar with your mask hydration system. Alcohol and greasy food should be avoided before and during the exercise. If Airmen begin to feel claustrophobic in their chemical gear, they should slow down and try to focus on making their breathing slow and even. If they continue to struggle, they should ask a buddy for help readjusting the gear more comfortably. Airmen should get real-world help if they can't get their breathing under control or if they become dizzy or feel sick. These tips will go along way in protecting Airmen in the inspection's training scenarios and in the real world situations.