BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- People remain the foundation of mission readiness, and investments in training ensure emergency responders are prepared when lives are on the line. To strengthen those capabilities, Buckley Fire and Emergency Services teamed up with UCHealth for an intensive exercise using their SimLab training trailer and new advanced trauma mannequins!
Using high-fidelity simulations with lifelike injuries and changing patient conditions, participants trained on critical emergency procedures including cricothyrotomy, intraosseous catheter placement, hemorrhage control, advanced airway management and pediatric emergency care.
“The primary objectives were to enable participants to rapidly identify life-threatening conditions such as airway compromise, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, shock, or obvious deformities,” said UCHealth instructor Heidi Cabell. “Participants focused on interpreting subtle clinical cues … and delivering appropriate interventions.”
The realistic scenarios placed responders in stressful, rapidly evolving emergencies designed to strengthen teamwork and decision-making under pressure.
“High-pressure trauma simulation offers realistic, low-risk training that prepares first responders to handle life-threatening injuries with speed, precision, and teamwork,” the instructor explained.
Alongside the mannequin scenarios, the SimLab portion reinforced medical concepts and advanced cardiac life support decision-making before participants applied those skills in hands-on exercises.
According to Thomas Latimer, firefighter paramedic with the 460th Civil Engineer Squadron, realistic training builds confidence before responders face actual emergencies.
“Repeated exposure to realistic scenarios improves decision making, communication, and clinical performance, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes in the real world,” said Latimer.
By investing in realistic, scenario-based training, Buckley continues to build a more confident, resilient and mission-ready force prepared to respond when it matters most.