Refresher SABC training proves essential Published Feb. 9, 2009 21st Medical Group PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- More than 600 21st Space Wing personnel participated in a hands-on Self Aid and Buddy Care refresher training session Jan. 29. The training took place in the old commissary building and was led by Tech. Sgt. Stacy Otte, 21st SW SABC advisor. A cadre of medics and SABC instructors were on hand during the nine-hour training session. The team provided focused refresher training in five key areas of SABC including: -- Nasopharyngeal Airway -- Tourniquet Application -- Bandages and Shock -- AATNA pen and review of manual patient transport These skills are crucial to saving lives. Operational Readiness Inspections at some bases identified deficiencies in personnel abilities to perform proper SABC. This training session provided an opportunity for Airmen to practice and perfect their SABC skills. "Hands-on self aid and buddy care training like this gives personnel another opportunity to practice and perfect these essential wartime skills and gives them more confidence should they need to use them," said Col. John C. Sell, 21st Medical Group commander, who observed the training. Master Sgt. Ramon Gonzales, independent duty medical technician at Cheyenne Mountain AFS, duplicated the training for personnel stationed at the mountain. Line SABC instructors will arrange key item training for those who were on temporary duty or leave. The goal is to have 100 percent of the 21st SW personnel receive key item refresher training prior to the upcoming inspection.