Minnesota National Guard trains for possible disaster

The Minnesota Air National Guard teamed up with Children’s Minnesota to train for a possible disaster on Sunday. It was the 133rd Medical Group’s first time doing pediatric training in person since 2018.

"It’s really important to make it look as real as possible so that we can train to the best of our abilities,” Minnesota Air National Guard Capt. Jordann Crowley said.

Fake broken bones, cuts and bruises covered teen actors as they stepped into a role helping the Minnesota Air National Guard train for disaster.

“They made all the mannequins look super lifelike and all the monitors and the equipment are super realistic and our airmen are really loving this experience,” Crowley said.

The 133rd Medical Group normally trains with adults, but they partnered up with Children’s Minnesota to get real-world experience helping kids deal with trauma.

“There are certain training requirements that we need to go through and pediatrics is one of those items that we need to have skills on,” Crowley said.

For one of the simulations, a tornado hit a high school. The airmen swooped in to assess the nature of the student’s injuries.

“Simulation is a great way really. It’s building muscle memory and practicing what you’re going to do,” said Dr. Samreen Vora, Children’s Minnesota simulation center medical director.

In the scenarios, airmen practiced giving emotional support or medical care to children who got hurt.

“So there’s been a number of examples in the past where we’ve responded. The bridge collapse is one that a lot of people remember and 1991 Halloween,” Vora said.

Organizers say if any weather or manmade disaster strikes, it’s important everyone is on the same page to give kids the best care.