Blood, guts and moulage

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Megan Caberto, daughter of Col. Steven Caberto, 52nd Medical Group deputy commander, receives a facial laceration moulage from Senior Airman Bridget Borseth, 52nd Dental Squadron, during Exercise Saber Crown 08-06, April 22, 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kristin Ruleau)

Blood, guts and moulage

Published April 22, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Kristin Ruleau
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Two Dental Squadron technicians moulaged about 20 people for Exercise Saber Crown 08-06 April 22, 2008. Tech. Sgt. Stephen Dereis and Senior Airman Bridgit Borseth, 52nd Dental Squadron, took a break from their normal duties of dealing with dirty teeth and instead used their skills for something even dirtier.

Most of the people who were moulaged were done in about 10 minutes, according to Sergeant Dereis; however, a couple of the goriest make up jobs took about 30 minutes each. More serious "wounds" included lacerations, burns, contusions, nerve and chemical agent injuries, fractures, war and accident-related injuries.

Although this was Airman Borseth's first time applying moulage Sergeant Dereis said he has been doing it for 10 years. While special effects add realism to any crisis situation, according to the duo, there is no formal training. Most of their training is online research as well as on the job. "Watch and learn," Sergeant Dereis said.

The wing plans section worked with various base agencies so moulage "victims" would be available. The "victims" were used for the following training and training scenarios: Self-Aid and Buddy Care, mortar incidents, bomb threats, suicide bombers, Ability to Survive and Operate situations, rocket propelled grenade events, Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosive incidents, suspicious packages, car bombs and Scud missile exercises. Exercise Saber Crown 08-06 is April 22-24.