2010 Paulatim Magazine - RAAMC Association

national response transpires. Further to this on a more personal level,
activities such as the ARF-VDR provide fantastic training opportunities
for RAAMC members. This is especially true for more junior members
such as CMA’s, for whom training in such a multi-faceted real-life
training environment is difficult to come by. Overall, this exercise was
fantastic to be a part of for all involved. The memories of the hundreds
of smiles we created and the words of sincere gratitude we heard all too
often will stay with us for a long time to come.
By: LCPL S. Brookes & PTE C. Forrester (3 HSB)
AUSMTF-4 – (3 HSB)
The 3rd Health Support Battalion was the lead unit for the recent
deployment of Australian Medical Treatment Facility rotation 4
(AUSMTF-4) to OP SLIPPER. AUSMTF-4’s task was to augment the
Netherlands led Role 2E in Afghanistan in the capacity of Operating
Theatre and Intensive Care.
AUSMTF 4 was identified to deploy on OP SLIPPER since the middle of
last year. Since that time, work slowly and progressively developed the
team who had undergone extensive training to ensure they were ready
for the work they will experience in this environment.
AUSMTF 4 personnel were predominantly from 3rd Health Support
Battalion (Keswick and Victoria Detachment) with additional support
from the 1st Health Support Battalion and the Royal Australian Navy
Reserve. SGT Darren Baile was the only ARA member of the team.
Many members had previously deployed a number of times prior to this
deployment with several members having deployed to the Middle East
Area of Operations (MEAO) previously. For MAJ Andy Higgs (RAAMC),
LT’s Danielle McKenna and Emma Palmer (RAANC) this was their first
deployment since being commissioned into the military.
AUSMTF 4 was led by MAJ Connie Jongeneel (RAANC) with CAPT Paul
Wirth (RAANC) as the 2IC. MAJ Michael Reade and COL ‘Toby’ Thomas
were the Clinical Directors in their respective rotations.
During April 2009 eight members of AUSMTF 4 travelled to Holland
to train with the deploying Role 2E team who were to be part of the
Netherlands Logistic Support Detachment (LSD 10) and to which
AUSMTF-4 was to be embedded with. This had proven to be the ideal
foundations in which to build the framework of working with each
other whilst in Afghanistan. This opportunity allowed the team to meet
SGT Raoul Cromwell – Theatre Technician and CPL Odette Versloot –
ICU Technician, both of whom would be part of the team in the ICU and
OT.
AUSMTF-4 celebrated many events whilst on deployment, the first being
three birthdays. CMDR Paul Luckin, LTs Andrew Dansie and Emma
Palmer all had birthdays never to forget with LT Dansie meeting
MAJGEN Kelly on his birthday.
Many members of AUSMTF-4 enjoyed the sporting life Tarin Kowt had
to offer, mainly the five mile and ten mile runs. This event occurred
alternate Sundays with a one off T-shirt awaiting those who completed
the distance regardless how many times they participated. There was
even a rumour some members used an alias in the run to get another
T-shirt.
For the shopping enthusiasts there were opportunities to pick up a few
bargains from the local market as well as the two local shops who sold
anything from clothing to souvenirs to Lindt chocolates. I understand
there were several carpets that made their way back to Australia.
For those who deployed on AUSMTF 4, I am sure everyone left part of
their heart at the Role 2E. Invariably there will be mixed emotions from
the deployment however the experience, friendships and environment
will live on inside each person for some time to come.
AUSMTF 4 deployed from 21 July to 1 October 2009. For the deployed
time the AUSMTF 4 team had undertaken no less than 110 operations
with the ICU occupancy bed rate at 61%. AUSMTF 4 is to be commended
for their hard work and dedication in providing best practice in their
clinical role.
Thank you team
MAJ C. Jongeneel (3 HSB)
3 0 P A U L AT I M – M A GAZINE O F T HE R OYA L A U S T R A L I A N A R M Y M E DICAL C O R P S – 2 0 1 0