2010 Paulatim Magazine - RAAMC Association

10 Health Company
2nd Force Support Battalion
In the year 2000, 10 Field Ambulance changed it’s name to 10 Health
Coy, which has a headquarters based in Hobart and a detachment in
Launceston. 10 Health Coy is a reserve organisation tasked to provide
level two health support to support the Battalion.
At 10 Health Coy there are many part-time positions available
including: Doctors, Nursing Officers, Phyical Training Instructors,
Medical Assistants, Environmental Health Specialists, Drivers, a Store
Person and Administration Clerks. 10 Health Coy is responsible for all
medical training and support in Tasmania. This encompasses all units
visiting the state, for whatever purpose including adventure training
and unit exercises. We are also responsible for supporting DACC tasks
and inter-unit support for resident units. All of these tasks give the
soldiers the chance to demonstrate their skills and identify any
inadequacies. Fortunately all the reports are favourable.
After the mandatory training at the beginning of the year it was time to
begin the normal routine of external courses and ongoing currency
training. This was conducted by members with a high amount of
enthusiasm and professionalism considering their trade was in
somewhat limbo.
In June the unit conducted a Combat Medical Attendant course, followed
in July with a First Aid Recertification course, and they topped it off with
a Combat First Aid course. A special thanks to WO2 Dave Leak who
travelled down from Randwick to assist and instruct in all the courses.
has learnt a lot. CAPT
John Kippax has recently
returned after 2 weeks in
P.N.G. In addition, many
of our NO and medics
have provided much
needed instructor support
throughout Australia.
10 Health Coy is fortunate to have two PTI’s. CPL Sandy Eaton joined us
earlier in the year from Darwin, which was good timing as WO2 Gavin
Wickham is currently the acting RSM of 2 FSB. The PTI’s role is to
provide support to all ADO organisations in Tasmania. They currently
provide support and / or guidance on physical conditioning, Military
Self Defence, rehabilitation (musculoskeletal) and weight loss to
Regular and Reserve ADF members in Tasmania.
Brigading of the health assets in Tasmania has resulted in 12/40 RTR
and 16 Fd Bty RAP’s being amalgamated with 10 Health Coy. This has
been quite an effort in relation to the need for coordination of
personnel and training needs all with different chains of command.
What’s very positive is the fact that the all staff have access to valuable
training needs and the competencies of our staff maintained. Also, we
have saved on the equipment needs and maintenance requirements in
the Hobart region.
The ARes staff at 10 Health Coy demonstrated
their commitment and ability to conduct well
organised and structured training courses, not
only for local Tasmanian units, but the broader
Army.
Capt Alisa Wickham, who predominantly
organised all requirements for the above
medical courses, has been aptly rewarded with
a deployment to East Timor. Below is a photo
of CAPT Alisa Wickham from the International
Stabilisation Force (ISF) meeting with the local
children in the villiage of Nitibe in the Oecussi
enclave, East Timor during a Medical Civic
Action Program (MEDCAP).
SGT Kieron Skinner has recently returned from
Op Slipper, in between bouts of shivering he
has stated it was a challenging experience and
4 2 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