2010 Paulatim Magazine - RAAMC Association

MTF 1 Physiotherapy
I am deployed to Tarin Kowt, Southern Afghanistan on Op Slipper with
MTF 1, the 6 RAR Battle Group on an 8 month rotation. Being the first
Physiotherapist to deploy with this group, I had the task of setting up a
‘department’ which now consists of a 2 metre by 8 metre armoured
container, situated in the Dutch Role 2 Hospital.
PAULATIM
My role here involves treating mainly Australian soldiers for
musculoskeletal injuries sustained on deployment. I have also been
involved in treating ward patients, mainly locals, and the occasional
coalition member. I have treated all within the base, from locals to all
nations personnel within the AO.
Having worked at 2 HSB for 2 years before deploying to TK, I spent a
lot of my clinical time treating postural overuse injuries from computer
overuse! But now, transferred 11,000 kms away to Southern
Afghanistan, the majority of my workload is low back and neck injuries
as a result of heavy weight on the skeleton and muscles.
The Logistics Support resupply runs, nicknamed ‘shojos’ – Afghan for
resupply – head out to the patrol bases on a monthly basis. I jump on
board these to visit the soldiers out at the bases where they're
patrolling up to 6 days a week. Many guys are carrying ongoing
chronic injuries, managed by exercise programs and their medics.
Reviewing patients at the patrol bases, and assessing new injuries,
has been the most rewarding part of the deployment. Helping to keep
the guys out there doing their jobs, when they’d otherwise need to
come back to TK for treatment, has been a useful addition to the
Battle Group.
I’ve also had the chance to be involved in a MED CAP in the Mirabad
Valley with CAPT Glen Mulhall, CMDR Simon Winder and CPL Holly
McBride. I attended in the capacity of a female medical professional
rather than a physio but here we erected a 14 x 28 tent and set up
medical supplies on a couple of tables next to an aqueduct and group
of Qalas. It was an experience in itself, being able to interact with the
locals, particularly the children who, once they realised we had toys and
lollies, weren’t going to leave us alone.
There's two months to go and, while I can’t wait to get home to see
family and friends and get away from the dust, I have certainly
enjoyed my time here and wish the next battle group an injury-free
tour.
By: LT Emma Cameron, 6 RAR BG – Tarin Kowt Afghanistan
PA 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 8 3