2010 Paulatim Magazine - RAAMC Association

As it stands there is no governance on medic training conducted within
the RAAMC external from the HSW. In a civilian practice this would be
unacceptable. Whilst ALTC HSW provide the intensive initial training for
each level of competency, something just as important as initial clinical
training is continuation and continuity of clinical training. It has been
suggested numerous times that a training team originating from, or
raised in conjunction with, ALTC HSW be established. Other methods
could include sending senior medics intermittently to ALTC to conduct
clinical training. Releasing monthly medical training packages from
HSW to all health establishments would also have merit. Regardless,
no overarching policy of continuing professional development for
medics exists. AMAC Competency Log Books are not the sole solution.
Retention has been a big issue within the RAAMC for a long time now,
both for doctors and medics alike. Solutions have been discussed at
great length ranging from monetary advances, posting promises and
internal medical course’s just to name a few, However, there is one
category, that is seldom appreciated within the RAAMC and that is the
clinical professional. As it stands, after AMAC and excluding the rare
Underwater Medical Clinicians Course, there is no higher clinical
education, for medics within the RAAMC. An RAAMC supported external
education for proficient senior medics, perhaps a Military version of the
Physician’s Assistant Course offered at the University of Queensland.
This has been trialled and proven effective within the ranks of United
States military. A PA or equivalent tertiary sponsored course will give
the medic the graduate degree, a Grade Point Average (GPA) which in
turn can be used to sit the Graduate Australian Medical Schools
Admission Test (GAMSAT).
Appropriate post description for clinical and RAAMC posting allocation to
individuals may prevent professionally deficient medics and doctors
being posted into an inappropriate unit, promoted too early and
deployed purely on promises. Over the last 15 years, more Australian
lives have been lost during military training than in combat. To assist in
appropriate post descriptions, Posting Risk Categories could be created.
For instance, a posting in support of Special Forces would be a Risk
Category 5 due to its dangerous training and deployment risk, however,
a sedentary posting to 51 Water Bottle Repair Unit (not an actual unit)
would be a Risk Category 1. This could be extended to deployments.
Combined with the RAAMC reporting honestly and mindful of the fact
that reporting favourably when not due can lead to widening negative
consequences in the long run will enable fit for purpose medics being
posted.
The Australian Army, internationally, leads the way in many aspects and
there is no reason that the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps cannot
be one of those. I believe there are some fundamental changes that we
can make as a Corps to turn us into a leading organisation. I am very
proud to be serving as a medic within the RAAMC and hope it motivates
consideration, discussion and change.
By: SGT J. WALTER, NSC and Bar, Training Sergeant
Regimental Aid Post, Special Air Service Regiment
Voodoo Medicine
“DOMINATING THE DARK ARTS”
The aim of this article is to provide those
interested, an insight into the employment of
Medical Technicians of the Royal Australian Army
Medical Corp (RAAMC) personnel in Special
Operations Command (SOCOMD) as part of the
Special Operations Task Group’s ‘Voodoo’ line of
operation.
“Voodoo Medicine” is the brand name of SOCOMD Medical.
A brotherhood of RAAMC personnel posted to the units of Australia’s
SOCOMD. The voodoo design itself was created by a member within
SOCOMD.
Voodoo medics are highly competent and professional in both soldiering
and medical skills. This generates extreme confidence in our abilities.
The majority of RAAMC personnel employed within ‘Voodoo Medicine’
do not hold any higher grading of medical competency within Defence.
The distinction is that ‘Voodoo’ medics are continually exposed to both
Primary Health Care Patients and trauma casualties on training
scenarios, exercises, clinical placements and operational tours due to
the nature of the personnel and capabilities we support. We place an
extremely high emphasis on clinical training and skill maintenance.
For those who have not had the opportunity to operate in these
conditions; or those who are preparing to deploy on operations with
only limited exposure within a ‘single operator’ level environment; or if
you’re just interested and motivated to improve your skills and
knowledge, the door at Voodoo medicine is always open to teach, train
and mentor motivated individuals. Voodoo medicine has a large holding
of extremely motivated, passionate and skilled RAAMC personnel to
facilitate this.
The level of training received by RAAMC personnel is extremely
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