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AUSBATT Always on the ball - AUSBATT EOD-Team For more than 18 years Austrian specialists for explosive ordnance disposal have been deployed on international missions abroad, and in 1994 the first Austrian Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) Team arrived in UNDOF on the Golan Heights. According to records found in mine maps there are still about one million anti-tank and antipersonnel mines spread along the ceasefire line, the so called A-line marking the western border of the UNDOF Area of Separation (AOS). Although reliable records are almost nonexistent, a similar number of mines are estimated to be found along the Forward Position Line, the so called B-line, which marks the eastern border of the AOS. Additionally other explosive remnants of war, such as unexploded shells of cluster bombs, tank shells, and mortar shells can be found WO I Sattler and WO I Nagler with antitank mines in the AOS 14 - the UNDOF Journal all over the AOS and pose a threat to both patrolling peacekeepers and the local population alike. The duty of an EOD Team is to keep the existing patrol tracks cleared of any ordnance, especially after the winter thaw since the shifting ice can move mines onto the tracks. Additionally, previously unchecked areas have to be cleared when new patrol tracks are established. When mines are discovered that would endanger troops or civilians, the EOD Team conducts controlled blasts to render the area safe. Since June 2011 the Anti personnel mine A U S B A T T EOD -Tea m led by WO I Ulrich Sattler disposed of approximately 20 mines and various other ordinances. The specialists also provide monthly mine awareness training to units of UNDOF and OGG because only knowledge and awareness can prevent mine accidents. It is essential that all UNDOF peacekeepers be aware of this mostly invisible danger. To ensure safe movement of patrol teams, all patrol tracks are marked with red painted stones and every soldier is trained to know it is highly dangerous to leave the marked paths. The civilian population is equally at risk, as local shepherds are often found grazing their flocks in areas known to be mined. This situation also poses a threat to passing UNDOF patrol teams in the event that a mine is inadvertently triggered. Despite all precaution and warnings, an accident in a mined area can happen at any time. When it does, the EOD experts are then called upon to rescue the victims with their specialized equipment. Article by WOI Ulrich Sattler, Cdr EOD/AB Photos by UNDOF
Medical assistance at Mount Hermon In the evening of 23 rd Aug 2011, nine Lebanese pilgrims were about to visit a pilgrimage site in the vicinity of UNDOF Posn Hermon Hotel at an altitude of 2814m. But one momentous step led to a catastrophe. With a big bang an old antipersonnel mine went off and left one pilgrim injured badly on his left leg and another one with secondary injuries all over his body through splinters. With the help of their colleagues they made it to Posn Hermon Hotel where the base commander, MSgt Hannes Kraller-Bergmann, immediately requested emergency medical assistance. Emergency treatment on Mt. Hermon The CO AUSBATT, LtCol Andreas Schiffbänker, and the surgeon Dr. Werner Steinberger immediately rushed to the base. The two patients were treated, stabilized, and made ready for transport. Significant preparatory treatment was previously initiated by the base team itself, where the Austrian peacekeepers and the doctor-in-training, LCpl Daniel Rampitsch, quickly initiated first aid. Current and relevant UN regulations did not allow for further treatment in Camp Faouar, which meant the group had to be persuaded to allow for the wounded to be brought to a local hospital in a village below the mountain. Austrian competence in the mission The evacuation proved to be very difficult due to the night road conditions. The evacuation procedures Dr. Werner Steinberger and LCpl Dr. Daniel Rampitsch provide emergency treatment had to be stopped several times to take life-sustaining measures. Eventually the rescue operation was successfully completed and the lives of the injured pilgrims were saved due to the experience and competence of the Austrian peacekeepers. The Force Commander, MGen Natalio Ecarma III, thanked all rescue team members after the incident and commended them for their relentless efforts in the interest of the patients. Article by Lt I Ekkehart Gröppel, WelfareO/AB Photos by LtCol Andreas Schiffbänker, CO AUSBATT - the UNDOF Journal 15 AUSBATT
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