Yesterday we had some helicopter drills. It was really cool. In the morning we went to Sembawang Airbase to familiarize ourselves with the Super Puma helicopter. There are protocols to be followed when mounting a helicopter that is still running. For example, one avoids running near the tail of the helicopter. This is to avoid being chopped up by the tail rotor. Much of the drills involved running towards the helicopter with a stretcher and improvised casualties. It was quite tiring.
In the afternoon, we went down to Pasir Laba to execute an actual casevac drill. It was quite exciting. The feeling of sitting in the helicopter is something one has to get used to. Fortunately I felt all right.
All right, when’s the next round?
My sources tell me that we might have to do this again in September as part of a graded exercise. Yes, the dreaded ATEC (Army Training Evaluation Centre) assessment. We are having the first stage in two weeks time. Damn. We’ve been practicing the setup of the casualty station in the quickest time possible for the past week. I hope we can meet the target. And earn some off days in turn.
Although I am a specialist with the Brigade, I have to take part in this assessment of one of our battalions. These guys.. are not a bad bunch. Though they have some motivation issues, I think we can sort that out.
Last week I spent two days revising some basic first aid with the battalion’s troopers. Really, it takes a lot of effort to even gain their attention and respect, especially with the monointake guys. I take my hats off to their sergeants who can handle them. That’s another issue I have to take note of. I cannot afford to lose the respect of the people here. It will only make my job more difficult.
I was never good at practicals. Asking me to teach Continual Medical Education is the same as asking me to eat humble pie. Here, I feel like I’m over consuming it. Like today for instance, I absolutely murdered the correct ways of bandaging, causing everybody to snigger.
I hope the rehearsal goes well tomorrow. No more time for anymore screw ups.
hey ian…..been long time since we met…haha…your current job sounds tiring yet super interesting…. think it’s very challenging to have to do all these day in day out….especially with the monointake guys…..well, take this as training for public speaking…. haha…i believe it really does make a difference!
take care dear! see ya on sun!
I thought that you should be encouraging folks to run into the rotors. Then you can practice your med skills on them =)
God forbid… decapitation and amputation is nasty..
heh, in my first few classes at the poly, I was also a bunch of nerves