On Friday 10 May, specialist training was provided by Number 4626 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, focussing on Pre-Hospital Emergency Care.
The training was specifically designed to address feedback from Squadron personnel around the level to which they feel prepared ahead of attending one or more of the core military medical courses; Battlefield Advance Trauma Life Support (BATLS), Major Incident Medical Management and Support (MIMMS) or the Medical Emergency Response Teams (MERT) course. It also sought to address feedback from personnel asking for training to give them increased awareness of the pre-hospital environment and treatments, this was particularly related to nurses working in Intensive Care. The Tactical Medical Wing training hangar was made available, including various medical resources i.e medical bergens, training kit and access to the CH-47 Chinook and HC2 Puma rear crew trainers.
Previously, Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) training has been incorporated into the training weekend programme; however, this then formed only one element of what may be a number of demands on the training time; e.g. RAF Fitness Test; mandatory briefs; admin tasks. As a result, the training time available, and availability of pers can be highly variable. The day allowed for 7 hours of pure (uninterrupted) PHEC focussed activity and allowed all participants to focus on the theory and practical aspect of the various PHEC procedures.
The course was supported by registered Squadron personnel who are members of PHEC teaching faculty for one or more of the courses mentioned above (BATLS, MIMMS or MERT). This proved to be extremely valuable, as each member could compare and contrast between the military system and the NHS. Time was of the essence and every opportunity was taken to listen, look and learn, but then reflect on the procedures and consider the impact on the patient.
Personnel of No. 7 Squadron attended in the capacity of faculty, while No. 14 Squadron members attended and undertook the training. The day consisted of an introduction to each of the 3 courses mentioned above; what it is; what it does; how best to approach it; this was then followed with a practical demonstration by faculty of a BATLS patient assessment. The course also included the introduction and discussion of performance psychology - e.g. how to approach assessed moulages as a challenge rather than a threat; common errors people make when being assessed and how to address/avoid them. Throughout the day it was a 1:3 ratio (instructor to student) practical skills stations. The day ended with a series of MERT style multi-casualty patient lifts on the various platforms with each student being individually mentored/guided by a member of faculty.
The verbal feedback from all those who attended was overwhelmingly positive and it is planned to hold up to 3 courses over a 12 month period and, if possible, extend the invite to all Medical Reserve.
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