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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Iarrived in post on 8 Jan 24 as the Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor (ERI) in BATUS. Unfortunately, the post had
been vacant for 3 months, which had an impact on the Unit and myself as I had to rapidly gather a lot of information and adapt to my new assignment in a short period of time. A shock to the system, the temperature was a record low of -40°c in my first week and I had to quickly adapt. The varied temperature range of up to +40°c will certainly challenge my heat and cold policy understanding.
BATUS PCRF is situated within the BATUS Medical Centre on the Canadian Force Base Suffield working alongside our Canadian Force counterparts. Due to the drawdown of staff, the working environment is challenging with most permanent staff responsible for multiple roles, but we remain up-beat and optimistic. The PCRF no longer have a Physiotherapist, so Service Personnel (SP) are referred to a local Physio clinic in Medicine Hat by the Senior Medical Officer (SMO). This referral system takes a lot of co-ordination coupled with good lines of communication, which adds to the complexity of this dual role when I am trying to deliver all aspects of Physical Development (PD). This interesting referral system requires regular contact with the local physio by either paying them a visit to their local clinic, through email or consulting over the phone to discuss a SP’s injuries and confer with them regarding their rehab programmes and progress.
Team after completing their SF1 course
PRIMARY CARE REHABILITATION FACILITY (PCRF) BRITISH ARMY TRAINING UNIT SUFFIELD (BATUS)
SSgt (SSI) P Gurung RAPTC
On a brighter side, collaborating with a joint medical team within the medical facility from different cap badges and working with the Canadian Forces medical team has been a surreal experience that presents interesting challenges every day. Regrettably, BATUS doesn’t have a mainstream RAPTCI, hence the ERI is therefore required to provide guidance and information to the Chain of Command on a variety of PD matters. On the other hand, out of hours or outside the office, BATUS has astounding offers and opportunities to gain skills and qualifications, such as skiing, ice-hockey, hiking and visiting the great outdoors, all
whilst taking in the breath-taking scenery across this beautiful country.
In conclusion, BATUS is an excellent post to experience new things with friends and family, which many people dream of and strive towards, however do not have the opportunity to experience back in UK. I would strongly recommend my colleagues, peers and anyone else to grasp on to this opportunity with both hands and get a posting out to BATUS to enjoy and experience what Canada has to offer.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort, Alberta (Canada)