Page 71 - RADC Bulletin 2018

less developed camp of Bentui would be where we would build our tented hospital. An area so remote, it could only be reached by helicopter. Now master builders, we set away making our camp.
First was the accommodation. This
was a single layered dome framed tent. Like most garden polytunnels this helps harness the sun’s heat and focus it into the centre of the room. A great design to grow tropical plants but not
the best to recover
from heat related
illness. Temperatures
exceeded 55°C during
the day. Luckily each
tent was issued with 2
very small fans to help
circulate the air.
that we could provide gold teeth and an influx of individuals descended on us. The wrath of Cpl Davis was soon known across the camp and we swiftly had no more inquiries about supplying “said gold teeth”...
Op Trenton posed many challenges, however, without any knowledge of Afghan firm base conditions, our misplaced enthusiasm was key. With the tough environment came robust comradeship
The field hospital
was constructed
within 24 hours and
our department was
given priority status
due to the influx of
dental emergencies.
Cpl Vicky Davis was instrumental, ensuring the facility was fully functional prior to welcoming our patients from around the world.
Meeting a patient’s expectation can be hard at the best of times and this is no different across the UN. Rumours spread
great joy that Cpl Davis will never have to lug around 3 heavy different pieces of kit (as compared to the new singular model) - RIP Tristar DOU.
For any induvial who is embarking on this tour please feel free to contact me or Cpl Vicky Davis. For most who are new to the Corps it is a golden opportunity for a medal and to gain a truly unique experience – it is, in essence, what makes us green!
and I would not
have changed this experience if repeated, except the part where 80% of the camp was put into isolation for consuming dodgy water. Contracting 3 out of the 5 strains of E Coli is something
I would certainly change. But apart from that...it was brill.
For those who are keen gardeners I have left gifts for
the incoming dental teams... chilli plants embedded into the X-ray wall barrier. Just what you’ll need to add some spice to the cook house food. You are welcome!
As a dental team I believe we may
have been the last to use the infamous 1980/1990 Dental Operating Unit. It is with
Temperatures exceeded 55°C during the day. Luckily each tent was issued with 2 very small fans to help circulate the air
RADC BULLETIN 2018 69