Page 34 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

The Light Dragoons Regimental Aid Post welcomed in the new year 2021 with cheery grins looking at the sunrise over Camp Bagnold, thinking of the busy days to come. After two months setting up under the watchful eye of RAP SNCO Sgt Jamie Pratt, which included counting kit, counting kit, and more counting kit, we were ready to go.
We didn’t have to wait for long. Within a couple of days the legendary Mali Flu hit. With half the task group struggling, those not licking alcohol gel or chewing coffee beans were busy maintaining the health of the Task Group. With a nod to something out of Carry On, RAP Nurse Sgt Hardwicke and CMT LCpl Logan were seen to be walking around the blocks on regular ward rounds checking on those suffering and performing the heroic feat of getting the whole battlegroup back to full health. After a few weeks and once those who had suffered redone the legendary walk around the permit fence of camp to re-acclimatise to the unforgiving Mali heat, everyone was ready for the next challenge.
After an emotional goodbye to the legend- ary RMO Major Hindmarsh, and still with a tear in our eyes, the Sqn medics took their respective 4th man positions. With the “best driver in the A1” LCpl Logan driving trusty Betty like she stole it, the RAP was ready to deploy on Op Seka. This 28 day patrol involved the iconic RAP tent making its first appearance and becoming the usual center of attention with all its morale and audible laughter. The CMTs were kept on their toes by join- ing in on foot patrols and visiting towns as A Sqn played the new found pass-the- medic-round-the-squadron game; it was a memorable experience for all involved. However, I think it is safe to say chicken curry is permanently off the menu for the foreseeable future.
As usual the RAP did not rest on its laurels between operations, continuing to develop the battlegroup’s medical skills with regu- lar lessons and scenarios. This encouraged quite a few budding actors willing to play casualty as they screamed the camp down. As the deployment continued the tempera- ture increased bringing with it even more challenges for the RAP, our tent becoming a furnace and thermometers overheating amongst them.
Op Ratel West brought with it some mem- orable times for Major Bassindale who will never forget her time with the Light Dragoons (her seat belt snapping and being sent flying through the air whilst her life flashed before her eyes amongst them).
battling the aircom in Mali
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
The Light Dragoons Regimental Aid Post Op Newcombe 2021
Other members of the RAP will never for- get having to use a wet sock to cool down equipment and fluids for patients strug- gling in the midday sun.
On returning from Op Newcombe the RAP was pleased to have welcomed two new CMT’s Cpl Humphreys and Cpl Phillips. They hit the ground running and since returning the RAP has been busy conduct- ing vaccination parades, several exercises and Military Aid to Civil Authorities task- ings, finishing up with regimental ranges and Christmas fun before taking some well earned leave. From everyone in The Light Dragoons Regimental Aid Post, good luck for 2022.
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