Page 161 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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Sgt (SI) Robbie and Major Penhallow with the CO
RSLF being put through their paces with rehab
Sgt (SI) Robbie and the RSLF carrying out the MSFT
Sgt (SI) Robbie assessing the RSLF students core stability
Sgt (SI) Robbie in traditional Saudi clothing
Sgt (SI) Robbie and Major Penhallow outside the education centre
Sgt (SI) Robbie on Saudi National day
Sgt (SI) Robbie and Major Penhallow with the interpreter.
BATUS PRIMARY CARE REHABILITATION FACILITY (PCRF)
SSgt (SSI) M Norton RAPTC
Iarrived in BATUS as the Unit’s ERI following a deployment to Estonia on OP CABRIT 8 in October. This overseas position brings many rewards and challenges, not only within work but
as a family. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Unit has had to adapt our working processes, alongside Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) we have had to abide with Federal, Alberta and CAF Policy. BATUS must deal with both extreme heat in the summer and freezing winters. PT and sport are therefore tailored for different climates and requirements. The rodeo, hockey season and winter sports are key points within our calendar.
PCRF BATUS are responsible for CAF, British Service personnel and their families, alongside exercising troops visiting from the UK.
The department is based within the joint medical facility at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield. The PCRF comprises of one treatment room and a select few pieces of testing kit, we have a small gym facility within the base which at times makes
the ERI role challenging, more so with Covid-19 restrictions. The department alongside myself is currently staffed with one Civilian physio with 20 years’ experience across defence.
The position is challenging and has a wide spectrum of injured personnel, requiring a wide range of different treatment approaches. In addition to my clinical caseload, I have also been involved with conducting In-Service Training (IST) for the AAPTI and Canadian gym staff, taking part in the PCRF’s clinical reasoning sessions. The department’s structure and BATUS workforce is small and confined so the importance of a good working relationship with the COC is essential to facilitate both patients and COC requirements.
Within my first few months in post, my family and I have already had the opportunity to explore the local region’s many hidden valleys & parks, rivers, mountains, and wildlife. We have all successfully learnt to ice skate and both my wife and eldest child are now members of the local ice hockey club.