Page 108 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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most rewarding. Whilst on my transfer course into the RAPTC, the ERI course was presented in a bad light and came across that it was impossible to pass. Rumours that I feel are completely unfair. In my opinion, nine out of ten RAPTCIs could pass the ERI course providing they have the desire to learn and put in the effort required. If you ask any ERI in the Field Army, I assure you that they will say how the ERI course has developed them into a better instructor and the majority would recommend the course to any RAPTCI, or aspiring RAPTCI including myself.
Sgt (SI) L Doe RAPTC
The ERI course is a scary thing, the
vast study, packed full of text, the
daunting aspect of having to ‘skin
rub’ a patient and peers telling
me it isn’t the most glamorous or
ful lling job. The truth is, the ERI
course does have a large work load
initially and you may not be used
to it, but once the shock is over,
the work load can be enjoyable.
Self-development as an instructor
should be high on everyone’s list.
The ERI course provides in-depth
knowledge about the human body,
its function, and how to use it to develop physical resilience, breaking it down to the lowest level. A lot of instructors were surprised at how much knowledge they had gained throughout the six months and this gave them inspiration to continue studying for a degree in the near future.
A six month course may seem like a lot of time to be learning, but the course is just the basics. Each patient may have an injury that is common to treat, but other restrictions might add another complication to work around. Each problem gets you to think outside the box and come up with new ways to develop an individual’s strength, cardiovascular tness and to nally make them operationally effective.
When I was told I was being posted into the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court to work with patients in the Centre for Spinal Rehabilitation, it was a daunting feeling at rst. Some of the patients were not able to move without wincing in pain at the start of their rehabilitation journey. This might be a worrying aspect, especially if like me; you previously gained pleasure from compiling the worst exercises for a PT session. However, I soon found enormous satisfaction in seeing patients progress from mobility, to strength exercises and onto becoming functional. Working as a multi-disciplinary team has its advantages as you come into contact with doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, occupational therapists and many more staff that can develop you as a clinician as well as developing you as a team member.
In closing, as you can see from the perspectives above, two ERIs have given their honest opinion as to the ERI course and it is hoped that more people will consider the trade as a viable option. The course isn’t easy, but the reader should realise that it is most de nitely achievable and gives job satisfaction unlike any other role you may have done before. Anyone wishing to discuss this further should contact the JSSERI.
2016 has been by far the busiest and most challenging year I have had with 1 Armoured Medical Regiment. The Regiment moved into its training year at the start of 2016 which saw
the majority of personnel being sent on driver courses, clinical assurance and CT1/CT2 Exercises. So as you can imagine, trying to ramp up physical training and prepare soldiers for the forthcoming committed year hasn’t be easy.
In August, I was deployed on OP PRAIRIE STORM 3 as part of the Forward Medical Rehabilitation Team (FMRT) attached to the MRS. The team consisted of the Physiotherapist, Maj Kemp RAMC and I as the ERI. Our role was to treat MSKI whilst maintaining manpower on the ground where possible. This was an eye opener bringing back memories of my days in the Royal Signals, digging shell scrapes, patrolling, manning the radio amongst other things. For me, the maintenance day was the highlight of the Exercise, as this was when I was in my element treating MSKI from morning to night over a 24 – 72hr period. The majority of injuries I came across were low back pain, knee pain and ankle injuries, some
straight forward to treat whilst others needed CASEVAC to Role 2 Rehabilitation. Overall, the Exercise was challenging, especially with those pesky mosquitoes, I de nitely don’t miss them!
Mid-September saw my return to Germany and being greeted by two excited children, they probably would have been more excited to see me if I had brought any gifts back! Since September, I had completed my return to clinical output in BATUS; I have been working two and a half days a week as an ERI helping out at PCRF Sennelager which has been awesome. I have been
Maj Kemp RAMC & SSgt Matt Bird Prairie Storm 3 BATUS Canada
juggling two jobs, which hasn’t been easy, but it puts the Physio and I in a better position to help reduce the downgraded personnel, although this is a slow process.
My AAPTI team have been working harder than ever, focusing on high quality S & C with the aim to minimise MSKI; ensuring all personnel
are prepared for any deployments. This year sees the Regiment move into its committed year and it is imperative that they are kept at a high state of readiness, ready for whatever
is around the corner.
Overall, another enjoyable year at 1 Armoured Medical Regiment, I am looking forward to
2017 and the challenges that follow.
1 ARMOURED MEDICAL REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) M Bird RAPTC