Page 24 - QARANC Vol 19 No 1 2021

22 The Gazette QARANC Association
Exercise DRAGON WAVE
In the middle of what has been a crazy time during the current pandemic, we at RCDM commenced the planning of Exercise DRAGON WAVE, involving not only some exciting adventure training, but a chance for QAs to get some much needed decompression. Like most hospitals we have faced our fair share of testing times, and this wasn’t just from the nursing staff. If you were lucky enough, you even got to see the unit PTI doing his fair share of donning and doffing. It had been a case of all hands on deck, or whatever the Army version of that saying is.
Exercise DRAGON WAVE was to be two separate one week adventure training (AT) packages repeated due to the ‘C’ word restrictions. This was to ensure as many members of the unit as possible would be able to participate. Planning commenced with a group of willing volunteers looking for their SJAR moment. Quickly enough an exciting and wild package was taking shape, a varied set of activities including the very best of AT, walking!
As we were getting closer to departure day, the ‘is it happening, is it not happening?’ was becoming an issue. However, as you can guess from the fact you are reading this, it happened and we all survived. Now comes the story of what was a wonderful two weeks of AT.
The offerings from the Welsh weather were varied. There was plenty of liquid sunshine which made for slightly less than interesting views from the top of Snowdon. Though the water pouring off the mountain was truly stunning, and did offer a real nature appreciation moment, when it wasn’t raining it was very much pouring, but spirits were high and everyone enjoyed their days. In both weeks, it was the Wednesday that brought us the best of days, and unsurprisingly there was very much more motivation on the hills and trails then.
“It was the best experience I’ve ever had walking. The group was amazing, and the lead was wonderful with sharing his knowledge” said Tom Knight.
Apart from the hill walking, which was said to be the favourite for some, on offer was mountain biking in Coed y Brenin, sailing on the Menai Strait and finally nerve-testing sea level traversing and coast-steering.
The sailing was a fun experience for many who hadn’t had the pleasure of the activity before. It is worthy to note, that members of the Royal Navy who were in attendance had to be rescued due to reasons that I shall not disclose. Equally new experiences and taking people out of their comfort zone was achieved in all activities so a successful
AT was had by everyone.
We are lucky enough to have
inhouse instructors for the hiking, as well as the mountain biking, with these activities being led by two of our trusted RAF nurses. Along with the thrilling experience by the riders, so came a number of injuries, but luckily there were plenty of people to nurse each other better.
Our evenings were a mix of preparation for the following day’s adventure, resting one’s weary legs and some extracurricular activities. These activities came in several forms, with the highlights being a delightfully tasty BBQ, and testing of the collected minds with a thought-provoking quiz.
This AT expedition was a great success and the benefits will pay dividends to those who participated. AT is an excellent opportunity to develop physical and mental resilience as well as providing a much needed break away from clinical commitments and hospital pressures.
An overall wonderful two weeks of adventurous training was had by those who attended.
Corporal Gez Evans
Sea level traversing off the Anglesey coast. L-R Pte Goodwell, Cpl Hunt, Captain Lilley