Page 32 - QARANC Vol 14 No 8 2014

30 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Exercise Northern Cross 8
The 12th November 2013 was the start of Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU) Northallerton’s eighth medical based exercise, Ex Northern Cross 8.
Unit personnel were deployed to the Army Medical Services Training Centre (AMSTC) at Strensall, York. The Exercise was a direct implication of the Armed Forces soon to be returning to Contingency Operations.
We were set up in our various working departments within the small scale Light Maneuver facility (2:1:2:12). This meant that there were 2 bays in the Emergency Department, 1 theatre bed, 2 Intensive Care beds and a 12 bedded ward capability.
The overall aim of the exercise was to refresh and test individual and collective basic military medical skills up to CT 1, and also develop leadership skills at all levels in deployed healthcare. Although the experience of exercising troops was vastly diverse, the exercise was primarily focused on those yet to deploy, giving an insight in to what working conditions may be like on future operations. Input from specialist nurses, RAF MERT and the Consultants was invaluable and ensured that all benefited from the experience in one way or another.
Delivery was in the form of series of moulages, ranging from DNBI’s (sprained joints) to poly-trauma. All casualties were made far more realistic due to the efforts of SSgt Quigley and her novice make up artists providing the Casualty Simulation, using make- up to recreate wounds and Simman operatives to have interactive casualty simulation.
Personal Perspectives were taken
from newly qualified nurses Cpls Sloan & Rowe and Cpl Garton who was new to ED.
‘As a recently qualify Registered Nurses we were nervous about the exercise beforehand, not being sure of what to expect. The exercise permitted us to experience what it would be like, to work in a high-pressured operational environment through the use of simulation and different clinical scenarios.
Whilst working within the ward department we got to observe and utilise the equipment and documentation that is used on operations. This was all the basic equipment necessary to carry out our clinical role. It was clear to see the limitation and difficulties that would be experienced working day to day in the operational environment. Such as the logistical problems in replenishing stock and equipment levels, plus the lack of specialised equipment available in our UK clinical environment.
During the exercise I got the chance to step up as Ward 2IC, coordinating patient care and evacuation via the ALO and Hospital Management Cell. I found this beneficial as it pushed me out of my comfort zone, which assisted me in developing my confidence and leadership skills.
As part of the exercise some of us where given the opportunity to play casualties. This let us experience the complete patient care pathway from admission to discharge via Aero Med Evacuation. This was useful as it let us see how all the different departments work together to provide the high level and standard of care to the casualties.
We believe the exercise was invaluable because it give all of us
the opportunity to work together as a unit and develop are medical drills and skills. We also got the chance to observe each other in our various clinical environments and learnt from each other’s previous experiences. Developing our understanding and knowledge of the role we play on deployment, along with building confidence and leadership abilities.’ Cpl Rowe and Cpl Sloan RGN.
‘As the newest member of the Emergency Department I felt a bit apprehensive about how much I would be expected to know already, and exactly what my role in the Department would entail. Working in a smaller team than what would be typical of an NHS Emergency Department I felt that I would have a larger clinical role to play within the trauma team, which daunted me a bit.
As it transpired, there was no need to worry about this aspect. Emergency Department consultants were on hand to act as both Directing Staff and to offer advice and support when necessary. There were often impromptu discussions and demonstrations between moulages to assist with learning consolidation. This made a massive difference to the learning experience, making it even more valid and enjoyable.
My overall exercise experience was a positive one, I thoroughly enjoyed the clinical learning and felt completely supported, allowing me to learn effectively.
Given that this type of working environment will be typical of future operations, I felt that the exercise was extremely beneficial and enjoyable.’ Cpl Garton
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