Page 74 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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THE BATTLE BACK CENTRE
WO2 (QMSI) M Murphy RAPTC (TWO)
Firstly I would like to ask you to have a quick think and ask yourself, “What is the Battle Back Centre (BBC)”, and Secondly, “Does your establishment send personnel on courses to the BBC”. If the answer is NO to either question, then please, please, please, do what you can to get involved and
spread the word.
I have now been in tenure for seven months and the only word I can say is “Outstanding”. Physically it is the easiest job to date, however, due to the nature of the personnel that take part on the Multi-Activity Courses (MAC) it can be mentally demanding, and emotional. The last MBS article was through the eyes of the QMSI, however as there is an ERI within this post, I feel it is pertinent that his view is put across for all to read.
Having been posted to the BBC Lilleshall for almost three years, this article is the perfect forum to shed light on an RAPTC posting that
can only be described as a hidden gem. Hopefully this provides some insight for a Corps person who may be looking for a role in which they can truly change the lives of people in need for the better. Being part of the small military team at the BBC has been an honour and I have witnessed some truly incredible work take place. The team consists of four FTRS staff, an office manager and WO2 Murphy as the TWO. They are an inspirational group of people and I am already envious of whoever takes over from me!
The Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor (ERI) job itself
is a truly unique position within the rehabilitation world. The Centre conducts Adventurous Training and Adaptive Sporting (AT&AS) activities for the tri-services Wounded Injured and Sick (WIS) population. This is a patient population who have a medical grading of P0 and whose care therefore needs to be managed with the individual removed from the working environment. The Centre aims to provide restoration, complement or provide respite from clinical treatment, and aid transition towards either civilian life or return to duty.
The Tri-Service WIS population remains relatively steady, numbering at circa 4000, as transitioning WIS SP are replaced by those filtering in to the top of the list. This population can present with a hugely diverse manner of injuries, illnesses and conditions. Therefore, the ERI’s primary role at the BBC is to ‘translate’ medical information, assess functionality and risk assess activity. Then combine this into practical action plans and SME advice which enables the AT & AS activities to be tailored to meet individual needs. This role also requires the ERI to lead in the management of secondary and tertiary physical and psychological conditions as they present, as well as performance coaching and teaching on AT & AS activities.
Further to injury management and prevention, the ERI is also a source of guidance to Battle Backers on subjects such as nutrition and return to exercise. Presenting these subjects to a cohort who may have entirely different levels of connection with education, resources and mindset can be uniquely challenging but uniquely rewarding.
The coaching and mentoring environment at the BBC is part of its DNA, and the ERI role offers a huge opportunity to develop AT &
Shotgun
Archery
THE BATTLE BACK CENTRE
Sgt (SI) V Francis RAPTC (ERI)