Page 12 - QARANC Vol 14 No 12 2016

10 QARANC THE GAZETTE
ambulance onto the plane the clinicians had to don into full PPE on the runway, in the full midday sun. It was not a simple transfer as the patient was very sick and had a number of medical devices attached. My role was to ensure that the safety of our personnel was maintained during the transfer process. I later received feedback that this patient survived which was great to hear and made our job feel so worthwhile.
Working in the ‘Red Zone’ was an experience I won’t ever forget. Personnel entering the facility always went in with a buddy which means we were always looking out for our partner. The temperature each day was in the mid 30’s with humidity above 80% and the temperature inside the EVDTU rose to the 40’s. Working in full PPE in such a challenging environment meant we had to slow our pace down so we did not overheat. We were also conscious of not wanting to breach our suits, on the wooden balustrades, as we moved through the EVDTU; so all movement was slow and controlled. As healthcare professionals we are used to being based inside the medical facility with our patients, however, staff only don up and enter the EVDTU if there is a job to do.
Overall my deployment was an amazing experience and I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to deploy. However, with any deployment there are high and low points.
High points for me included:
• Celebrating Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing
Corps day (anniversary) - the army chefs excelled themselves and cooked us a 3 course sit down dinner. Followed by music played by the Royal Marine band from Royal Fleet Auxiliary Argus (the ship containing the Royal Navy’s hospital facility).
• Easter Sunday - my first day off, where the Army Chaplin gave a short Easter Service followed by Easter games including an egg hunt.
• Every Sunday we had a roast dinner - with a choice of lamb or beef.
• Taking part in the Benguema 5KM race around our camp.
Low points for me included:
• When one of my colleagues tested Ebola positive - this
was a very upsetting time, but to the credit of everyone,
staff donned their PPE and went straight back to work. • When the main water pump broke resulting in 8 days of filling and carrying buckets of water to shower and flush toilets – it really makes you appreciate your home
comforts.
I love being a Reservist as it gives me the opportunity to
do things I would never do as part of my day job. To anyone thinking of joining I would say ‘Just Do It’, you won’t regret it.
Major Theresa Lewis
IPCNO 335 Medical Evacuation Regiment
Lead Nurse IPC Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust
Every time I’m scared,
Feel the sweat on my brow as adrenaline flows,
The enemy unseen, lurking, waiting,
This is not mortar or IED’s
As I prepare myself, remember each meticulous step with precision and caution.
Without armour or rifles we precede, one last check of my buddy,
We’re ready,
together.
We cross the wire, lock it behind us, no going back, Focused on the job in hand,
a bedpan to empty and medicines to give. We’re tired and sweaty but still we persist.
The enemy we seek lurking close, Stealing our patients away,
No sirens or alarms to warn,
No family or friends to comfort or mourn.’
This is Ebola,
Entwined within our patients,
Their very essence of being,
The trail of destruction is worryingly seen,
The clock ticks by, a pause in our lives, their immunity keeps fighting, until exhausted and out of time.
The gate opens into the bright lights,
A friendly smile to see, relief we are out.
Not finished yet though,
Uncomfortable and hot we are,
Exhausted through effort,
We remove our kit with caution and care,
a careful process.
This is not unloading, but making safe,
One slip or mistake could cost us dearly,
Over the line and into the burning midday sun, our shift is over,
But still there is work to be done.
Anon
Ebola