33 Field Hospital ready for Afghanistan
24 Sep 09
Medics from 33 Field Hospital, based in Gosport, are making their final preparations to deploy to Afghanistan as part of the Joint Force Medical Group (JFMG).
Medics from Gosport-based 33 Field Hospital prepare their kit prior to deploying to Afghanistan
[Picture: Graham Harrison, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The regimental headquarters will assume command of the 500-strong JFMG, while its Combat Medical Technicians will be deploying with 11 Light Brigade and 101 Logistic Brigade.
They will be responsible for treating UK and coalition forces, Afghan National Security Forces, and entitled Afghan civilians, either on the front line or at the field hospital in Camp Bastion.
Commanding Officer of 33 Field Hospital, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Millett, explained how his troops are geared up to provide first rate medical care in a high tempo, demanding environment:
"We've got a lot of hard work ahead of us but we have good equipment and a group of very well-trained professionals. The medical group has a range of skills all the way from general practitioner to specialist level, and we will be working hard to deliver that care wherever it is needed."
A member of the regiment, Lance Corporal Dan Ritchie, said the training he and his colleagues have had will ensure they cope with the challenges facing them:
Private Moses Kamau from central Kenya, a Combat Medical Technician with 33 Field Hospital
[Picture: Graham Harrison, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"We've had a lot of preparations for this tour including several exercises to get us ready for the tempo of work we're going to be doing."
Sergeant Simon Harmer will be responsible for making decisions about casualty evacuations based on reports coming in from those on the ground. He spoke of his concerns ahead of the deployment:
"It will be difficult being away from my wife as we only got married two months ago. I'm a bit apprehensive of course because we have to expect to see casualties and that will be tough but it's our job to pick ourselves up if it happens. Above all I want to do a good job."
Corporal Donna Gent said:
"We've been training for this for over a year so I feel ready to do my job delivering primary healthcare on the ground."
The 50 personnel from 33 Field Hospital will be supported by troops from 256 Field Hospital and 253 and 254 Medical Regiments, as well as a contingent of RAF staff, throughout the six-month tour.