An Cosantóir

30 completing 400 tests per day. Directly I have been involved with testing in nursing homes and residential care homes during this time we were tasked from NAS base in Cherry Orchard. I assisted with testing in Sir John Rogerson Quay and the Aviva Stadium and also working Live Ambulance out of Davitt Road, also I was involved with the training up of Health Care Assistant Teams in a number of barracks. To date we have assisted in over 27,000 tests, responded to over 400 ambulance calls and our MOs have up to 100 deployments. I am extremely proud of the Defence Forces' efforts assisting to combat Covid 19, we have pulled together and worked long hours to get the job done. I am a member of the 27th Infantry Battalion. During the Covid 19 lockdown, we have completed numerous ATCA tasks including assisting the HSE at DKIT College in Dundalk, helping out in both security and traffic control, so the redeployed HSE staff could effectively swab the patients coming in as swiftly and safely as possible. This assistance was greatly appreciated by the nurses and HSE staff. This task is still ongoing successfully to date at DKIT. We also were tasked with logistical assistance for Dublin airport re-supply convoys of PPE coming into the country to assist with the immediate shortage and distribution for the HSE. This operation is still continuing and is a great opportunity for the Defence Forces to show their logistical chain in operation in helping the country at such an unprecedented time. During the lockdown, members of the 27th Battalion were attached to CMU in order to assist NAS with COVID-19 testing nationally. Others, including myself, completed a Nursing Home Training course to assist Health Care Assistants if required. During this course we learned about CPR and defibrillator training, PPE donning and doffing training, refreshed our Manual Handling and were introduced to patient moving skills. HAACP training was completed and we also covered some of the healthcare soft skill aspects and how to interact with the nursing home residents. There were also lectures on the mental health aspect of the Defence Forces working in a nursing home environment. This was a Cpl Cathal Mathews Tpr Colm Moore very interesting course and for most soldiers to enter a totally new role from than the one they previously trained for, but it's an example of how quickly we adapt to overcome any situation that we are faced with in our ATCP ATCA roles. My name is Colm Moore and I am a Trooper in the 2 Cavalry Squadron based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin. During the month of March, the JTF was tasked by the HSE to help assist in the Covid-19 pandemic. Our primary role in the 2 Cavalry Squadron is the transferring of patients from their homes to testing centres in the Dublin and Wicklow area. Before each patient we do a full clean down and sanitize the transport to ensure maximum safety for the patients and ourselves. It can be dangerous to our family and friends if we do not take the proper precautions. When we arrive at the patient's house, we introduce ourselves and talk them through the procedure which is going to take place. We sanitize their hands and they are given a mask and pair of gloves. Once we arrive at the testing centre the nurses take over and look after the patient. When they have been seen and are ready to leave, we take them back home in a safe and friendly manner. It can be a challenging job as most patients are of older age and need help getting in and out of the transport plus they need that extra bit of help and reassurance. We never forget that we are in close contact with potential Covid-19 patients and take the role we are given during this time with great responsibility. I am extremely glad and happy to help assist during this challenging time. 17th Century Poet John Milton once wrote "Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." I think these words sum up the feeling of thanks that the people of Ireland have for all those that have persevered through this worrying time, on the front line, providing the anchor of hope through these troubled waters. We at An Cosantóir would like to thank each and every member of the DF for the tireless work that has been carried out over these last six months. ON THE FRONT LINE

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