An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir June 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie 14 | Vox Pops medical Section: 1 Doctor, 2 nCO paramedics and 1 pte medic Sgt Darren McDade (CMU HQ, St Bricins Hospital), from Co Monaghan, with 21 years' service and five previous trips overseas (81 & 85 Inf Bn UNIFIL, 90 Inf Bn UNMIL, 33 Inf Gp KFOR, 13 Ir Comp BiH.) "All medics are qualified as tactical emergency medical orderlies (TEMOs). Our routine is a week's standby with the QRF; then a week as duty medic, covering the medical office and admin; then a week on patrols. The medi- cal Mowag APC is kitted out better than an ambulance at home is, and it needs to be, as more intervention is needed. We could treat anything from a simple cut to a cardiac arrest, haemorrhage control or life support. "In our specialist chest rig we carry medical kits that can be used to treat catastrophic haemorrhage control, combat ap- plication tourniquet (CAT), oropharyngeal airway (OPA) as well as a CPR-mask, sheers and general medical supplies such as plasters, dressings and cleaning solutions." Comdt Max Karpala (CMU Detachment, DFTC), originally from Poland, with nine years' service and five previous trips overseas (96 Inf Bn UNMIL, 97 & 102 Inf Bn EUFOR tChad/ CAR), 105 & 107 Inf Bn UNIFIL). "I have twice completed a Battlefield Trauma Life Support course. The medical section works with the Indian Logistics Battalion, which has a Level 1 hospital in Camp Ziouani. I conduct a daily sick parade for Irish personnel and I also rotate as duty medical officer within UNDOF and I am on call 24/7 for emergencies. The medical Mowag APC is crewed by a car commander and driver, along with the doctor (when available) and the paramedic. We can take two stretcher patients and two ambulatory at the same time, which is a great asset and assurance should it be needed." Quick reaction Force (QrF), which is on a 30-minute 'notice to move', forms part of the Force reserve Company (FCr) Pte Philip Conlon (28 Inf Bn), from Sligo with eight-and-a-half years' service and one previous trip overseas (39 Inf Gp KFOR). "I'm presently acting 2i/c of 3 Sec, 2 Pl, and I'm enjoying the added responsibility. I take the notes in the command car, such as the various sitreps and reports that come in. I have completed many driving courses, including transit, truck and LTAV, and hope to do a Mowag driver course when I have enough kilometres done. My ambition is to move up the ranks when ready." Cpl Damien Doherty (28 Inf Bn), from Donegal, with 13 years' service four previ- ous trips overseas service (90 & 93 Inf Bn UNMIL, 39 Inf Gp KFOR, and 104 Inf Bn UNIFIL). "From my previous overseas experience I know what it's like to operate in extreme high temperatures. I am cur- rently 2i/c of 2 Sec, 2 Pl, where my tasks include making sure everyone is on time, go through their drills, and help the section i/c. I am also on the Welfare Committee here and enjoy helping out. I will be part of the next rotation to UNP80 to observe and report any breaches of the UNDOF mandate." Ordnance & engineer Detachments (names withheld for security reasons) The Engineer Specialist Search Clearance Team (ESSCT) works together with the members of the EOD team and both are considered valuable assets to the FRC. The ESSCT helps ensure the safety and freedom of movement of OGG and UNDOF personnel. When a suspected IED/UXO is identified within the AOS, the ESSCT is tasked with rendering it safe. The Ordnance Detachment is also tasked with inspections and maintenance of all weapons, from the Mowag-mounted weapon systems down to personal side arms. Ordnance personnel are also responsible for ammunition storage, which needs to be constantly monitored in high-temperature environments. They are looking forward to the arrival of the new Mod 14 Steyr rifle to arrive, which 48 Inf Gp had used in pre-deployment training. We spoke to some Irish troops about their roles with 48 Inf Gp.

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