An Australian Special Forces Task Group doctor in theatre at the United States Army Hospital, Bagram, Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl Ashley Roach 1JPAU(P)

Military operations in Afghanistan are dangerous for a variety of reasons not the least of which are the millions of landmines left scattered across the country from decades of warfare.

An Army doctor attached to the Australian Special Forces Task Group in Bagram knows all too well what terrible effects landmines have had on Afghanistan’s people.

In addition to the normal round of medical issues he encounters with soldiers, much of the doctor’s time is spent attending to a growing list of mine victims from in and around Bagram.

That, combined with the medical workload that comes his way from the SFTG made for a solid five months’ work.

“It varies from traumatic amputation landmine injuries, gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents or elective cases through to minor ops,” he said.

All things considered, the medical facilities on the ground in Bagram are quite impressive, nonetheless there is a considerable contrast with medical resources at his disposal in Australia.

“In a war-time environment, you don’t have the luxury of having the array of sophisticated equipment like in Australia.

“There is also a limited scope for recreation – like somewhere to go, sit down and order a coffee – that doesn’t exist.”

From Cpl Wade Laube
in Afghanistan

.