By LCDR Helen Pothoulackis

It’s not everyday that civilians get to experience the life of an ADF medic and see the critical role they play in assisting the community, but this is all part of the job for the HMAS Cerberus medical faculty.

As part of a mutual training arrangement between the ADF and hospitals, HMAS Cerberus conducts annual disaster management training exercises.

These exercises provide realistic training scenarios and valuable opportunities to share knowledge, transfer skills and procedures that enhance a greater understanding for civil authorities working with Defence in times of emergencies and mass casualty situations.

Dianne Lace, nurse educator at Frankston Hospital was very positive about the exercise.

“The first half of the day was with the simulator, a computerised mannequin which tested out our advanced life support skills under stressful and pressured training scenario,” she said.

“It was an opportunity to also see how we communicate as a team in medical emergencies.

“The second half of the day was most interesting and gave our small group of 10 people some cause for reflection.

We were in a simulated flooded ship environment and had to retrieve patients from confined spaces, up ladders and through tight compartments.

It certainly tested the team, especially as we worked in an environment foreign to us. For example, we had limited access to resources and equipment and had to come up with solutions quickly and as a team to be able to save patients.”

Ms Lace admitted the exercise had tested her team and raised questions about how they worked and communicated.

“The feedback we gave to Navy was positive,” she said. “We saw first hand, what ADF medics go through and the conditions they work under.

The level of dedication and professionalism of these people working in a physically and mentally tough environment to save the lives of others was acknowledged and appreciated after this exercise.”

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