Medics at work
By Michelle Minnoch

One thing you will notice at the base in Wainwright is that there is always someone coming and going. That couldn't be more true for the Griffon Helicopter, which is constantly dropping off patients for medical aid.

Medical Technician Master Corporal Dipack is one of many found in the field hospital on the base. The hospital is equipped with all the materials needed to aid any injury for both the training exercise and those in need of aid..

"We have ambulances coming and going and the helicopter is constantly bringing in more casualties," he said. "We are getting some really great training in regards to operations in the field."

With different sick bays set up to treat the wounded, Master Corporal Dipack said it is his job to do a work up and present the information to the Medical Officer on site. With a fully licensed pharmacy in the hospital, soldiers can be readily treated.

"This exercise is providing us with the experience of casualty care," he said. "We have the soldiers coming in with their WES gear and their kit indicates how critically wounded they are. We have to stabilize them and treat them appropriately."

He explained not only are the soldiers on the field benefitting from such a rigorous exercise, but the medical staff are gaining the experience they need in assessing and treating patients in a battleground situation. For some on staff, this is the first time they have been involved in such an exercise.

"It's really keeping us on our toes," he said.