Herrick 5
Hiya am writing this by torchlight as everyone is asleep because we had a late move last night. I am stood down till lunch time.
Well, I am settled into Camp Bastion, it is quite different to Kandahar. It’s huge, very square as it is set out on the American Grid system, very flat so you can see for miles, the mountains are much further away but it is a bigger range here and there is still snow on the top of these ones. I really need to find a map to locate Bastion, and then to name all the mountain ranges to know exactly where I am. The mountains are beautiful the colours change with the time of day. Bastion could also be renamed ISO City, everything is kept in an ISO there are rows and rows of them. (ISO containers that you see stacked up on the ships). One of the lads that died in the fire was a Stevedore down at Marchwood.
We attended the Vigil for 5 soldiers who went home recently, the whole camp parades for a ceremony. It’s very moving. Commanding Officers say a few words then friends have a chance to speak, it allows you to know the individuals. I am going to go and look at the Memorial with everyone’s name on it. There are so many different corps out here it was impossible to name them all. Living with the Army is very interesting they do things very differently to us in the RAF. We have a simple rank structure.... not the Army, you have Warrant Officer but you call him Staff cos he is the Regimental Sergeant Major not Sir, or you could call him Sir. We are in a strange position at the moment because the 6 Aeromed nurses/medics that have moved up here are under the direct control of a WO2 (who doesn’t consider himself the same as our RAF WO) and his chain of command not our own AECO or AELO as we are part of the moving party. We have arrived on mass and the Army keep seeing us as their asset and want to task us off to do things even though we are assuming Aeromed duties immediately. It will all sort itself out on the 1st of March when the move might be complete!!! and we come under our own command structure again. So Russ or Mark any help with the Army rank structure would be appreciated and how they work together in the Logistics!.
I have settled into my tent, have a rug on the floor and everything. Bedding is being sorted (thank you) and under bed storage has been provided. The cot beds are ok getting used to them and starting to sleep properly. My space is about 8ft x 8ft.
I cannot log onto Face book at the moment hence any pictures I just need the time and inclination to sit down and read the book and change the settings. Emma is sending out an SD card hopefully and ii will send pictures home. Talking of pictures would people send me 6x4 photos of themselves to brighten up my “room” I have a brilliant frame but it only hold 6x4.
Work wise, I had really good helicopter flight the other day down to Kandahar. Flew at 50ft all the way because of the nature of the lads injuries we didn’t want any altitude complications. The view was amazing as you can imagine. It’s a beautiful country, saw people in their compounds, working in fields, saw a camel train it was brilliant. Hard to believe that we are at “war” here. Couldn’t take pictures on the way as caring for patients but did so on the way back but we flew at the usual “safe” altitude 3000ft. That tactical ascent is something to experience. We cleared Kandahar at 50ft and for while then all of a sudden we went up directly up!!!!!! I know I let an expletive out!. Better than any Amusement Park ride...50 to 3000ft in seconds. Then the Loadie (Air Loadmaster) took pictures for us and offered in-flight catering Pringles this time!. It was about 1 and half hours there and back.
I am off to Herat at some point. I am going to do the job with Abby who I was in 2nd Poulner Brownies with all those years ago. It’s a small world. She is a Paediatric Doctor out here with the TA. I knew she was here and so was looking out for her.
There are loads of times that I just stop and think wow, or Oh my god I can’t believe I am doing this, watching this, being here. I might hate it sometimes but on the whole I am starting to enjoy the experience it is so far outside anything I have ever done.
They have 3 flag poles by the Role 3 and people can fly a flag for an occasion or in memory of someone so on the 27th Feb (the nearest date I could get) there will be a Union Jack flying over the Role 3 in memory of my Dad. Then you keep the flag.
While we had some free time yesterday we went to visit our American counterparts in the CASAF, they have a really good set up and the Lieutenant who showed us around made us very welcome so we are going to their BBQ at the end of the month and can go and work with them to see how they do their moves. It was really interesting. They have a traditional School bus converted with Stretcher fits to move their patients to the aircraft, so much easy than having a convoy of BFAs ( Battlefield Ambulance) and a minibus with the walkers.
I think that all for now, just time for a small glossary as some people have asked and I don’t always explain.
C130 Hercules Thumper = English one, Fever = American one.
KDH = Kandahar BSN = Bastion
Can’t think of others let me know.
Take care and thank you for all the mail it’s really appreciated.
Amanda.
Friday, 18 February 2011
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Sun 13th Feb - Camp Bastion
Hiya as I send this I am lying on my bed in a tent online... its quite amazing really. Not sure if I finished the letter but want to get something sent.
Amanda xxx
Herrick 4
Hiya things have moved on since I sat to write this letter but I will leave the info in....... and continue with current news at the bottom. **
The weather has improved again, it is actually warm enough to sit outside again and yesterday there was a guy sunbathing in his speedos by the blocks. On the other hand I needed my softie (padded warm weather jacket) on last night whilst waiting for the Tri-Star to arrive.
There was an American repatriation ceremony last night, very moving to watch. The airfield taxiway comes to a complete halt while the coffin is ceremonially loaded onto the C17. There are some 50 people on parade, representatives from all Nations present at KAF we can volunteer to represent the UK. I would if I was staying longer at KAF. The Tri-Star got down but passengers weren’t allowed to exit the plane till the ceremony was complete. So we sat out on the pan watching the proceedings then shifted the CCAST team. My first time driving the minibus on the airfield. It was the “Newbies” in control last night but it all went ok. Got to bed just after 4am after the last move. Starting to feel like I know the job. Decided to go to bed when I got in this morning had planned to play badminton at 1pm but were informed at 12 that we needed to be at work for the visit of the Group Captain so am right out of kilter now as only had a few hours of disturbed sleep. They test all the alarms mid morning and that takes about 5 mins of sirens wailing!!. Then they came to fix the door hinge!!.
The Group Captain was very pleasant, on a fact finding mission asking how the troops are getting on the ground.
Before I left KDH I did a tac flight from Bastion (BSN) to KDH that was good it is the job I came out to do. 3 of us came up to take 10 patients back on a Hercules, 7 on stretchers so a fair size move. A mixture of local Nationals and our lads.
I am now based up at Camp Bastion, just going through the “logging in” procedures. Sarah and I after a few hours sleep were on the Firing Range this morning to zero our weapons.(We are well and truly into the wet season both camps have been heavily flooded...Desert..... sand No, yellow mud yes!) So as we were facing the prospect of firing 20 rounds in the prone position the skies darken and we get a full scale thunderstorm .Luckily its very explosive (the tent shelters almost blew away) but all over in a few moments and then the sun did come out and virtually dry up all the rain, so laying down wasn’t so bad after all. Also we got to use the American range that wasn’t as flooded as ours. After that we have just been doing admin, now back in the Pod setting up home.
The accommodation here at Bastion is VERY different to that at Kandahar (KDH, KAF), its permanent tenting that sleeps 8-10 per pod. There is a central corridor and the bathrooms and sleeping areas come off of that. We are on camp beds again, no duvets issued you have to “obtain” them + bedding or use your sleeping bag. We hope to get some up from the KDH rooms that had been bought by individuals. We each have an area approx 6’ x 8’. That we can hang covers up to create more private areas. We are issued a hanging wardrobe. So nowhere to unpack everything so need to organise bag and Bergen accordingly. They are permanently dark as well virtually no natural light gets in. On the plus side they are warm and cosy which is good as the weather has turned very cold and wet. The wet season is apparently late and lasting longer than usual. The bathrooms are ok all metal and the toilets and showers are all raised up 2 steps on a platform.
Most things are tents here apart from the Role 3 hospital that is hard standing. There are 3 pod dining rooms, the food seems ok.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Monday 6th Feb 2011 - Herrick
Hiya, well its quarter to 9 (L) time and I am sat in Piacetto coffee shop with a cup of tea and watching a movie on BFBS. I have just finished the night shift but because I got a decent amount of sleep I don’t feel inclined to go to bed and all my roommates are asleep, hence me sat in the coffee shop! The only coffee shop I know with a gun rack! Unfortunately Op Minimise is on so there is no surfing the net or contact home, it’s been in place for almost 48 hours now, as frustrating as it is, it’s not nearly as bad as for the families receiving bad news. So every so often you won’t hear from me for a while it just depends how long it takes to notify family.
Well I am getting into the swing of things now, did the day shift on my own the other day. After checking the equipment there wasn’t much to do. It wasn’t a flying day so nothing to prep for that, no patients so I took some of the first photos of my trip. There is some amazing art work on the blast walls around the ASU extolling the virtues of previous Aeromed teams. So we as a team have to think of a similar bit of wall art. Stu has A level art so we have nominated him. It was warm and sunny so there was a little sunbathing but as uniform is worn all the time there will be lines! It is a plane spotter’s paradise because there is constant aircraft activity and I did stand and watch for a while It is an Afghanistan International Airport as well. I wrote a couple of blueys so exciting stuff. I did go and do my minibus familiarisation which involved a drive round camp. That was interesting there is a roundabout on camp; take your life in your hands I would say. Well that is an exaggeration as the speed limit is 20km/hr....but some of the vehicles are HUGE.
Last night’s shift was busy, we had 2 admissions to the Role 3 so had to help with that, my first experience of driving up to the back of aircraft an American Herc in this case and deplaning ITU patients. Neuro patients are treated at KAF. Later on had to meet the 3 escorts returning from Strat flights. It’s surreal driving onto the airfield watching the plane touchdown and taxi to the ramp then driving up to the steps and going onboard to off load all our kit. Completely different to my day job. After prepping for the next Strat flight we got to bed about 1am and I slept, I mean I slept I didn’t hear anything unlike my first night when being beside the runway the aircraft noise kept me awake. It was only the fast jets that woke me about 7am.
Have been to breakfast with my relief and now as I say am in the coffee shop. Will go to the ED Centre in moment to do some more on the ECDL I have signed onto. Then I hope to play Badminton with Evo mid morning otherwise I will go to the gym and do some cycling.
Went to the “Jingly” Market again yesterday bought a couple of things so much to choose from. Then we had coffee and donut from Tim Hortons.
That’s my exciting life at KAF.
Well I am getting into the swing of things now, did the day shift on my own the other day. After checking the equipment there wasn’t much to do. It wasn’t a flying day so nothing to prep for that, no patients so I took some of the first photos of my trip. There is some amazing art work on the blast walls around the ASU extolling the virtues of previous Aeromed teams. So we as a team have to think of a similar bit of wall art. Stu has A level art so we have nominated him. It was warm and sunny so there was a little sunbathing but as uniform is worn all the time there will be lines! It is a plane spotter’s paradise because there is constant aircraft activity and I did stand and watch for a while It is an Afghanistan International Airport as well. I wrote a couple of blueys so exciting stuff. I did go and do my minibus familiarisation which involved a drive round camp. That was interesting there is a roundabout on camp; take your life in your hands I would say. Well that is an exaggeration as the speed limit is 20km/hr....but some of the vehicles are HUGE.
Last night’s shift was busy, we had 2 admissions to the Role 3 so had to help with that, my first experience of driving up to the back of aircraft an American Herc in this case and deplaning ITU patients. Neuro patients are treated at KAF. Later on had to meet the 3 escorts returning from Strat flights. It’s surreal driving onto the airfield watching the plane touchdown and taxi to the ramp then driving up to the steps and going onboard to off load all our kit. Completely different to my day job. After prepping for the next Strat flight we got to bed about 1am and I slept, I mean I slept I didn’t hear anything unlike my first night when being beside the runway the aircraft noise kept me awake. It was only the fast jets that woke me about 7am.
Have been to breakfast with my relief and now as I say am in the coffee shop. Will go to the ED Centre in moment to do some more on the ECDL I have signed onto. Then I hope to play Badminton with Evo mid morning otherwise I will go to the gym and do some cycling.
Went to the “Jingly” Market again yesterday bought a couple of things so much to choose from. Then we had coffee and donut from Tim Hortons.
That’s my exciting life at KAF.
Thursday 3rd Feb 2011- Herrick
Hiya, thank you everyone who has emailed, blueyed and sent parcels it’s great to receive things. Well I have done the proper job now; have done a “Tact” flight which is a transfer of patients within Afghanistan and a “Strat” flight which is the transfer home of patients.
I had short notice of a transfer of patients from Bastion and Kabul. So in the middle of the night I ended up having 3 flights on a Hercules carrying all my kit... My Sky Bag ( I have my very own Sky Bag 1) which contains everything I should ever need and it weighs a ton. I can personalise it a little and I will certainly be lightening the load when I do my stint up at Bastion doing the Helo flights. We also take a MRLI Pic which is a defib monitor and a LSU (suction unit). A medic was travelling with me and showed me the ropes and helps carry the equipment. It is hard work heaving the stuff on and off the back of the Herc, it’s quite a step up onto the ramp and walk into the aircraft, on the first occasion I actually fell up the ramp!!. The Movers and Herc crew are very helpful though and the fire crews help with the patient lifts it is a very efficent team that transfers the patients on and off. I transferred 2 locals, Afghan National Army soldiers, they are tiny people and look so much older than their age but were really nice lads as much as language barrier allowed. The locals are initially treated in the coalition hospitals but are then transferred into the Afghan “Hero” hospital in Kandahar, so they become known as “Hero” patients.
Then I had a Strat flight, a nice easy uplift to break me in gently. The lads are amazing so uncomplaining . A real honour to work with them. This time much more comfortable surroundings on a Tri-Star. By the time we landed I was shattered as our flight had been delayed at Kandahar (KDH)and I had been up since mid morning, we handed over to the Tac Med Wing Team from the UK and we left the aircraft. We thought were only going to have a few hours in Cyprus so went to bed but were later informed there were delays so we ended up having a brunch in Lady L’s ( for anyone that knows Akrotiri) then nipping down to the beach for a paddle, it was very sunny but still a wintery nip in the air. Then we went to the supermarket (the international currency in KDH is fresh milk you can barter almost anything with this and of course everyone knows the Aeromed teams can get it) then just relaxed in the rooms till we needed to report. The 216 crew (Tri-Star Sqn) were really nice as we boarded before the general passengers because of all our kit then we headed home... all planes do a tactical landing and takeoff in the dark here and I have to say this one was a wee bit scary it just seemed to take such a long time to get down but heh I am here to tell the tale.
So that’s the life of an Aeromed nurse Tac and Strat flights.
I have the room to myself tonight as the rest of the girls are at work, so am sat here in PJ’s and online. Nicole has left me her Laptop to watch a movie on, our TV doesn’t work and none of us are technical to be able to sort it out, will have to investigate though as it is very quiet here.
That’s all my news for now.
Amanda xx
I had short notice of a transfer of patients from Bastion and Kabul. So in the middle of the night I ended up having 3 flights on a Hercules carrying all my kit... My Sky Bag ( I have my very own Sky Bag 1) which contains everything I should ever need and it weighs a ton. I can personalise it a little and I will certainly be lightening the load when I do my stint up at Bastion doing the Helo flights. We also take a MRLI Pic which is a defib monitor and a LSU (suction unit). A medic was travelling with me and showed me the ropes and helps carry the equipment. It is hard work heaving the stuff on and off the back of the Herc, it’s quite a step up onto the ramp and walk into the aircraft, on the first occasion I actually fell up the ramp!!. The Movers and Herc crew are very helpful though and the fire crews help with the patient lifts it is a very efficent team that transfers the patients on and off. I transferred 2 locals, Afghan National Army soldiers, they are tiny people and look so much older than their age but were really nice lads as much as language barrier allowed. The locals are initially treated in the coalition hospitals but are then transferred into the Afghan “Hero” hospital in Kandahar, so they become known as “Hero” patients.
Then I had a Strat flight, a nice easy uplift to break me in gently. The lads are amazing so uncomplaining . A real honour to work with them. This time much more comfortable surroundings on a Tri-Star. By the time we landed I was shattered as our flight had been delayed at Kandahar (KDH)and I had been up since mid morning, we handed over to the Tac Med Wing Team from the UK and we left the aircraft. We thought were only going to have a few hours in Cyprus so went to bed but were later informed there were delays so we ended up having a brunch in Lady L’s ( for anyone that knows Akrotiri) then nipping down to the beach for a paddle, it was very sunny but still a wintery nip in the air. Then we went to the supermarket (the international currency in KDH is fresh milk you can barter almost anything with this and of course everyone knows the Aeromed teams can get it) then just relaxed in the rooms till we needed to report. The 216 crew (Tri-Star Sqn) were really nice as we boarded before the general passengers because of all our kit then we headed home... all planes do a tactical landing and takeoff in the dark here and I have to say this one was a wee bit scary it just seemed to take such a long time to get down but heh I am here to tell the tale.
So that’s the life of an Aeromed nurse Tac and Strat flights.
I have the room to myself tonight as the rest of the girls are at work, so am sat here in PJ’s and online. Nicole has left me her Laptop to watch a movie on, our TV doesn’t work and none of us are technical to be able to sort it out, will have to investigate though as it is very quiet here.
That’s all my news for now.
Amanda xx
First letter home - 30th Jan 2011
Hiya
Just a quick note to say hiya and that I have arrived safely after a very long and “interesting “ journey but I can clock up new countries I have visited (well seen from airport compound i.e.) and a couple of new aircraft I have flown in. The tactical landing and takeoff that they use is not as bad as I imagined it would be. Just eerie in the low level light sat with body armour and helmets on in the most uncomfortable seat ever.
It’s quite surreal embarking and disembarking planes in the dark, the “Movers” are very efficient with their glow sticks. It’s cold out here at night and very dusty that hits you as you get off the plane.
Got to my room about 5am, 4 person rooms my bed had been made up, comfy and warm accommodation, warm with fridge and TV. In the room opposite is Jake, one of the bomb dogs they board with their handlers he is as good as gold. A Springer spaniel.
It did warm up the following day to 24’c warm enough for shirt sleeves. After some sleep we met and were taken for lunch. The choice of dining is amazing have been in the “Far East”, “North Pole” and the name of our local one escapes me. They are so efficient. In wash your hands, dry, swipe your dining card, handed a plate into dining room collect tray with paper cover (just like Mac D Emma) and plastic cutlery set. The noise level is amazing and so many different nationalities walking around in an amazing array of camouflage uniforms. We had an orientation to Kandahar it’s a busy little place, they drive on the right and have an American road system, so we had our MT assessment and now are cleared to drive on the roads. I drove in the dark on my own when I did for the first time, but I am here to tell you the tale!.
What else have seen quite a few of the sights, the Boardwalk inc TGI Fridays, KFC and various pizza outlets. They have Tim Horton’s Donuts. Went to the Jingly Market today, occurs each Saturday, the locals come in and set up stalls. So many things to buy but not really sure what is genuine Afghanistan stuff. We are spending dollars a 1st class stamp costs 75c!.
Work is ok, not too arduous at the moment but that will change, am working a day shift tomorrow, did the night last night. Been to the gym and have signed on to do the ECDL a computer course.
Well that all my news at the mo, it’s just quite amazing out here, so many people from so many different places working alongside each other. Oh we are 4 and half hours ahead of you.
Lots of love
Amanda
Just a quick note to say hiya and that I have arrived safely after a very long and “interesting “ journey but I can clock up new countries I have visited (well seen from airport compound i.e.) and a couple of new aircraft I have flown in. The tactical landing and takeoff that they use is not as bad as I imagined it would be. Just eerie in the low level light sat with body armour and helmets on in the most uncomfortable seat ever.
It’s quite surreal embarking and disembarking planes in the dark, the “Movers” are very efficient with their glow sticks. It’s cold out here at night and very dusty that hits you as you get off the plane.
Got to my room about 5am, 4 person rooms my bed had been made up, comfy and warm accommodation, warm with fridge and TV. In the room opposite is Jake, one of the bomb dogs they board with their handlers he is as good as gold. A Springer spaniel.
It did warm up the following day to 24’c warm enough for shirt sleeves. After some sleep we met and were taken for lunch. The choice of dining is amazing have been in the “Far East”, “North Pole” and the name of our local one escapes me. They are so efficient. In wash your hands, dry, swipe your dining card, handed a plate into dining room collect tray with paper cover (just like Mac D Emma) and plastic cutlery set. The noise level is amazing and so many different nationalities walking around in an amazing array of camouflage uniforms. We had an orientation to Kandahar it’s a busy little place, they drive on the right and have an American road system, so we had our MT assessment and now are cleared to drive on the roads. I drove in the dark on my own when I did for the first time, but I am here to tell you the tale!.
What else have seen quite a few of the sights, the Boardwalk inc TGI Fridays, KFC and various pizza outlets. They have Tim Horton’s Donuts. Went to the Jingly Market today, occurs each Saturday, the locals come in and set up stalls. So many things to buy but not really sure what is genuine Afghanistan stuff. We are spending dollars a 1st class stamp costs 75c!.
Work is ok, not too arduous at the moment but that will change, am working a day shift tomorrow, did the night last night. Been to the gym and have signed on to do the ECDL a computer course.
Well that all my news at the mo, it’s just quite amazing out here, so many people from so many different places working alongside each other. Oh we are 4 and half hours ahead of you.
Lots of love
Amanda
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