RAF Brize Norton News

Tactical Medical Wing Demonstrates Life Saving Capabilities

Tactical Medical Wing (TMW) have opened their doors to host UK military, international and civilian medical personnel.

The two-day visit consisted of capability briefs and a variety of medical demonstrations carried out by personnel from TMW. The open days gave the visitors the opportunity to meet servicemen and women from across TMW with the intent of increasing their knowledge and understanding the roles undertaken in support of Operations.

TMW is the operational hub for all RAF Medical Services (RAFMS), their role is to train, equip and deploy RAFMS personnel in support of Operations and Exercises in the UK and Overseas. TMW is also responsible for providing quality worldwide Aeromedical Evacuation and deployed primary care services for Defence.

“For our MOD colleagues, we highlight the latest developments reaffirming that the RAFMS can deliver the highest standards of care regardless of location. For the Overseas guests, this is our opportunity to showcase the end to end processes which begin with training; there is tangible interest in how we deliver pre-hospital and critical care courses.”

Flight Lieutenant Charlene Coomber

Flight Commander on Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) Squadron

“Talking to our guests is an important part of the visit, ensuring they have had an enjoyable, informative day is paramount. For this project teamwork, has been required on a much larger scale, the success of the open days and the positive effect that will resonate is thanks to the support and hard work of over 145 personnel across TMW.”

Flight Lieutenant Charlene Coomber

Subject matter experts were on hand to show and discuss the capabilities of the Critical Care Air Support Teams (CCAST), who provide the ability to move critically ill or high/medium dependency patients through AE. The Air Transportable Isolator (ATI) which provides a biological containment facility which allows for the safe movement of highly infectious patients. The Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) also displayed their capabilities and how a Role 1 Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) works, which can be used to support a larger deployment of personnel and provide bespoke medical support for up to 800 personnel.

“This has provided ample opportunity for me, progressing towards being a newly qualified nurse. Getting an insight into the roles of nurses within TMW and the wider RAF. It’s been fantastic and exceeded my expectations, I’ve learned a lot by coming here and I would recommend it to anyone else to come and see what it’s all about.”

Officer Cadet Leigh Griffiths

Southampton University Air Squadron

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