Whakapapa patrol nurse trains at altitude

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 5, 19 August 1988, Page 8

Whakapapa patrol nurse trains at altitude

Whakapapa ski patrol nurse Colleen Clarke has been training at high altitude recently, in RNZAF aireraft. Colleen and one other assistants recently atcivilian nurse along tended a , two week with 12 RNZAF medical course at the Defence

Environmental Medical Unit, Hobsonville to familiarise themselves with the problems associated with carrying patients in aireraft. When patients are presented for air evacuation they have to be stabilized and prepared for air transport b y medical personnel who are aware of the effects of pressure and atmo- ^ spheric changes, and vibration, noise etc on particular types of illness or injury (for example, plaster casts have to be cut open, then the limb bound in crepe bandages to allow for the body expanding due to decreased atmospheric pressure as the aireraft climbs). The medical personnel also have to be familiar with the layout of different aireraft, the facilities available within the aireraft (eg power sources and voltages for life support equipment), and the appropriate emergency drills. The course, normally held annually, is attended by selected

military nursing sisters (from the Royal N e w Zealand Nursing Corps), RNZAF medical assistants and doctors, and civilian nurses. Robyn Ancell, a nurse with the Waikato Hospital, is attending the course as part of her Advanced Nursing Diploma, and Colleen Clarke, a nurse with the Mt Ruapehu ski patrol, has been sponsored by the Department of Conservation. The final test at the end of the course is a full scale move of a sejjleetion of "patients," ?with a variety of simudated injuries, by Anjdover aireraft from Whenuapai to Ohakea' and return. This involves visiting the "patient," discussing the injuries with their doctor,

deciding on the equip- and in-flight, intro- nel are available to rement required for the auced without warning spond to the numerous patient's care, (and to by Squadron Leader requests the RNZAF cater for any in-flight Ross Ewing and the gets for aeromedical emergency) preparing course directing staff). evacuation, ranging and loading the patient The aim of the course from long flights from and their care in-flight is to ensure that, at all Pacific Islands to short (including the times, sufficient num- helicopter recoveries "emergencies," medical bers of trained person- within New Zealand.