The University of Ulster has paid tribute to the key role of a Londonderry-based TA unit in helping nurses and other healthcare professionals prepare for multi-casualty disasters.

The School of Nursing has run a series of disaster-preparation courses for nurses and other healthcare professionals since 2000 and the local 108 Squadron of 253 (NI) Medical Regiment has been pivotal to its success.

During rigorous open-air exercises in which nurses are confronted with scores of simulated casualties, limited resources and tough decisions to make, the hands-on expertise of the largely part-time Territorial Army unit has been invaluable.

In the terrain around Magilligan Training Camp, the unit’s staff have taught course participants practical emergency skills that are needed in aiding casualties and managing disasters, before the injured can be taken into hospital care.

These include putting up tents, converting tents into care and casualty clearance facilities, map-reading, making makeshift stretchers and applying life-saving first aid.

The University said thanks to the squadron at a ceremony at Magee when special certificates were presented to 26 TA soldiers, whose unit is based at Caw.

Professor Jim Allen, Pro Vice Chancellor and Provost of Magee, said that the School of Nursing “continues to lead the field” in its provision of Disaster Response and Preparedness in Healthcare programmes.

 “The School’s undergraduate nurses’ programme at Magee and Coleraine now includes 50 hours of theory and practice in disaster response and preparedness. Having 103 Squadron on board has made all the difference. This is something that we are very grateful for and we look forward to the relationship growing further.”

Professor Hugh McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, also praised the TA’s contribution.

Major Richard Taylor, 108 Squadron Officer Commanding, spoke of the long association with the School of Nursing and said the courses were of great mutual benefit, with the soldiers learning much from the University students and staff who take part.

Dr Owen Barr, Head of the School of Nursing, who presented a piece of crystal and a plaque to Major Taylor and Staff Sergeant Derek Reid, said the TA unit had added a vitally important dimension. “Your knowledge of how to respond and how to make do with what little resources may be available in a disaster can be the difference between life and death.”

Pat Deeny, Senior Lecturer in Nursing, said: “Disasters remain the foremost threat to the future of human-kind. Most are natural events such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 or a worldwide Flu Pandemic. However, mankind also initiates or plays a big part in many disasters i.e. terrorist bombings, war and famine. Some disasters can last for years and are referred to as Complex Emergencies i.e. Darfur in Southern Sudan.

“What we do in our courses – and the TA members are giving us invaluable help – is to increase awareness of the vulnerabilities to disaster that exist in communities and teach healthcare professionals how to improve community resilience. We help healthcare professionals to manage chaos and deal with the increased surge on healthcare facilities so that they can maintain the continuity of normal healthcare provision throughout the disaster.”

Ends

CAPTION: Major Richard Taylor (second from left) receives a presentation from Dr Owen Barr, Head of the School of Nursing, University of Ulster, in recognition of the assistance of 108 Squadron of 253 (NI) Medical Regiment TA on the University’s disaster-preparation courses for healthcare professionals.

Also pictured are, left-to-right, Magee Provost Professor Jim Allen, the regiment’s CO Lt Col Simon Powell, Staff Sgt Derek Reid and Professor Hugh McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences.

For further information, please contact:

Martin Cowley
Telephone: 028 71675083
Email: Martin Cowley