New Zealand Medics, Afghan Style
15 September 2007
by Squadron Leader Paul Nealis in Afghanistam
NZDF Medical staff deploy to Bamyan, Afghanistan as part of a Task Group to provide medical and environmental health care for deployed New Zealand forces, to mentor local medical leaders and, when possible, provide humanitarian medical aid. A doctor, nurse, and two medics make up the Regimental Aid Post (RAP) team at Kiwi Base in Bamyan City while four additional medics are deployed with the four patrol teams.
While the usual array of gastro bugs, and twisted knees and ankles make up the usual routine of daily care, there are, from time to time, situations that prove challenging. Not renowned for its road safety, Afghanistan has its share of vehicle accidents and coming across such incidents medics invariably lend a hand where they can.
When the opportunity allows, the medical team also carries out medical treatment clinics in local villages. One such clinic was carried out by members of the RAP, Kiwi Team 3 (KT3 - the central Bamyan patrol) and other available Kiwi Base personnel at the village of Pakhta Bolaq. On a previous patrol KT3 had identified this remote village as it appeared to be in need of some basic medical and humanitarian assistance.
The village of Pakhta Bolaq is at an altitude of 3800 metres; in comparison New Zealand’s Mt Cook at 3754 metres and Kiwi Base is at 2900 metres. Pakhta Bolaq is a particularly poor village whose people spend the summer in tents on a high plateau and then winter in a valley about an hours walk away. The plateau is the summer grazing site for the animals of 16 families, totaling about 200 people. Each family has about a dozen people and lives in a three metre by four metre tent over the summer.
The altitude means the steep climb to the village is quite a challenge for vehicles and drivers. The lack of power to the engines due to the thin air was compounded by the heavily loads the vehicles had to carry.
When the team arrived at the site the men of the village had gone down into the valley to work. The women and children were present in the village but would not be seen without a chaperone. After a short wait to locate a suitable village elder to act as chaperone the clinic was conducted.
A wide range of medical conditions were seen, ranging from malnutrition, skin conditions, pneumonias, eye infections and even a case of cutaneous anthrax. A particularly difficult case for all involved was a five year old girl with very advanced cancer of the spine. She had no medication as the family could not afford it and was in great pain. Provision of pain relief for the girl and advice to the parents saw them return a few hours later with a smiling child to show how well the medicine had worked, the highlight of the day for the team.
About a quarter of the village presented for care and they were very appreciative of the help offered. Following the provision of medical aid there was a distribution of food and clothing. This was done through the village elders, who managed the distribution very well.
Following a long day the team returned late back to camp to a welcome hot meal saved for them by the catering staff. While a hard physical day it was also the type of rewarding “hands on” help Kiwis are able to the people of Bamyan Province.
Pictured: Lance Corporal Luke Tamatea feeds a baby nutrient rich formula.
Ends
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