225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment invited employers to Glenrothes on 12 July to meet Reservists taking part in pre-deployment training.
The medics are preparing to deploy to the Netherlands from 19-22 July to support the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. That will see more than 45,000 participants from all over the world walking for a total of 100 miles over four days. It’s the largest walking event of its kind in the world and aims to promote sport and exercise.
225 medics will support around 1500 participants, providing them with medical care and food. It will be the second time the Regiment has been at Nijmegen.
Back at the Army Reserve Centre in Glenrothes, 225’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Edd Gordon welcomed representatives from organisation’s including NHS Tayside, the Scottish Government and the University of Sunderland.
Lt Col Gordon gave a presentation outlining the Army’s role in NATO, 225’s unit laydown, the Operational Patient Care Pathway, the unit’s capabilities and the opportunities it offers.
He also outlined the future of the Regiment that is due to merge with 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital, creating the new Glasgow-based 215 (Scottish) Multi-Role Medical Regiment.
Lt Col Gordon also detailed the Army’s Patient Care Pathway; taking soldiers from the point of injury through to treatment, with the key aim of being able to put that soldier back in the fight.
He also outlined some of the Regiment’s recent activities, including deploying for Ex Green Serpent, attending the NHS Scotland Conference in Aberdeen, and the Royal Garden Party. He rounded off by highlighting the benefits to employers and individuals of being a Reservist and showed a video of Ex Amazon Serpent, which saw members of 225 enjoying a canoeing adventure in Brazil.
Visitors were then taken outside to observe the pre-deployment training as well as being given a tour of some of the Regiment’s vehicles. The training included medics being briefed on asthma protocols for Nijmegen walkers, taking part in simulated first aid, dressing injuries – including the inevitable blisters! Visitors also had the chance to take part in classroom activities. These included learning how to use equipment such as blood oxygen monitors, thermometers, and the Army’s Wet Bulb Globe Temperature equipment.
The event also allowed for networking between visitors, as well as the chance to meet and talk to Reservists to learn about their experiences in the Army.
Many thanks to all at the regiment for inviting HRFCA along for what turned out to be a highly informative and interesting insight into the valuable work of the Regiment and medical reservists.
● 225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment is headquartered in Dundee with squadrons in Glenrothes, Stirling and Sunderland.
