Employers gained a valuable insight into Reservist training courtesy of Leuchars-based 612 Squadron RAF Medical Reserves.
The event was timed to coincide with 612 Squadron’s Annual Continuous Training (ACT) period and involved RAF Medical Reserves personnel from across the UK. This saw the Reservists being tested in a live deployed environment, showcasing some of their operational medical and leadership capabilities.
Following on from a short introduction about the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers were taken to the exercise area where Reservists were treating simulated casualties as part of an overseas humanitarian response scenario.
After a quick break for lunch, the group heard from a Reservist about their personal journey and how the experience had developed them personally in their role as a paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service. This development included funded academic qualifications provided by the RAF, an operational deployment overseas, leadership and management skills, team working and becoming a more confident and resilient problem solver.
Guests who attended the event earlier this month included Pauline Howie (CEO Scottish Ambulance Service), Edward Dunning (Surgeon, NHS Fife), Dave Bywater (Chair Basics Scotland), and Sarah Dickie (Interim Executive Nurse Director, NHS Tayside).
The event also saw Basics Scotland sign the Armed Forces Covenant. In doing so Basics Scotland has made a commitment to support the country’s servicemen and women wherever and however it can and to ensure no member of the Armed Forces should suffer any disadvantage as a result of their service. The Perthshire-based charity specialises in promoting the provision of high quality pre-hospital emergency care to health professionals in Scotland.
The visit to Leuchars Station was organised by HRFCA Regional Employer Engagement Director Jim Dickie. Jim is also a serving Reservist with 612 Sqn.
From left: Jim Dickie (HRFCA), Wing Commander Mark Colligan (CO 612 Sqn), Pauline Howie (CEO Scottish Ambulance Service), Edward Dunning (NHS Fife), Sarah Dickie (NHS Tayside), Dave Bywater (Basics Scotland), Group Captain Mike Priestly (Commander Medical RAF), Alan Cowan (HRFCA), and Sharon Swash (HRFCA).
Dave Bywater of Basics Scotland signed the Armed Forces Covenant with Group Captain Mike Priestly co-signing on behalf of the MOD.
Employers are given a tour of a field ambulance.
