REME Life
9 Regiment RLC LAD Foreword: SSgt Gore-Rowe (Art Veh)
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s the Logistic Supply Regiment for the Theatre Enabling Group, 9 Regt RLC are held at constant high readiness. This has seen the LAD involved in many activities including events such as Ex DEFENDER 20 Europe, Op CATTALO (Oman) and Op WINTER PREPARDENESS. We have all experienced a turbulent past 12 months and 9 Regt LAD is no different. Operating with a reduced workforce during the first lockdown meant that small teams worked in shift “bubbles” to reduce the infection impact whilst also still being able to maintain the Readiness fleet. Adopting a “learning to live with COVID” mentality has seen us develop new ways of working in barracks and deployed. We have been able to deploy on CT exercise WOLF REFRESH, support NHS Ambulance Trusts in Sussex and Wales and continue routine support to other commitments such as Phase 2 driver training courses. The working tempo appears to be back on track with imminent deployment to the Balkans on Ex DEFENDER 21 and various training events throughout 2021, we have had an interesting and busy year.
Cfn Singh hard at work
our ability to drive to a high standard as SECAMB had to be sure that we were not a risk on the road. Once my training was complete, I received my shift pattern and was assigned to my crew. The MATT 3 training that we receive as members of the Armed Forces was of only slight benefit, as BCD would have not been appropriate in a care home. Under direct supervision of my Paramedic guardian angel, I was thrown into the fray. I was both nervous and excited, but ready to get stuck in. The calls we attended during the operation were unpredictable and varied; the excitement of not knowing what you’re going to be involved in kept my adrenaline pumping and the desire to learn high. The vast number of COVID-19 positive patients I visited confirm to myself that the danger was real.
Cpl Vaughan supervising Cfn Harrison changing the front axle on a 9T SV
Op WINTER PREPARDENESS – South East Ambulance Trust (SECAMB) Scribe: Cpl Swithenbank (Rec Mech 1)
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n support of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of 9 Regt RLC LAD deployed on Op WINTER PREPAREDNESS. The Military Assistance to the Civilian Authorities (MACA) task was to support the South East Coast Ambulance Service. My role within this operation was to drive and crew ambulances alongside a qualified paramedic. The training package provided by SECAMB was delivered over a highly intensive two days. Day one consisted of theoretical and practical assessments, ensuring that we were both confident and competent at BLS, manual handling, infection control, and trauma management. The second day was orientated around the familiarisation and driving of an ambulance. We were assessed on
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Cpl Swithenbank looking dapper geared up working on the ambulances
