Interoperability That Saves Lives

16 July 2009

One of the key objectives of Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 is to increase the interoperability of Australian and United States Military forces. Whether this involves conventional conflict, peacekeeping operations or humanitarian aid, rapidly changing global circumstances demand that the two countries ‘touch base’ regularly.

For the twenty seven personal of the Primary Casualty Reception Facility (PCRF) onboard HMAS Kanimbla, (Commanding Officer CMDR Tim Byles), interoperability within their team isn’t just desirable, it’s essential.

The Officer in Charge of the PCRF LCDR Don Jamieson, believes Kanimbla is capable of providing advanced care to a substantial range of potential medical emergencies.

"We even have one dedicated operating theatre with a potential to upgrade to two, and an intensive care recovery unit, so our ability to assist those seriously ill or injured is very advanced," said LCDR Jamieson.

However in order to provide this specialist care, a large number of medical personnel with a broad range of skills must be assembled and rigorously trained onboard to ensure genuine ‘interoperability’ within the PCRF team.

"In order for Kanimbla to offer Level 3 (the highest) PCRF care, we need around fourteen different types of medical professionals, from Basic Medical Assistant through to Specialist Doctors," LCDR Jamieson said.

Even with a contribution of Air Force personnel who generally provide pathology and radiology services, the PCRF still relies heavily on Reservists making up to half of the medical complement.

"Their value is not in making up the numbers. Naval Reservists bring with them irreplaceable experience in having worked for many of Australia’s largest tertiary hospitals. Our aim is to provide first class care so having personnel from first class civilian hospitals in the PCRF is vital to our continuing success", according to LCDR Jamieson.