On a dreary autumn day last month, a simulated mass casualty scene played out at RAAF Base Amberley.
The confronting scene called for Australian, Fillipino and Indonesian Air Force members to work together to treat the simulated casualties as part of an operational health support course.
The course equips students with the skills to deploy a Role 1 Hospital in a field environment. This was the first occasion Indo-Pacific partners were invited to participate in the course alongside their Australian counterparts.
Major Indria Sari, Head Officer of Neurosurgery Outpatient Department of the Indonesian Air Force, was grateful for the opportunity to improve understanding between the countries and strengthen their bilateral relationships.
"I look forward to integrating the things I have learned through the course with the system I have in the Indonesian Air Force," Major Indria Sari said.
"Making friends, learning the Australian culture and having fun were highlights of the course."
Fellow course student Flight Lieutenant Nicholas Mattock, a medical officer at 2nd Expeditionary Health Squadron, was another firm believer in the benefits of having international students on the course.
"You quickly realise that despite structural differences in civilian and military health training and infrastructure, generally we are speaking the same language when it comes to patient-level health care," Flight Lieutenant Mattock said.
"At its core, this makes me confident that with ongoing engagement with such partners, we will be able to coordinate complex patient movement and care if required in the future."
Course instructor Flight Lieutenant Ashley Kennewell was confident students gained valuable skills for future operational deployments.
"Twenty eight students from all health related roles, as well as non-health related roles like admin or logistics if they are posted to a health unit, participated on the course," Flight Lieutenant Kennewell said.
"Following the success of this course, Health OCU will continue to invite international participation to promote interoperability and collaboration with international partners, while enabling greater understanding of integrated and strategic health operations."
