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Exercise BOSS LIFT Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19) flew employers of Air Force health specialist Reservists and key health professionals from across Australia to central Queensland to experience military life and observe first-hand the health services provided in the field.
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Participants started at RAAF Base Amberley, where they observed the joint Australian-US TS19 Air Task Group. They were then transported on an Air Force C-17A Globemaster to explore the Role 2 Health Facility deployed at Williamson Airfield at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
Director General Health Reserves Air Force, Air Commodore Jennifer Lumsden, said Air Force received an overwhelming response from employers of health specialist reservists interested in participating in the first Air Force-led BOSS LIFT.
"This opportunity is invaluable for them to better understand the environment their employees work in while on active service. Reservists are an essential enabler; having specialised clinical skills not often held within the full-time force, as they are not required every day, however, they work seamlessly with their full-time colleagues to provide the highest level of care," AIRCDRE Lumsden said.
"Reserve service for health personnel generally results in extension of both their clinical and managerial practice, and employers also reap benefits from the investment by being able to capitalise on these new skills and knowledge."
The pinnacle of the exercise was the chance to experience the Role 2 Health Facility and be a part of a simulated aeromedical evacuation.
"Air Force’s Role 2 Health Facility is a transportable hospital that is currently deployed to Shoalwater Bay Training Area in support of the Joint Warfighting Series exercises," AIRCDRE Lumsden said.
"It was fantastic to see participants responding so positively to the wide range of essential medical support that can be provided in a remote setting, including pathology, physiotherapy, imaging, intensive care, emergency surgery and a trauma-ready emergency department."
Specialists health reservists in Air Force include surgeons, anaesthetists, intensivists, emergency physicians, radiologists, critical care and perioperative nurses, physiotherapists and psychologists.
Health reservists have been involved in every major military exercise or operation since the first Gulf War, including Rwanda, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bougainville, East Timor, Boxing Day Tsunami, Bali Bombings, the Queensland floods and cyclones.
If you are looking to share your knowledge and explore your opportunities, more information about Reservist roles in the Australian Defence Force can be found here.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
