Top Brass see Medical Services
Operational Capability
9th February 2006
www.raf.mod.uk/raflyneham
RAF Lyneham's Tactical Medical Wing Headquarter Staff were
paid a visit by top brass, reviewing the station's latest
Operational Medical Capability and in conjunction with this
inspection, to look at the tri-service medical involvement
the station offers and future tasking requirements, especially
as the armed forces are under stringent manpower cutbacks.
The reviewing officers was keen to see what TMW provide to
the overall medical package within the armed forces and how
they could be adjusted in the future for airborne medical
requirements and solutions.
The visit included an over view of TMW and its operational
role, followed by a display of C-130 rolled in a multi-aeromedical
fit. Major General Lillywhite, the Deputy General Operational
Capabilities and familiar paratrooper of Fat Albert, had his
attention fixed on the sophisticated medical role rather than
the para door he often exited in his earlier career.
Major General Lillywhite asked some searching questions regard
the RAF Medical Operational Formations, specifically as they
could provide solutions to the other Services. One of his
closing statements confirmed a common believe within the RAF
Medical Services, stating: ‘The RAF is reducing in numbers
and it would be reasonable to assume the medical Service match
that reduction but that would not necessarily be the case.
The other Services rely on the capability of the RAF; all
three Services operational roles are expanding, as such the
justification for the present RAF medical establishment remains
strong’.
Overall the visit was deemed as a great success and the reviewing
officers thanked Tactical Med Wing for providing a comprehensive
demonstration of the RAF Medical Services Operational Capability.
This important service medical capability is often tested
to the full, and RAF Lyneham has recently been involved with
two emergency missions to help separate young children with
severe breathing difficulties. These mercy missions involved
around the clock delivery of the poorly children to remote
specialist hospitals the other end of the country.
PictureA: Gp Capt McGuire, Consultant Anaesthetist
on Critical Care in the Air Support Team (CCAST), discussing
Aeromedical flights with DGMS (RAF) and DG Med Op Cap (far
right).
Picture B&C: Some of the sophisticated medical equipment
being shown fitted in the Aeromedical role on the Hercules |
