Operational Honours: The latest awards for military medics

on Apr 01 by admin

The latest Operational Honours yet again saw a number of military medical personnel receiving recognition for their work.

Medic rescues pilots from burning wreckage

Lance Corporal Ryan Shelley was awarded the George Medal for risking his own life in order to rescue a pilot and co-pilot from the wreckage of a crashed helicopter.

Braving smoke, fire and exploding ammunition, the Royal Marines medic entered the helicopter in order to save the crew who were trapped inside. LCpl Shelley freed the pilot and co-pilot, carrying the latter to safety before performing a lifesaving procedure by inserting a tube into his throat.

Performing emergency procedure for the first time

In July 2010 Kingsman Scott Glendinning was on patrol when one of his colleagues stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). Because of the high threat of IEDs on the ground surrounding Kgn Glendinning and the casualty, the patrol’s experienced medic was unable to reach the casualty to administer lifesaving first aid.

Instead, Kgn Glendinning had to follow the medic’s instructions – shouted from more than twenty-five metres away – to use the emergency medical kit and carry out medical procedures which he had never done before.

Having completed first aid, Kgn Glendinning then used his own body as a shield to protect the casualty from falling debris as the helicopter arrived to evacuate them to safety.

He was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB) for his cool head and selfless actions.

Lifesaving medicine under enemy fire

A female medic risked her own safety twice in order to treat injured soldiers.

On two separate occasions Lance Corporal Kylie Watson of the Royal Army Medical Corps braved open ground under enemy fire to try to save the lives of two Afghan soldiers.

On one occasion LCpl Watson was able to successfully apply wound dressings to stop heavy bleeding, allowing the patient to be transported on a stretcher, away from danger.

Her brave actions earned her the Military Cross, making her the fourth female recipient of the award.

Significant contribution to military medicine

Major Ruth Truscott of the Royal Army Nursing Corps has been made an Associate of the Royal Red Cross (ARRC) for her longstanding contributions to military medicine.

Maj Truscott has been a military nurse since 1996 when she joined the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC).

Currently based at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) in Birmingham, she has served in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone, as well as spending time as an instructor at the Defence Medical Training Centre.