Stage one of Operation RENDER SAFE 2014, the Australian Defence Force's ongoing commitment to reducing the threat of explosive remnants of war in the South West Pacific is now complete following the establishment of a fully functioning medical and surgical facility on the island of Buka in Bougainville.
Known as a Role 2 Enhanced (Role 2E) the facility is a vital phase of RENDER SAFE as it provides the medical response for the multinational defence contingent undertaking explosive ordnance disposal activities in the vicinity of Torokina further south.
Officer Commanding the Australian medical team, Major Francis Reidy says the team is well equipped to handle most medical emergency scenarios.
"The Role 2E provides advanced resuscitation, surgery and advanced diagnostics such as X-Ray and pathology so we can provide advanced levels of care," Major Ready said.
"For Operation RENDER SAFE we have other detachments including an environmental health team which is here to look after our personnel, in terms of mosquitoes and other diseases we might encounter on the ground here and we have with us a full dental team and pharmacist."
“From the moment boots hit the ground the Role 2E can be on line and functioning in any type of terrain within 48 hours. It's a capability that provides a genuine source of pride for those personnel involved, mostly because it means that world class medical assistance and treatment is never far away for deployed Australian troops.”
"Our position here, after heavy rain, has been developed and is now looking pretty good. We are operationally capable of providing a positive effect on the ground and I'm extremely proud of the entire team for getting us here," Major Reidy said.
Operation RENDER SAFE 14 is taking place at the request of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and with the approval of the Papua New Guinea National Government.
