3 Comments
User's avatar
ExcessDeathsAU's avatar

>baffled smile which has become a cultural norm

This right here. Remember how Australia used to be? When we laughed so easily? I get glimpses every now and again but not often enough. My unjabbed friends, while sound in body, are too traumatised to smile honestly with abandon anymore. We are caring for the sick and dying.

Expand full comment
Lisa Anderson's avatar

Wonderful story Michael as always. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Richard Carey's avatar

More fine verse Michael,

as any combat medic will tell you, the evacuation chain of 1 casualty from the FEBA, (forward edge of the battle area), will I fact tie up at least 7 other soldiers directly, and hundreds indirectly.

Modern warfare requires the logistics of evacuation as follows. On the battlefield immediate aid from fellow soldiers. Then to a CAP, company aid post, then to an RAP regimental aid post, then to a Field Ambulance Station, then to a Field Hospital....only then will the casualty finally reach a General Hospital many miles from the FEBA....

MEDICAL SUPPORT in war is a huge logistical challenge chewing up many men and resources, even modern ammunition is designed to maim not kill e.g. 5.56 caliber as opposed to 303 or 7.62 used in past epoches of conflict

Rick Carey....Royal Army Medical Corps rtd

Expand full comment