Army medic stays grounded at high altitude

The Alexandra-based medic recently took part in an exercise 1500m above sea level where he and his fellow military medics were tested on their ability to work with limited resources in an austere and inhospitable environment.

“With the frequency of national civil defence emergencies, the likelihood is the Government will call on us to respond more frequently for disaster relief,” Sergeant Freestone said.

“Learning to work at altitude with limited resources on hand in an isolated environment teaches resilience.  Many of the scenarios can be adapted to assist Pacific nations and further abroad on deployment too.”

The training, located at the Snowfarm Nordic Ski Area in the Pisa Conservation Area was selected for its basic infrastructure and remote environment. Sergeant Freestone has worked in alpine rescue in New Zealand and overseas, enabling him to draw on real life alpine knowledge and expertise.

The training scenario was based on a magnitude 8.0 or higher earthquake along the Alpine Fault, one of the world’s major geographical features running 600km along the South Island.

“Scientists predict a 75% chance of a magnitude 8.0 or higher earthquake along the fault line within fifty years. It’s important we train for these scenarios alongside our combat medical training.”

Sergeant Freestone is a senior medic and trained paramedic and is currently the Reserve Force Medical Senior Non-Commissioned Officer based with 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

He transferred to the Army Reserve Force in 2018 after serving as a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) medic since 2009 where he spent time carrying out search and rescue tasks with 3 Squadron at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

“There was a small team of medics who worked closely with 3 Squadron.  We were ready to help New Zealanders at short notice for disaster relief and search and rescue tasks,” Sergeant Freestone said.

“The move to Army Reserves has been a no brainer for me.  I transferred because there wasn’t an Air Force Base near my hometown and have really enjoyed the work and camaraderie of the Reserve Force, and it’s really helped me settle into civilian life.”

Twenty seven Regular and Reserve Force doctors, nurses and medics from the Deployable Health Organisation attended the training.  While most personnel were part-time Reserve Force medics, many work or study within the medical field.

Sergeant Freestone says he has had the opportunity to assist with trade training at the Health School based at Burnham Military Camp. The three-year trade training is tri-service and is the longest course on offer in the NZDF.

“I’ve found my Regular Force background really useful when we’re mentoring new medics coming through.”