NZ Army reservist conquers NZ Great Walks for charity

The third year Otago University medical student joined the Reserve Force two years ago to work within the Deployable Health Organisation.

When she joined, her medical section commander was Sergeant Alice Gee who has become a mentor, friend and role model.

“Sergeant Gee has given me advice and support as a medic and medical student.  She has also completed an ironman, triathlons and has just completed the Boston Marathon which has inspired me to take on ultra-marathon running.

Sergeant Gee, a graduate from the University of Otago, is a junior doctor at Christchurch Hospital|Te Whatu Ora.  Joining as a medic for the Reserve Force 13 years ago she understands the challenge of combining study and a Reserve Force career.

“There’s fewer females in the Army so I do my best to support and inspire them to be the best they can be.  It’s inspirational to see what they achieve through their discipline and passion,” said Sergeant Gee.

“Sergeant Gee reminded me to just do it, life does get in the way but do your best to make time to train and you can complete it,” said Private Boothroyd-Drury.

Taking her advice, Private Boothroyd-Drury ran the Great Walks in a day, over a six month period, raising money for the Otago-Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, completing the feat just before Easter.

“It was a big logistical challenge to navigate. Having anywhere from one day to four weeks between the runs I had to carefully balance recovery with training. I looked forward to exploring the tracks themselves, particularly seeing the variety of landscapes across the country,” said Private Boothroyd-Drury.

Private Boothroyd-Drury and Sergeant Gee both recently took part in an exercise where they trained in an alpine environment 1600 metres above sea level, in a scenario where there had been a magnitude-8.0 earthquake and they had to treat casualties in an environment outside a hospital.

“We had one ‘casualty’ who had fallen from a height in the earthquake scenario. Our medical detachment team accessed them by torchlight, and treated them for severe blood loss and lack of oxygen.”

“In a hospital it’s a clinical environment, whereas working in a medical detachment you’re moving closer to the causalities. The detachment gives us the opportunity to push care closer to the frontline and triage patients near or at point of injury, giving them a better chance of survival when emergency services arrive,” said the 20-year-old.

A medical detachment consists of a commander, doctor, nurse and two medics who travel forward of traditional healthcare to receive patients in a New Zealand Army Pinzgauer, and erect a portable 11 x 11 tent to work from.  Although focusing on a civil defence scenario the training can be utilised throughout the Pacific and further abroad.

Combat medical training has given her greater resilience working in a field environment with limited supplies. 

“The medical training we receive in the Army really helps within the hospital environment too.  We learn leadership, operating and adapting to unfamiliar environments, resilience, working in a team, and we make connections with other medical personnel throughout New Zealand and the Pacific.”

If you would like to donate to Private Boothroyd-Drury’s fundraising visit the page here.(external link)