A NATIONAL military challenge was held at Okehampton Training Camp at the weekend, which involved NHS staff swapping their ‘scrubs’ for combats.

Bristol-based 243 (Wessex) Field Hospital hosted the event and invited NHS staff from across the region to step into the tented world of a military medic for the weekend. 

The competitive event, held over two days, involved 16 teams from all the major NHS Trusts in the South West who participated in physical and mental activities provided by the regions reservists from the Royal Navy and Marines, Army and Royal Air Force Reserves.

Teams of 12 competed in medical scenarios ranging from Care Under Fire to Dismounted Close Combat Training with a final endurance march on the second day.

The exercise aimed to demonstrate the benefits that can be gained by NHS Trusts employers and employees from training and opportunities available to them by supporting or serving in Britain’s Volunteer Reserve Forces.

Commanding officer for the army field hospital, Colonel Alastair Taylor, said: ‘This is an excellent event highlighting what benefits are available from being a member of the Reserve Forces.

‘These benefits are not just limited to the individual making the commitment but to their employers in terms of the skills they can bring back to their regular place of work.’