Two ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Medical Corps placed first and second in the Ministry of Health’s recently concluded Orthopaedic Technician Training Programme.
Sergeant (SGT) Bernald Rudder, a Grade 1 Medical Assistant, was named valedictorian, while Corporal (CPL) Desmond Pompey, a Grade 2 Medical Assistant, was named salutatorian. SGT Rudder also received the Best Theory award, while CPL Pompey earned Best Practical.
The year-long programme covered fracture management and imaging, patient
immobilisation, theatre preparation, and the application of Plaster-of-Paris (POP) and fibreglass materials. Clinical rotations through the orthopaedic clinic, operating theatre and POP room provided practical training in the management of orthopaedic
injuries.
The ranks also observed procedures including hip replacement and tibial plateau surgery, broadening their understanding of orthopaedic care and treatment.
For SGT Rudder, the programme built on his clinical experience as a Medical Assistant.
“Working at the Medical Centre prepared me well. Much of the training built on knowledge and experience I had already gained, while allowing me to develop those skills in a specialised area,” SGT Rudder said.
CPL Pompey completed the programme while also undertaking Grade 2 Medical Assistant training with the GDF Medical Corps. He earned the Best Practical award and placed second overall.
The qualification enables both ranks to immobilise and stabilise fractures and other injuries using POP and fibreglass materials.
The GDF currently receives support from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in this area. Their qualification gives the Medical Corps greater scope to manage orthopaedic cases within the Force and provides an additional level of medical support for personnel.
The achievement also adds a specialised skill set to the GDF Medical Corps. It gives the Force trained personnel who can apply orthopaedic expertise directly to the care of injured personnel and support the delivery of medical services across the GDF
