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Guest Editor: Capt A. Brand

SO3 Corporate Communication Area Military Health Unit Limpopo

July 2012

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IN THIS ISSUE........

Tree Planting At Samaritan House

Men’s Day At AMHU LP

Celebrating Blood Donation Month

Hoedspruit - Then Disaster Struck!

A Community United In The Face Of A Crisis

Water Under The Bridge Search And Rescue – Emergency Landing In The

Dark International Nurses Day Health Centre Hoedspruit

Health Awareness Celebrations in Polokwane

Labour of Love proudly SAMHS 67 minutes

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Tree Planting At Samaritan House Article and Photos by Capt A. Brand

The Samaritan Centre is a registered children’s home in Polokwane. It is an organization that devotes itself to providing care and support for orphans and vulnerable children left in destitute circumstances. The centre is currently accommodating thirty-nine children, who have been legally placed by a children’s court. They have been referred from different areas around Limpopo Province they range in age from 6 months to 16 years. Since Mandela day in 2010 Area Military Health Unit has adopted this center and has invested time and love into the lives of these children. Recently a tree planting ceremony was held at the center to symbolize the relationship that Area Military Health Unit Limpopo have with the children. As the tree is nurtured it will grow into something beautiful. This also applies to our relationship with these children. These children are always inspired and in awe that Soldiers visit them and make time for them. Needless to say many of them have visions to become Soldiers themselves one day. These children are part of our future and deserve to be loved and cherished just like our own children and it is an honour to be able to be a part of their lives.

“Children see magic because they look for it and nothing you do for children is ever wasted.”

Members of Area Military Health Unit

Limpopo with Children from The

Samaritan Centre planting a tree.

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Men’s Day At AMHU LP Highlight on Mens Health Issues

Article and Photos by Lt Col E.J Mathonsi

The male members of the AMHU LP HQ had an outing to celebrate and commemorate the Men’s day 2012. The function was held at the Pietersburg Game Reserve and a steering committee was formed to oversee the preparations and planning for the outing... The aim was to commemorate June as Men’s Health month and to bring to the fore men’s health issues for discussion in an open forum to the benefit of all participants and also to allow for the men at the AMHU LP to share on issues of common interest and further allow for opportune moments of such interactions. The proceedings were opened by Maj Makhaga and the purpose of the day was highlighted by Lt Col Mathonsi. Maj Dladla then presented and facilitated discussions on the following topics of Mens Health. Prostate Cancer the signs symptoms and treatment. Balanitis signs, symptoms & treatment. Penile Fracture causes, signs, symptoms and treatment Erectile Dysfunction causes, & treatments Infertility causes & treatment. In conclusion of the presentations a braai was held A total of 26 male members of the AMHU LP HQ attended the function and according to the reviews received from the participants, the aims and objectives for the day were achieved. Members learnt so much about health issues relating to them. Further, it was a relaxing environment that allowed for interactions and sharing.

Maj Dladla presenting Men’s Health

matters to the men of AMHU LP Hq

Members enjoying the braai after the

presentations.

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Celebrating Blood Donation Month At AMHU LP Article and Photos by Capt A. Brand

Every day 3 000 units of blood are transfused to patients in dire need of blood. If it was not for blood donors who give their time and blood, blood transfusion in South Africa would not exist. South Africa’s blood counts among the safest in the world. Every time a person donates a unit of blood, it’s tested for HIV/Aids, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis. The organization implemented Nucleic Acid

Amplification Testing (NAT) in 2005, which is the most advanced technology in the world. It is also the most sensitive form of testing as it tests for the RNA or DNA of the virus. NAT cuts the window period significantly. Since its inception in October 2005, there have been no reports of transfusion of contaminated blood. June is National Blood Donor Month in South Africa. and this initiative was supported at Area Military Health Unit Limpopo by having a blood donation clinic at the Headquarters. The clinic was well supported and a total of 16pints were collected for the short period of 3 hours that the SANBS were at the Unit. Their collection target from the Unit was 12 pints so we exceeded their expectations. There were some first time donors who were not so sure what to expect, but afterward said they would definitely continue to donate blood and that the experience was not so bad.

Maj I.K. Makhaga donating blood

Eager members completing the form

First time donor Pte K.L. Mashishi

with her No Chicken Award

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Common Questions And Concerns About Blood Donation 1. “I’m afraid.”

A lot of people are scared the first time, but after you make one donation, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated. There’s really nothing to it! “Do it, get it done, it doesn’t hurt!” 2. “How many people donate blood?” Only 5% of the population donates blood. If only 10% of the population would donate, it would very possibly eliminate all blood shortages. 3. “Do you need my type of blood?” We need regular donations of ALL blood types. The rarest blood is the type which is not available when it’s needed. 4. “Would you want my blood even though I’ve had an illness or am taking medication? ”If you have any doubts about your eligibility to donate, you can discuss them with someone from

the Blood Bank staff. Most people who feel they can’t give blood because of a medical condition or medication are surprised to find out they CAN donate safely for local patients. 5. “Do I have enough blood to spare?”If you are healthy and weigh at least 50kg, you have 10-

12 pints in your body and can easily spare one pint. You should be able to donate regularly every eight weeks without any problem. The fluids in your body are completely replaced 24 hours after donation. 6. “I’m afraid of getting AIDS through blood donation.”There is no way you can be exposed to the AIDS virus by donating blood. All needles and equipment are pre-packaged, sterile and disposable. The blood bank is under strict regulation and nothing is ever re-used on another donor. 7. “I have low iron blood, can I still donate?”A sample of your blood is checked before every

donation. If your iron is low, we’ll ask you to donate at a later date. Most of the time, low iron is only temporary. We will provide you with an “iron rich foods list” which will help to boost your iron to strong levels. 8. “I heard it hurts. What can I do to be best prepared to donate?”Most donors say they barely felt anything and they describe blood donation as a slight pinch on the inside of your arm. Eating a good meal and hydrating yourself with caffeine-free drinks helps to make sure your donation experience is a positive one 9. “Will I feel weak for the rest of the day?”Your body will begin to replace the blood you

donated immediately. After some cookies and juice, most people resume their regular activities after donating. 10. “I’m too busy to donate.”We understand you are extremely busy. One out of five people who

enter a hospital will need a blood transfusion. Blood donation is the act of giving life. Although the whole process can take up to an hour of your time, it can provide an entire lifetime for a patient.

Your blood is replaceable. A life is not! You have what is takes to give, it costs

nothing to you and is priceless to someone else

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Hoedspruit - When Disaster Struck! Article and Photos:Capt M.S. Jansen van Vuuren

In February 1996 the Oliphant’s River nearly flooded the Phalaborwa road raging waters stopped

centimeters short of the bridge before subsiding again and then again in 2000 memories of

another fearsome storm season was etched into the memories of the Hoedspruit residents. In the

past rain and storms have ravaged the area and wreaked havoc but always subsided before total

decimation. Rain in the catchment and surrounding areas would normally cause the main rivers

like the Oliphant’s River and Blyde River to swell and rise up, posing a threat and then recede to a

calm steam again.

The morning of 18 January 2012 was however different and will be remembered for many many

years to come. Hoedspuit residents were woken early in the morning by the sound of heavy rain

pouring down with a force never before experienced by them, some of them living in Hoedspruit

for longer than 25 years. They were caught off guard by this storm as they never in their wildest

dreams ever imagined that they would be faced with devastation of this magnitude.

With ever increasing fear gripping their hearts they listened to the sound of the pouring rain for the

duration of the night. Gardens disappeared under water streets were transformed to rivers the

level of the water continued to rise. When reporting for work at Health Centre Hoedspruit in the

morning members became aware of the extent of the disaster which had struck and that the

Tzaneen Rescue Unit were already on their way to Hoedspruit Air force Base to assist. The bridge

to Hoedspruit Air Force Base had been washed away resulting in half of the members were inside

Base and the other half were standing on the other side of what was a previously dry river bed

which had now been transformed into a raging river. Drakensig, the residential area for

Hoedspruit Air Force Base, was isolated from town. The Sandspruit River burst its banks and

swept away the bridge 5 km out of town on the entrance from Lydenburg. Further down the same

road the Blyde River submerged the bridge at Driehoek. People were trapped between the two

rivers. Commuters from Trichaartsdal and Acornhoek were gathering at Blyde Complex with water

slowly creeping up covering the petrol pumps and shops. The Olifant’s River’s capacity was filling

up and fears of losing the last way out of Hoedspruit started mounting as the R40 to Acornhoek

had already been closed.

A Joined Operation Centre (JOC) was established at the Food Factory in Drakensig and calls

came in with information that victims were sitting on roof tops of their houses with the contents of

their houses being swept away while they were watching, fearing that the foundation of their

homes will give way beneath them, taking them with. Reports of people trapped on farms, lodges

and estates also started pouring in. One person was stung by a scorpion and was reported

trapped at a Wildlife Estate next to the Base. Nobody knew whether it was a poisonous species or

not. All that the nursing staff and doctors at the Health Centre could do at this stage was wait for

the weather to clear and to try provide support and comfort to people over the phone reassuring

them that the rescue mission was in process.

Members from 19 Squadron were experiencing a challenge to reach the Base as the entrance

had been washed away but eventually managed to get to the base via Eastgate and prepared to

begin with the evacuation process.

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There was however the challenge that the weather conditions were still poor and not conducive for

flying. With the urgency of the situations increasing and knowing that there were people in life

threatening situations decisions were made to take a chance and continue with the rescue

mission.

At the Health Centre Hoedspruit severely traumatized patients were received who were wet to the

bone and hypothermic. The first two patients came with three dogs under their arms; they had

been trapped on the roof of what they had once called their home. Their pets were all that they

had managed to rescue from their home before it was submerged with water. The next patient to

arrive was the one who had been stung by the scorpion. He was stabilized and admitted for

observation. Every sound of a helicopter approaching meant more patients coming in. Doctors,

HCP’s Nurses and Health orderlies were rushing between the helipad and the emergency rooms.

The Health Centre a flurry of activity trying to cater for all the patients being brought in.

A female patient cold to the bone that had been rescued from the Blyde river was admitted. She

received treatment and wrapped in a blanket to warm her, but she could not settle as she had

been separated from her child and was traumatized. She told Sgt T.G. Mulafhi and Cpl L.L.

Ngobeni that her child was still in the river. Whilst trying to console and comfort this lady a report

was received that the next helicopter was bringing in a small child and another woman who they

had assumed was the mother of the child. Capt J van Vuuren ran to the helipad and took the small

child from Capt J. Odendaal. The child was about 3yrs old and barely breathing. He was soaking

wet and hypothermic. Personnel immediately started to treat the child and warm him up. On his

little body was the mark of a rope which had been put around his body by the woman that was

brought in with him. She had tied the little child to her body with a black bag wrapped around him.

This prevented the child from being swept away by the raging water. They were in the water for a

long time, clinging to trees while their bodies were level with the water which was flowing at a very

fast rate. Spotting them was a miracle as they were under trees which made sighting them very

difficult.

After a while a nurse was sent to the mother in distress in the next room to call her to come and

see whether the child that had been bought in was her child. The mother seemed reluctant to

come at first because of the fear that her child could be dead. She came into the emergency room

slowly but soon realized that it was actually her child laying there and that the child was alive. It

was the most rewarding feeling to be able to hand the child to the mother so she could lie in bed

next to her child, warming her baby with her own body heat. The other lady, whose actions saved

the child, lay silently in the next room, recuperating from the traumatic ordeal. Many other patients

came in, were treated and sent home or to places put up as shelters for the night.

After a hard day’s work Health Centre personnel went home, feeling exhausted but happy.

Fortunately there had been no fatalities as a result of this devastating storm. Many lives were

saved and the residents of Hoedspruit town and surrounding areas were united in the fight for

survival. It has taken many months to recover from this disastrous day. The staff of Health Centre

Hoedspruit are commended for a task well done. It is with pride that we can say to say that we

worked as a team, side by side, the one person’s left hand was the other person’s right hand that

day.

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Personnel of Health Centre Hoedspruit Ward

Back: Cpl T.P. Maremeni, Ssgt K.T. Mpuma, Ssgt W.M. Rabothata, Capt M.S. Jansen van Vuuren, WO2 C.M.

Labuschagne, Sgt N. Magoro, CO K.M. Kgole, Cpl B. Madalane, Capt F.K. Mongau, Cpl A. Tshivhabalamba

Front: Lt S.R. Ngwasheng, Ssgt M.A. Mathabi, Ssgt T.G. Mulafhi

Dr J. Voerman, Dr A.P le Roux, Dr C Cass

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WO2 R. Lawson, who ended up as a patient after a rescue attempt went wrong.

Patient being collected from the Helicopter

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Witness to a miracle….. Saved from the Blyde River after being spotted by chance.

Capt J. Odendaal treating the patients whilst being taken to the Health Centre.

“Impossible situations can become possible miracles.” – Robert H. Schuller

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A Community United In The Face Of A Crisis – Water Under The Bridge

Article and Photos:Capt M.S. Jansen van Vuuren

On Saturday, 14th April the Hoedspruit community paid tribute and acknowledged peoples efforts

who were involved in assisting the people of this town and the surrounding farming community

during the floods on the 18th January in the form of a Fun Day. Activities included a 42km relay

marathon, flea market, a dog show, a fire brigade display, slippy slide and a static aircraft display.

Hoedspruit Health Centre contributed to the day by offering the opportunity to educate and test

people on various subjects concerning their health. Pte Moshupe and Sgt N. Magoro displayed

equipment of the ambulances.

Dr C. Cass went to a lot of trouble to provide information and posters on malaria regarding the

prevention, signs and symptoms and treatment and also distributed flyers with information on

malaria. Maj J.F.J. Steyn, Capt M.I. van Heerden, WO2 C.M. Labuschagne, Sgt N. Magoro, Dr J.

Voerman and Dr C. Cass provided the opportunity for people to have their blood pressure and

blood glucose checked. Approximately 250 people were tested which include military as well as

civilian persons. A few new diagnoses were made and these patients were referred for a workout.

Dr J. Voerman and Pte Moshupe, an Ops Medic, gave demonstrations on Cardio pulmonary

resuscitation and hands on teaching workshops. The participation of in this community event was

a very positive and rewarding experience for the personnel of Health Centre Hoedspruit.

Hoedspruit Fun Day

Celebrations

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Search And Rescue – Emergency Landing In The Dark Article and Photos:Capt M.S. Jansen van Vuuren

A call was received at Health Centre Hoedspruit on the 25th June at approximately 12h50

requesting for two Ops Medics to participate in a search and rescue mission in Mozambique. At

that point in time no Ops medics were available and therefore Dr J. Voerman was asked to

accompany the rescue team. Ssgt Kruger from the Pharmacy agreed to accompany Dr J.

Voerman as he is in possession of a First Aid Level 3 qualification. Together they gathered

equipment and were dispatched to meet the rescue team from 19 Squadron at Air force Base

Hoedspruit where an Oryx was already preparing for takeoff.

Reports were received that the missing aircraft they were searching for had been located. It was a

South African aircraft, Cessna 206 with five passengers on board which had gone missing the

previous night. The aircraft was found in a dense forest after the pilot had to make an emergency

landing. There was only one open space to land in that area and the pilot seemed to spot the

figuratively speaking needle in the haystack.

The men only had 500ml of water with them which they had divided amongst them. They

managed to catch a tortoise which would have been their next meal. Fortunately they were located

and rescued and did not have to be exposed to harsh conditions in nature.

Only one patient suffered a minor cut on the hand. They were flown back to Hoedspruit where

they had to go through customs at Eastgate Airport and brought to Health Centre Hoedspruit to be

examined. After a good meal and water the victims were released to their friends and family.

That tortoise was fortunate to have a narrow escape from ending up as a meal for these hungry

and tired men. This is only a small view on the busy, interesting world of Health Centre

Hoedspruit. We are fortunate to have three enthusiastic community service doctors who never

step back in the face of a challenge.

This photo was taken on the scene where the men were rescued from.

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International Nurses Day Celebration at Health Centre Hoedspruit

Article and Photos: Capt D. Botha

Nurses around the world celebrate International Nurses Day on the 12th May annually. This commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale on 12 May 1820. Florence Nightingale is also known as the Lady with the Lamp. Florence Nightingale’s legacy is still visible today, not only in the science of nursing, but also the art and value of nursing as an independent and recognized profession and is globally celebrated on International Nurses' day each year. International Nurses Day therefore provides an opportunity to celebrate the nursing profession and the contribution nurses make to improve the lives of people and their families. Nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of entire communities and nations. Military nurses are indeed a special group of nurses with unique qualities and skills that equip them to face the challenges of being a military nurse. As they are in service of their country, it is expected of them to be deployable at all times to render medical services both nationally and outside the borders of South Africa. On 18th May the Military Nurses of Health Centre Hoedspruit took the opportunity under the leadership of Maj J.F.J. Steyn, the Nursing Area Manager of Health Centre Hoedspruit, to celebrate International Nurses Day by reciting the Nurses’ Pledge of Service. The proceedings which were held at the Living Waters Church were opened with a special message for the nurses by Chaplain X.L. Maholwana. Candles were lit to symbolize the Lamp of Florence Nightingale and the nurses recited The Nurses’ Pledge of Service.

Maj J.F.J. Steyn handed out medals and certificates to thank every nurse for their unselfish contribution to the nursing profession and their dedicated service to the Military Community as well as the Civilian Community of Hoedspruit. On many occasions Health Centre Hoedspruit with its medical and nursing team have assisted in stabilizing a patient in case of any emergency before being referred to the next medical facility. Capt K.F. Mongau read a nursing poem and on a lighter note Capt M.S. Jansen van Vuuren entertained all present by reading the job description of nurses at a US Hospital in 1887. A slide show was presented with photos of social events at Health Centre Hoedspruit which showed that the military nurses do not only work together as a team, they also play together as a team.

A number of lucky draws were also held and each nurse was also presented with a gift bag. In conclusion businesses that had made the day possible were acknowledged. A very special thank you was extended to The Living Waters Ministries who provided Hoedspruit Health Centre with a very unique and beautiful venue for this International Nurses Day celebration.

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Col Barends OC Air Force Base Hoedspruit

and Maj J.F.J. Steyn Nursing Area Manager

Health Centre Hoedspruit

Maj Steyn with Lt Col R.T. Phelane

Capt K.F. Mongau

Reciting the nurses Pledge of

service

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Nursing is an art:

and if it is to be made an art,

It requires an exclusive devotion

as hard a preparation,

as any painter's or sculptor's work;

for what is the having to do with

dead canvas or dead marble,

compared with having to do

with the living body,

the temple of God's spirit?

It is one of the Fine Arts:

I had almost said,

the finest of Fine Arts.

- Florence Nightingale

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NURSES' PLEDGE OF SERVICE

I solemnly pledge myself

to the service of humanity and will endeavor to practice my profession with conscience and with dignity.

I will maintain, by all the

means in my power, the honour and noble tradition of my profession.

The total health of my

patients will be my first consideration.

I will hold in confidence all personal matters coming to my

knowledge.

I will not permit consideration of religion, nationality, race or social

standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.

I will maintain the utmost respect for human life.

I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.

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Health Awareness Celebrations in Polokwane

Article and Photos by Capt A. Brand

On Friday 6th July Health Centre Polokwane had a Health Awareness day which was held at the sports field at the ASB. All FSE’s in Polokwane were invited to join in the festivities aimed at making members aware of how important it is to focus on matters pertaining to their health.

The importance of donating blood, being tested for HIV and TB and the dangers of substance abuse were highlighted. The event was arranged by the Multi professional team of the Health Centre Polokwane. The Department of Health and Social Development, SANBS and SANCA were amongst those who were involved in creating awareness and focusing on health issues.

The day was started by a fun walk which was followed by presentations by the various stakeholders. On conclusion of the presentations there were stalls were members could have optometric screening, dietician consultations, HIV and TB testing done. The SANCA stand drew a lot of interest from members where drug paraphernalia was displayed and members were informed about the dangers of substance abuse and were astounded to find out what substances can be abused and the effects which they have.

In conclusion of all the events the state veterinarian was on hand to vaccinate the pets of members living at Kareebase for rabies to ensure that there are no infected animals which can endanger the lives of the residents. Overall the day was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Maj Dladla having his eyes tested

HIV testing being done

SANCA display on substance abuse

Blood pressure being tested

Capt Rasimpi and Lt Hercules two of the co-ordinators of the day State Veterinarian administering

Rabies vaccine to a beloved pet

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Labour of Love proudly SAMHS 67 minutes Article and Photos by Capt A. Brand

The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. This was exactly what was done at Area Military Health Unit Limpopo on the 18th July to celebrate a combined Mandela and SAMHS day. Three projects were initiated and various facilities in and around Polokwane and members proudly invested more than 67minutes of their time to make a difference. Members were deployed to Paled Disability Centre in Mankweng, Buite Clinic in Polokwane as well as at the CANSA Hospice The name of SAMHS was proudly upheld and members rendered services to the community by cleaning and assisting at these mentioned facilities. At Buite Clinic members cleaned in and around the facility and interacted with the members of the community. At the CANSA Hospice personnel were assisted by SAMHS members to clean rooms of patients and attend to tasks which they could not finish due to shortage of personnel. Management at the Hospice were greatly appreciative of the assistance which was received from the SAMHS members . The Health Centre Polokwane embarked on a project at Paled Disability Centre in Mankweng outside Polokwane. This facility caters for disabled children and a need was identified were members felt they could be of assistance. Clinical services were rendered where basic health checks were done by HCP’s of Health Centre Polokwane. The Health Centre embarked on a fundraising project and the proceeds of this was then utilised to buy food and toothbrushes and toothpaste for the children. The fence around the facility was fixed and the grass and bushes were burnt and cleared to ensure that the children are safe and will not be disturbed by snakes. Deeply touched by the needs of the children at this facility projects will be embarked upon in future to assist them in order for them to have quality of life. This will not be a project of 67 minutes, but perhaps become 67 hours if not longer. It was a humbling experience to witness how these people struggle but with no complaints continue to serve the disabled children in the community and try to enrich their lives with the little resources available to them. Overall the day was well spent and it was a rewarding experience being able to render support to the community and invest time in these worthy causes and proudly uphold the name of SAMHS throughout these events.

Members making beds and cleaning the rooms of patients at

the CANSA Hospice

Clearing the storeroom at the CANSA Hospice

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Cpl Thlotse sweeping and cleaning passages at the Hospice

Ssgt Muneri and Ssgt Mailula cleaning a room at the Hospice

Capt Kigozi, Pte Ramushu and Lt Col Nyembe cleaning at Buite Clinic

Capt Netshifhire proudly participating in the 67minutes campaign

Lt Baloyi tidying and cleaning at Buite Clinic

Ssgt Mongatane and Sgt Matthye cleaning around Buite Clinic

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Lt Lepele and Sgt Themane with

a patient Lt Lepele examining the patient

Lt Col Coetzee and Maj Vermeulen with the groceries and food donated by

HC personnel

WO2 Sekwaila and Ssgt Matala

cleaning the yard

Capt Nkoana and Ssgt Mohai

with a patient

Health Centre Polokwane personnel at Paled Disability

Centre

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I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to members at Area Military Health Unit Limpopo for their valuable inputs and support with the articles that they forwarded for this publication. It is greatly appreciated. In conclusion I would like to leave you with these thoughts Capt A Brand

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength

You are all creators of your own destiny follow your dreams and make them happen

Thank you

Design and Layout by Capt A. R. Brand

SO3 Corporate Communication Area Military Health Unit Limpopo