ADF Medical Team To Provide Earthquake Assistance

Minister for Defence Media Mail List

Thursday, 31 March 2005
052/2005

ADF MEDICAL TEAM TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN INDONESIA

A third Royal Australian Air Force aircraft has flown from Australia to Jakarta today carrying an Australian Defence Force medical team to provide aid to the people of Sumatra following yesterday's earthquake.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said a B707 transport aircraft has replaced the C-130 Hercules aircraft that had been scheduled to fly the medical team into Indonesia.

"The 43-strong medical team will be able to provide surgery, intensive care, X-Ray, pathology and post-operative care," Senator Hill said.

"The B707 flight follows yesterday's departure of two C-130 aircraft loaded with cargo pallets containing medical supplies, bottled water, tarpaulins, rations and water purification tablets."

Upon arriving in Indonesia the medical team will transfer to Sabang Island before being airlifted to HMAS KANIMBLA by the ship's Sea King helicopters. The medical team will join 10 medical personnel already onboard.

HMAS KANIMBLA, an amphibious transport ship with a well-equipped medical facility, is steaming towards the disaster area to provide assistance to the earthquake victims having been diverted from Singapore enroute to Australia.

"Once all the medical teams are in location, HMAS KANIMBLA will act as a floating medical centre to treat the injured," Senator Hill said.

"Once again, ADF personnel have responded commendably to this new task and will provide vital support to the humanitarian relief efforts."

ENDS

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