Che Bruce in Haiti

Blog : 28 Should I have published this Blog

2010-02-20T10:46:00.005Z

Time GMT 10.45 Date 20 Febuary 2010

Now that Che is safely home and a normal pattern of life is slowly returning for Che his family and college commitments. My work as the author of this blog is almost over.

I do intend to update the readers with further information regarding the Clothing container and Charity collections that have been orchestrated by college students who have been touched by the plight of the Haiti survivors.

My thoughts and a question for all is "should I have wrote the Blog in the first place". This question derives through the content of a message and conversations with some individuals who feel that the blog was an intrusion of privacy and a possible security risk.

My motives for this Blog were as follows. I have known a lot people who have gone off in to the night and put their life on the line. And when they have returned (and some haven’t) there are has been next to nothing to show for it.

When Che left for Haiti his friends had mixed feelings about him leaving his work and young family. Some thought he was selfish and yet he was unselfishly risking his life to save others.

My feelings were such that if Che was willing to go to Haiti, then the least I could do was to smooth his return. My vision or hope of the Blog was to bring together focus and thoughts as to what the Big Lad was actually doing.

I want Che to know that we cared and were proud of him. I also want his wife and children and possibly grandchildren to have a cherished account of his efforts, and evidence of the support and appreciation that he received for his dedication and unselfish behaviour.

TAF

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill British politician (1874 - 1965)

Blog 27 : 512 Donates a Container

2010-02-02T13:09:00.003Z

Time13.30 GMT Date 02 February 2010

This is a very short Blog to inform the followers of Che Bruce in Haiti that that a local freight forwarding company, 512 (Sheffield) Ltd has kindly agreed to provide a container and associated costs of shipping to Haiti.
The task now is to coordinate the loading of the container with specific supplies for an orphanage which I came in contact with when I was in Haiti with the ERTSAR team.

In the next few days we will post further information and details of the shipment.
I would like to give a big Thanks to all who supported me throughout the mission in Haiti , and a special thanks goes out 512 Ltd for the wonderful gesture of providing the container and shipping.

I Sincerley Thank You All

Che

More Soon

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill British politician (1874 - 1965)

Blog 26 : Home

2010-01-28T10:10:00.014Z

Time18.00 GMT Date26th January 2010

Well I arrived arrived home safe and sound after travelling for around 24 hours, everybody we met en route congratulated us on a job well done.

I will continue to blog as my thoughts unfold. I am now back at work and teaching my students how to prepare themselves for their own service life.

Its strange really, we did do a job a great job whilst in arena, however there is still so much more that needs to be done. The realisation that we at home have so much water, electricity and the basic commodities that sustain life, in Haiti they don't. My mind will not rest until the normal pattern of life for the people of Haiti is restored.

I Have added a few images that reflect not only the ERTSAR prospective but also the country and its people.

In the not too distant future I will write a detailed account of the life and actions of a Paramedic whilst deployed in a Earthquake disaster zone in a land not so far away.

che

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill British politician (1874 - 1965)

Blog 25 : More thoughts and an update

2010-01-26T07:42:00.002Z

Time 20.43 GMT Date 24 January 2010

Hi,

As you all know I’m having some RR with the team in the Dominican, Since arriving all I’ve done is wash all my kit, and had to soak it in the bath, and I mean it was filthy, a weeks worth of grime, dirt and dust from sleeping at the end of a runway with a thousand other people.

The response in Haiti has been the largest ever humanitarian search and rescue operation ever undertaken. Teams from across the globe chartered planes to fly in there equipment, Sthil saws, jigger picks and the like. Each team had to be total self sufficient that’s not easy in a country where clean water was not available, no sanitation or toilets each team had to bring enough supplies to live in a field for over a week without help from anyone.

The problems we experienced in the field included bird eating spiders (these were big), the giant stinger centipedes (these were massive) and mosquitoes that were infected with not just malaria but with the strain that makes you poorly and eventually kills you.

Sanitation was a big thing and having a scooby doo even bigger; most teams dug a 6 foot deep hole and surrounded it with crates to enable the person using this 5 star facility to have a little privacy. By day 9 you can image how bad these places had become in the 40C heat. Water was a valuable commodity, however most teams including ourselves carried water filters in case the stagnant water had to be utilised. Fortunately we had brought enough water with us, although rationed we had enough to survive.

Washing was undertaken using baby wipes whilst standing in the field. Food was cooked on Tafs cherished JET BOIL. I carried enough gas to cook over 50 meals whilst in country. Don’t forget that all food was brought with us. There was no local food available. Whatever emergency/field rations were available we ate, chicken dopiaza is not so bad for breakfast when there is nothing else.

To illustrate how filthy I felt, I will use the following analogy. If you remember Charlie Brown, I was the child that was always followed by the flies. On the subject of flies, I’ve been bit that much you could use my legs as a dot to dot book. (Not that you would because that would be silly)

I have met some exceptional people within the short time I spent in Haiti. Not withstanding my own team of terrific selfless professional individuals, I will never forget them. I will never forget the Mexicans, Costa Ricans, German and Canadians who time after time forced themselves into tiny spaces These teams endured and experienced the unthinkable, I witnessed them crawling through decomposing torso's of young children in order to reach and recover a survivor, who had been trapped for days without food, water or hope.

I am still exhausted, I can’t tell you why, but I am tired in a way that I’ve never been before. I was moved by the passion and drive of each of the SAR teams, regardless of their nationality or faith they were relentless in their drive to recue victims, reduce pain and preserve life. Always asking each other how their day had been. Often a look said you had given your all. No one was afraid of giving each other a hug, you especially when a 6ft 7inch German sees you've had a hard day a grabs you, pats you on the back and says ' i know you're doing a great job'. We've all shared the same experience and stared in wonderment at the shear power and devastation that can be caused by such an event.

More thoughts to come I am sure.

Take care.

Che Bruce Haiti 2010

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill British politician (1874 - 1965)

Blog 24 : My thoughts Che Bruce Haiti 2010

2010-01-24T10:08:00.007Z

Time GMT Date 2010

TAF has pushed me to write down my thoughts and to explain how I feel, whist it is fresh in my mind.

Sent: by Che 23 Jan 2010 18:56 Local Time in the Dominican Republic

Yes I know deep down that this mission is over, hindsight is a brilliant thing and on reflection team safety made us leave a day early when now the consensus is that we could have probably done one more good days work.

Still there are those dying, sick, horrifically injured and in a country where the majority had very little, they now have even less. I think of the things we have seen and done and the temporary relief to pain that we administered to many. However let this not distract to the continuing need of the vast majority of the population.

One elderly lady said god had sent her an angel, I reset her leg as best I could with plaster of paris (POP), administered some pain relief and gave her some iv fluids then moved on, she was left under a make shift tent in the street covered in flies.

Another girl for 3 days I had promised to examine her wounds but each day I found that I had more and more patients to deal with, there were those who had walked in off the street and some who had been carried in on doors and others by vehicle.

Yesterday I looked at her badly deformed leg......it needed debriding and deep down I new that with out continuing care, constant antibiotics and sanitation she will loose her leg, and if the wound becomes septic she would die. Her lip had been split into two pieces and it had now healed as separated since the initial earth quake. I new looks were the least of her problems yet I felt for her.

I still feel a deep sadness for those I have had the privilege to meet.

Hopefully although short term we gave them hope. Getting aid to the people was a continuous problem. Those who were taken to the hospital de la renaissance (Cuba) were treated well.

How you make sense of this. I don’t know I am hopeful that aid, food and medication that was left buy ourselves and the South African hussar team reached those that needed it the most.

I can remember treating a lady; she was a secretary who had been hit by a slab of concrete whilst working in her office. Since the quake had hit the capital she had laid in the garden naked, unable to move. She had not had any form of assessment of her injuries. Some people thought maybe she wasn't physically ill or injured. Amongst the cruel tangled devastation everyone is affected psychologically.

If anyone reading this has seen the film black hawk down, the cathedral district in which our team worked resembled Mogadishu, please believe me when I say there was nothing left, there was nothing left. The air was putrid we constantly breathed the stench of decay.
I tell myself the mission was a success; we came and helped those that needed help. But I will forever ask was there more that we could have done! Yes I think there was.

I would like us all to think whilst we are sat in our chairs at our computers in our centrally heated homes, together with electricity, water and an endless supply of food, that we should spare a thought for those in Haiti who have “nothing”.

US Marines deployed as Piece Keepers and SAR Personal Protection.

It’s easy to be passive and think its thousands of miles away but we're all human; we all have the capacity to show humanity. “Please show some” to the People of Haiti and show it Today not tomorrow.

Even though the rescue efforts have now ceased, on Thursday reports were arriving in some there was information about text messages sent by those who were entombed, some may not be injured but are unable to escape. They are awaiting a rescue that will never come. They will just be left to die of dehydration over the following days. What do I feel, I don't know, only time will tell?

Do I feel psychologically affected by this, no, saddened no one deserves to live with out the basic commodities that are needed to sustain life, water, food, love and care even in this their most desperate time of need.

Che Bruce Haiti 2010

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill British politician (1874 - 1965)

Blog 23 : I Thank You

2010-01-24T09:54:00.005Z

To everyone that has followed this blog I thank you, reading your messages for me it has been a truly emotional and inspirational experience. I will in due course add all the photos I’ve taken over a thousand, each image will tell its own story. I am deeply saddened by the fact that some people within the images are no longer with us, their fragile lives were swept away by this tragic event.

I’m hoping my faithful secretary will add the mapping documents from the United Nations and the relief web site. Taf I salute you, you are a true friend, I thank you form the bottom of my heart for looking after my wife (I realise that sounds dodgy) but you know what I mean. I hope your good lady will forgive me for stealing you for a whole week.

Once again I thank you all for following, supporting and assisting both my family and I, through this momentous time of our lives.

Che Bruce
Haiti
23rd January 2010

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill British politician (1874 - 1965)

Blog 22 : Thought of the Day

2010-01-23T22:48:00.006Z

Time 10.50 GMT Date 23rd January 2010

As Che and the Team head back towards the UK it is time for me to stand down.

Che will continue to feed the blog with his own thoughts and reflections of his time in Haiti.

The new year of 2010 has been marked with a disastrous beginning.

Haiti and its people will require continuous support. Perhaps we should all take time to reflect on the following words. TAF

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill
British politician (1874 - 1965)

Blog 21 : Che’s account of Day 1 Written from a Hotel in the Dominican Republic

2010-01-23T16:04:00.007Z

Che’s account of Day 1 written from a Hotel in the Dominican Republic

Hi TAF ,this is the first email contact I’ve been able to make.

My account of Operation Crocadile. Day 1 (For ERTSAR):

Landed at 4am Haiti time laid on the tarmac until daylight and able to find OSOCC (on sight operations coordination centre)

We were immediately deployed with a German medium SAR team, as the medical back up.

We were dropped off on a corner where people were searching a rubble pile. . Everywhere you look is rubble. Later we returned with a German SAR team, we worked together with them until after midnight.

We later went to the Cuban Hospital de la Renaissance where casualties were being brought off the street. It was a busy place the casualties were laid in the garden. Some had been seen and had just been left for 5 days or so with out treatment. I hasten to add the majority of the patients wounds were septic.

During the first day the German Sarteam extracted a 69 year old female with fractures to her legs she was also extremely dehydrated.

We were unable to get medivac until a CNN camera crew arrived. Later that evening they air lifted her to an American Hospital Ship.

End of Day 1 (Images guardian.co.uk)

When Che gets a moment he will send further accounts of his days with SAR teams at the Haiti Earthquake.

Blog 20: Virgin Airlines MAy be Flying the Team Home FOC

2010-01-23T14:18:00.010Z

Time 00.40 GMT Date 23rd January 2010

Text Message from TAF.

How do you feel now and what are your thoughts at this moment, with rgards to the Rescue Mission in Haiti.

------ SMS ------
From: Che
Sent: 23 Jan 2010 01:11

Hi mate ok mission really over dealt with lots of casualties in the Dominican Republic now. Virgin may be flying us home free of charge from Miami.

Ok lots of bites due to mosi and the amount of decay in the place. it was total devastation all US sar teams were packing up as rescue phase is now over 4 deaths 2 sar guys killed and 2 brazilian aid workers learn't loads from Dr, Dimuthu the mission achieved obvious recognition of the need for sar teams

Link to news item regarding Dr Dimuthu who Che has been working with whilst on Operation Ccocadile in Haiti.

Blog 19 : Come on Che where are you

2010-01-22T18:41:00.011Z

Time 20.00 GMT Date 22nd January 2010

Text from TAF to Che, "Come on Che where are you, and What’s happening".

----- SMS ------
From: Che
Sent: 22 Jan 2010 21:49
Subject: Ok mate just landed in

Ok mate just landed in a the Dominican Republic blagged an 8 seater world vision flight. had to off load 6okg to fly gave all our meds and food to orphanage got some usa medics to take a tone of food meds to hosp where we worked and mediVac those that were seriously, ill all round good job

------ SMS ------
To: Che from TAF
Sent: 22 Jan 2010 21:52

That's. Fuxxxx good news mate. This sounds odd but I can't wait to see you x

------ SMS ------
Reply From: Che
Sent: 22 Jan 2010 22:08

Your gay is Jill ok and has work...been supportive

------ SMS ------
To: Che from TAF
Sent: 22 Jan 2010 22:17

Jill is ok buddy she is proud of you as is everyone else including work. Jill will forgive you but you have got some making up to do.

You are a lucky bastxxx I know of people who have been divorced for less. Reference work you will have to fight that one when you return, I reckon as with Jill you will have to tow the line for a while.

And by the way you owe me a pint x

For those who are reading this blog and don’t personally know Che Bruce, may be surprised with my last text. I will now explain my reasoning for what appears to be harsh wording.

Che has been on the Haiti mission for just over a week. However he has been away from Home, his Wife, Children and Work for a much longer period. Che’s long absence is due to his focus and dedication to re-qualify as a paramedic and train as an Emergency Rescue Technician.

The training is often long and unpaid, and has involved Che living away from home and taking time off work to achieve his goal. Which has included most of last summer, Christmas and every weekend, in fact Che’s return to work and home life was the Monday of the week the earthquake struck Haiti. By Friday he was absent without leave.

I am not judging Che, and I don’t wish you the reader to do so either. His Wife, Employers and God will do this on our behalf. (And hopefully in the same order)

What we need to consider is the time and sacrifice people give whist unselfishly helping others. We should also sincerely consider the effect that this can place upon their families and the workplace.

Clearly not everyone has the skills or the resolve to physically assist the victims of an earthquake. However, as Che’s Mission in Haiti draws to a close. I am watching students and staff giving their time and focus to the Haiti appeal.

At the time of writing Chesterfield College students are organising a cash collection and organising a Shoe Box Donation Scheme. Each student is filling a Shoe Box with Toys and Clothing, these gifts are to be shipped free of charge in a container provided by a parents employer.

Up-Dates to follow in Later Blogs. TAF

Blog 18 : Another Day

2010-01-21T22:34:00.013Z

01.05 GMT Fri 22nd January 2009

Text From Che

Still unable to make calls

Its been another busy to day treating trauma injuries which are 7 days old septic and rotting

2 casualties died today

We brought a 6 year old girl who had been left in the street back to the new american field hospital

Will possibly Medivacing 6 casualties tomorrow morning

Still No Water of Food

We may be be returning if all is well

Blog 17 : Waiting For News

2010-01-21T22:18:00.002Z

10.26 GMT January 21st 2010

Don't know about any one else out there but today feels like a long day.

I'm getting a bit fidgety. So Che if your ears are burning and I don't mean from the Sunburn! Get in touch Big Lad this is not good for my health.

Cheers TAF

Blog 16 : Day 10 Situation Text From Che in Haiti

2010-01-21T13:04:00.009Z

01.21 GMT 21st January 2010

Question from TAF, Che lots of people want to know how you feel about the situation

Text Reply From Che

I feel good although very dirty.

No facilities, we carry our own water.

I am burnt and dehydrated.

I have given medical aid to lots of people

Reset bones used plaster casts and ketamine

German team rescued the last person to come out alive and treated her then got her airlifted by cnn (well done Dr Dee

It was great work by the german SAR Team

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Blog 15 : Fear spreads over Haiti aftershock (UKPA)

2010-01-20T22:10:00.006Z

20th January 2010 Photographs provided by Che, Headlines UK Press Association.

Fear spreads over Haiti aftershock
(UKPA)

A second earthquake has hit Haiti, shaking buildings and sending frightened people running into the streets.

The preliminary 6.0 magnitude quake hit at 6.03am local time about 35 miles north-west of the capital Port-au-Prince, at a depth of 13.7 miles.

The pacific tsunami warning centre said the earthquake was located too far inland to generate any tidal waves in the Caribbean.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander told MPs that the British search and rescue team was safe following the aftershock.

At question time in the House of Commons, he said: "Since I've arrived in the House, there has been a significant aftershock registering 6.1 on the Richter Scale but the word that I have received is that our search and rescue team is safe and are continuing their work."

He offered the Government's sympathy to the victims of the Haiti earthquake and spoke of the "great collective pride" in the actions of the UK search teams in Port-au-Prince.

Copyright © 2010 The Press Association. All rights reserved

Text From Che 23.30 GMT 20th January 2010

Well there's no running water, no electric.

There was another quake this morning.

The Marines are watching out for us.

This place smells of death everywhere. Treated over 100 people today lots of fractures septic wounds. Staying at airport with sar teams been interviewed by cnn and abc.

I tried to call out but no luck. Interview was on tv last night missing u all love Che.

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Blog 12 : Message of Thanks

2010-01-20T13:45:00.000Z

20th January 2010

Hi

Hope all OK with you.

I've just been looking at the blog again - it is good to know that the students are following Che and have such positive messages for him. Hopefully when Che returns, his experience will be passed on to them in a positive way for their learning. Thank you for setting this up.

Could I ask you to pass on my sincere thanks to all the staff and students within the public service team and Chesterfield College as a whole for their support towards Che. It is greatly appreciated.

Jill x

Blog 11 : New Sit Rep from Che

2010-01-20T00:28:00.009Z

Rubble pile where the ERTSAR Team have been working. Click on image to enlarge

12.20 January 19th 2010

Tried ringing just doesn't work so text only

Its safe here 2000 guys from all countries, we are with the Germans

Its total devastation to the extent a dog eating a child's leg from a pile of burnt human remains

Dead bodies still litter the street. Everyone is doing good work lots of amputations and poorly kids. A polish team will possibly take us off soon

End

I have added Haiti Local Time page in the links section

Members of the ERTSAR Team Ready for Deployment
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Blog 10 : First Contact with Casualties

2010-01-19T23:39:00.007Z

11.30 January 19th 2010

Text Message from Che to Jill, Kindly forwarded from Jill to TAF as requested I removed the Mushy stuff

Message reads.

On a rubble pile at the moment

Been treating casualties all day

Just in process of trying to get 3 people out. working with German team and guarded by Marines all day

Been working outside hospital done more IV than ever. Been working since 7pm staying here until rescue complete love u miss u all

Additional Information added by TAF

IV is the transfer of liquid substances directly into a vein. The word intravenous means "within a vein".

It is commonly known as a drip.

Blog 9 : The Eagle has landed in Haiti

2010-01-19T10:14:00.005Z

Latest Update Tuesday 19th January 2010, 10.20

Text from Che,

Message 1, Landed in Santa Dominique 00.00

Message 2, On board private jet flying into Haiti 01.00

Message 3, Landed at airport Haiti. Safe lots of Troops.
Staying at airport. Missions by daylight only. Working with USA military forces.

End,

Thoughts from TAF.

Bloody typical Che Bruce everyone else travels on a Hercules transport aircraft and Che enters the theatre on a Private Jet. Jammy Sod, no doubt he stepped off the jet sporting a pair of cool shades.

Blog 8 : Thank you to everyone who is following Che throughout his journey. Jill x

2010-01-19T10:06:00.005Z

Tuesday 19th January 2010 arrived 01.00

Message from Che’s Wife to me the editor of this blog (TAF)

Firstly I would just like to say a massive thank you for supporting Che, Ethan, Ellie-Mae and myself whilst he is away in Haiti. The readers and supporters of this blog may find it strange for me to say that within Che’s work life and hobbies your role is that of Che's "second wife" I can safely say you do an excellent job.

Since Che left yesterday I haven't felt this consistently sick or cried as much since I was pregnant with the kids! I haven't had the chance to have a proper chat with him - although this is understandable what with the amount of preparation that has been required from all of the team. However this doesn't make it any easier on my part (being totally selfish of course!).

I will be glad when he reaches his destination - however this also frightens me to think what he will be going in to. All I can hope is that he has a good team around him; they all look out for each other and make sure that each of them gets home safe. Che and I do talk a lot to one another throughout the day - where ever we are - and not being able to do this just puts me on edge. Hopefully he will text me at daft o'clock in the morning to let me know he has arrived safe.

I am extremely proud of him for doing this but I would rather have him at home being his normal messy, non helpful self - and yes he does have selective Tourettes Syndrome at home too!

Thank you to everyone who is following Che throughout his journey. Jill x

End,

Message from TAF to Jill,

Many thanks for taking the time to put this message together I can only guess how difficult it is for you.

Che is a larger than life character both at work and in life it’s self. He is extremely popular with the students he makes is lessons a fun and interesting experience.

Che teachers from the heart and always makes the learning experience real. Che does not teach from a text book he uses his own life experiences to engage the learner.

I am sure that when he returns safely from Haiti, he will have gathered a lifetimes worth of new teaching and learning material that he will share with students. As for you Jill and I in the role of second wife together and college staff, I am sure he will continue with his quest, to bore us all to death with an advanced array blood related life saving stories, enough said.

Jill on behalf of everyone, who knows is supporting Che.

We wish you to know that our hearts, minds and prayers are with you, Che Ethan and Ellie-Mae, until his safe return and beyond.

Stay in touch, and take care. X

Blog 7 : On route to Santa Dominique

2010-01-18T23:06:00.001Z

No News is Good News
Situation Report Monday 23.00 January 18th 2010

Landed at Philadelphia 21.10 UK Time

Further Briefings and updates Che is still not sure of final destination or his Role on the ground.

23.30 UK time. Depart Philadelphia destination Santa Dominique flight duration 3 hours.

On arrival the ERTSAR team will be transported to the United Nations Reception and Deployment Centre. Where the team will receive their final briefings and deployment details.

End TAF

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Blog 6 : Operation Crocodile

2010-01-18T18:00:00.001Z

Monday 18th January Situation Report

TAF input. I have had little contact with Che today. Hardly surprising as he and the SAR Team are involved in some extensive travel.

Messages from Che to TAF.

Operation Crocodile is Underway

Flight from the UK to Philadelphia 11.50

Flight from Philadelphia to the Dominican Republic

The Team and there equipment will than transported by Helicopter into Haiti.

Final destination TBC
>------ SMS ------ Copy of text from Che
From: +xxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: 18 Jan 2010 10:26

Subject: Med sitrep

• Med sitrep
• Anthrax endemic
• Aids and tb vast majority of population
• Dengue fever
• Advised to double glove face mask at all times
• Satphone sitrep 72hrs

TAF input.
I will update you as and when further information is available.

I have also added some useful internet links on the right hand side of this page.
TAF end input.

+

Blog 5 : Email 2 : 04.00 Monday 18th January 2010

2010-01-18T07:05:00.001Z
email from Che to TAF

Ok I realise its late, but only just finished getting all of our kit together, its taken from 20.00. the guys are now sorting their uniform and bulling boots (public image to maintain)

Flying tomorrow from heathrow to phillidelpia then onto the Dominican republic where there should be a forward base of operations for all UN SAR teams. The team mission is primarily that of SAR medics. Unsure of the location we’ll be sent to until we reach the FOB UN.

Hopnig then to be airlifted by the military, I’m tired already cant imagine what its going to be like in a few days, the real issue that we are having is that all team members are having to be self sufficient for 7 days that includes at least 14 litres of water and 7 days worth of food, had to pack,repack and repack again to get rid f all unessential equipment.

The cost of the mission has run into thousands and again we are relying on public support to raise funds should we need supplies airlifting to our base of operations or BOO (SAR speak)

The UK BOO will receive contact form us every 72hours by satphone unless we need assistance, they into will provide NOK with any info.

On that note, it was a tearful goodbye, Jill my wife, my solemate and best friend had been bearing up under the pressure of 1. Me going away, 2.me leaving her at home again to look after my two very small children and 3. Having to discuss, things that normal married couple never discuss (i.e if something should happen) that was very hard, much harder than you can\ever imagine.

The enormity of the situation has dawned, and I do feel a little sick to the base of my stomach, you have to ask yourself “why am I doing this” I’ll miss the kids, my wife and my home comforts, and for what………….the answer is ………………” to be discussed at a later point”

Any way, will try and post some thing when I get to philli, will email some photo’s or text, cant email not taking the laptop, that would break the camels back !

Take care

Che

Additional information added by TAF

FOB Forward Operating Base

BOO Base of Operations

SAR Search and Rescue

NOK Next of Kin

Satphone Satellite Phone

UN United Nations

UK Get to School!

I will post more ino on this later

Che if you are reading this Good Luck mate. And don't forget you owe me a breakfast and a Jet Boil.
TAF end.

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Blog : 4 Last Chance for normal life routines

2010-01-16T21:14:00.002Z
TAF 21.00 Saturday 16th January 2010

Last chance for normal life routines.

Kit Packed 24 Hours before Departure for Operation Crocodile

Scrounging almost complete

Last Minute Shopping

Accompanied Son to Birthday Party. Tap end of input.

Text to TAF from Che.

Departing for Henley on Thames tomorrow Final Briefing at ERT SAR HQ

16.00 Sunday 17th January 2010

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2010-01-16T00:01:00.003Z

Blog 3 : First email

2010-01-15T23:49:00.001Z

TAF, Email from Che 22.45 January 15th 2010 TAF, End.
At the time of writing this my bags are packed and my arms hurt from the amount of jabs I’ve had this morning and afternoon, three in each arm in total, The Dr’s were great all jabs at no cost and no prescription charges.
Our sitrep is that we fly late Sunday evening into the Dominican republic and then by helicopter into the epicentre of the disaster, I am travelling with two doctors and another paramedic and a further 4 search and rescue personnel. Our mission is one of medical and trauma assessment. It is estimated that we could be treating up to one thousand people a day.
Our efforts as ever will be coordinated by the U.N. Although I am well versed in dealing with trauma and the like, with over fifteen years experience working for the ambulance service, I would like to say that this venture is one that does in actual fact frighten the b’jesus out of me.
I don’t think even after the worst road traffic accident or paediatric fatality such experience could prepare me for what I am about to face.

All the above was written by Che no input from TAF

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Blog 2 : Beg Steal and Borrow

2010-01-15T01:27:00.003Z
Written by TAF with input from Che Diary of Events Day 2 January 15th 2010

Picking up the Pieces I’ve had various conversations with Bruce and about Bruce today, for starters I had to explain his absence to his Programme manager. This was quickly followed with an explanation to Che’s tutor group. How ironic I thought as I proceeded to assist them with their study on the subject of “preparing to deal with major incidents”. A fellow tutor and I enjoy a discussion with the group on what could possibly await their tutor when he reaches Haiti.

11.00 Che calls me to explain he is sat in doctors trying to sort out what jabs he needs. 14.00 Che calls again he explains he has had his jabs. And enquires as to how his absence has gone down at work. I explain how when he gets back and knocks off the hero dust, he well may be on the receiving end of a disciplinary. For those who know Che this will not be a surprise.

16.00 I receive a text. Hi mate any chance you can drive me in my car to Henley on Thames. I reply yes we can talk later, 20.00 Che calls explaining he is now flying out Sunday. He has had is jabs and received malaria medication from the chemist Free of Charge.

We move on through various scenarios about the situation out in Haiti. I ask about the wife and kids, he skirts round the subject, I can tell from his tone that he is uncomfortable. I’m glad that he feels that way, because now I feel Che has a full realistic understanding of the situation. We talk about further uncomfortable service stuff NOK letters and arrangements (enough said).

We move the conversation on to what he needs me to scrounge for him, plasterer Paris, para cord, ration packs not so bad I think? However before we end the conversation I realise that I have just agreed to lend him my precious jet boil stove, (“What an idiot” I am going to demand on Sunday that arrangements for a Jet Boil replacement is written in the departure letters)

21.30 Text from Che, We are short of 6 Radio’s how are you fixed

I reply, I will see what I can do tomorrow.

21.35 Che replies, good stuff I need them on a free loan, and they need to be the type with ear pieces.

You can draw your own conclusion my thoughts. Che’s wife and I can never figure which one of us carries him the most ?
TAF

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Blog 1 : mobilisation

2010-01-15T01:09:00.004Z
Written by TAF friend of Che.

Teaching in college is a tough job.

All college tutors are subject specialists each has devoted years of their life gaining experience and qualifications which allow them to teach.

Some learner's see the teacher as the enemy, when in fact the enemy is the exam board or the employment interview panel. It is a strange irony that this view is not dissimilar to thoughts and observations of new recruits who are being prepared by service staff for life within a Uniformed Public Service.

For those who agree with the above statement, will hopefully see that their teacher is their trainer. The teacher prepares each student for their daily task or mission. The teacher provides each of their apprentice’s with intelligence information which includes the enemy’s battle plans, dates and attack and defence strategies. The teacher then transforms this information into individual training and support plans for each apprentice.

The teacher’s plans include battle winning methodology, techniques and counter measures. The teaching task is to ensure that each apprentice receives training and his fully prepared for their College exams or assessment in readiness for their eventual place in a uniformed service.

Che Bruce a Tutor/Teacher at Chesterfield College teaching on The Uniformed Public Service Course received a mobilization call at 23.15 14th January 2010 from ERTSAR an organisation in which he is an active member holding the position of Emergency Rescue Paramedic.

Che is preparing to leave for Haiti to assist with the rescue and emergency relief effort. The Red Cross estimates 45,000-50,000 people have died in Haiti's recent devastating earthquake.

Without doubt the situation that Che and the ERTSAR team are to face will be dangerous and traumatic. It is my intention (with Che’s kind permission) to track and document both Che’s and the Rescue Teams efforts through what ever communication the situation allows.

The knowledge and learning experiences that Che will gain from the ERTSAR Rescue Mission will become invaluable assets for his apprentices on the Uniformed Public Service Course at Chesterfield College.

I am sure you will all join me in wishing Che and the ERTSAR team a successful mission and a safe return.

For the record I would like to add that Che had agreed to buy my breakfast today. I am astounded at the length Che Bruce will go, to avoid spending a few quid.

David Hargreaves (1997) Wrote to learn a job through an apprenticeship is not just to learn a skill or to earn a living: it is to join a community, to acquire a culture, to demonstrate a competence and to forge an identity. It is, in short, to achieve significance, dignity and self-esteem as a person.

TAF 12.54 15 December 2010