RAF female firefighters in...Bastion

RAF female firefighters in the thick of it at Bastion

A People In Defence news article

18 Feb 10

Over the last two months, three RAF firefighting females have been in the thick of it in Afghanistan, evacuating seriously wounded casualties to Camp Bastion hospital.

From left: Senior Aircraftwomen Lucy Tonge, Teresa Lewis and Ailsa Carruthers
[Picture: Cpl Steve Blake RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

Senior Aircraftwomen (SACs) Ailsa Carruthers, Teresa 'T' Lewis and Lucy Tonge make up half of the RAF's female firefighting team in Camp Bastion. It is the first operational experience for all three of them:

"It is a brilliant feeling to know that you are actually helping someone," said SAC Tonge.

Their role has seen them moving severely traumatised patients and working quickly and under pressure. SAC Lewis said:

"I have represented Great Britain at ice hockey for over ten years but I have temporarily traded the ice rink for the desert.

"Being out here is completely different to my daily life back home. You have to put your own feelings to the back of your mind and make sure that you are helping out the best you can."..

Great story, and you can read the rest here.