The Medical Support Officer (MSO) role involves planning medical cover for camps, medical risk assessments, medicines management, and ensuring that there is sufficient medical provision in the county.
It may not be the most glamourous role in the ACF but it is vitally important to ensure the safety and wellbeing of cadets.
Kyle Williams who undertook his first camp as MSO this summer in Sennybridge reported “This year’s annual camp was a lot different for me one first annual camp with a commission and as MSO. To become a medical support officer or medical support assistant (MSA) you need to attend a course at the Frimley Park training centre. The course is an advanced first aid course and you gain a level 3 award first responder on scene qualification. This allows me and MSAs to do observations such as blood pressure, O2 saturation, and even blood glucose monitoring. With this information, we can calculate a NEWS (National early warning score) which helps with any further treatment that the person may need. The MSO and MSA are not the first point of call for first aid situations as any adult instructor with a First Aid at Work qualification can administer first aid. We would only step in if it requires more advanced first aid.
The role at camp was to be present at a first aid point and be reachable when and if needed. Our services were used a few times mainly to acquire observations on a few people. I am happy to become MSO as it links closely with my role within the NHS. I like to highlight the importance of first aid as I have seen personally the impact of fast and effective first aid.
Kyle concluded: “The role is great for the ACF, it enables the correct pathway for unwell cadets, it means fewer adults accompanying cadets to hospital or GP surgery, and it means everyone can enjoy camp without pain or discomfort. I look forward to continuing this role and look forward to the next camp.”
