Léogâne, Haiti — The arrival of Canadian soldiers and scores of non-governmental organizations means that the population is now benefiting from improved medical care in the aftermath of the January 12th earthquake. But there are still Haitians who have yet to receive care for lack of transportation

The roads are in poor shape, and most Haitians get around on motorcycles. Getting a family member to a medical clinic can be a daunting challenge.

When given directions, medics take the wheel of a flat bed truck to evacuate the wounded. Because of the lack of time and resources, only the most serious cases are dealt with this way.

“Haiti is the only place I’ve seen this,” explained Corporal Mélanie Mascolo of 5 Field Ambulance. “We never have to use a truck bed to evacuate wounded, but it does the trick.”

“An amputee lived far away, and no one in her family had any means of transportation,” she added. “It’s so sad. Good thing we were there.”

Medics act quickly, but sometimes information takes time getting through to the medical personnel. For example, an 18-year-old who had been bedridden since January 12 due to a fracture in her right leg received care only when her brother made her plight known on January 31.

Article and photos: Corporal Julie Turcotte, Army News, Montreal Add a comment

OTTAWA – The Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, issued the following statement today:

I am aware of the charges brought today against Colonel Russell Williams, 8 Wing Commander, Trenton.

As Chief of the Air Staff, I take very seriously all allegations of service or criminal offences against one of our members.

Although one is considered innocent until proven guilty, in light of the seriousness of the charges, and in consideration of the high level of responsibilities attached to the position of Wing Commander, an interim Wing Commander for 8 Wing Trenton will soon be appointed.

Also, in the coming days, a review will be initiated by 1 Canadian Air Division, in Winnipeg, to determine the most appropriate action to take regarding Colonel Williams pending the outcome of the trial.

The Canadian Forces hold their members to a very high standard of conduct and performance, in Canada or abroad, on or off military duty. I confirm that the Air Force is fully supporting civilian authorities in the conduct of the current matter.

I am certain that Air Force personnel at 8 Wing will carry on with their duties, displaying the usual level of professionalism and sense of duty that they have always shown in the past. We will ensure that the Wing leadership and personnel are supported throughout this difficult period.

This situation affects us all and I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those affected by these tragic events. Add a comment