Lotsa pics

Just in case anyone forgot the real reason we were sent on this desert vacation, last week quickly reminded us. We had two trauma activations with four patients each, separated by a couple of days, that indelibly educated our new crew about the potential violence surrounding the KRAB. In keeping with our theme, though, there were no "true" general surgery emergencies that needed fixing, only orthopedic extremity injuries. So, our ortho guy (Jake) let me jump into the fray and externally fix a fractured femur (ie: stabilize with external pins and rods before final internal fixation in Germany or the States). It was fun to have a little something to do, but it really served to remind me why I chose NOT to pursue a career in Orthopedics!

(not one of my usual trade tools)

(our OR has no A/C and is HOT...we're usually swimming in a sweat bath by the end)

I'm sure it will come as a surprise that we managed to find some extra-curricular fun this week as well. Remember that huge vehicle I stood next to for a picture several weeks ago (the MRAP)? Well, we convinced someone to take us for a ride around the KRAB and let us do a little 4x4 action of our own. These behemoth's weigh around 14 tons and are encased in armour with a gunner's turret on top. They were designed to combat the ubiquitous presence of IED's (improvised explosive devices) during the early parts of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. MRAP's (Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected) are all-wheel drive and loaded with electronics, communication and other offensive equipment. The version that we commandeered, though, was a medical MRAP configured to transport patients within the base in the event of a mass casualty situation. In case anyone's wondering, this is definitely NOT a standard (or even allowed) activity. Like that's ever slowed us down before...

(Me in the driver's seat)

(I can hear CJ saying, "Pay attention to the road while you're driving." :)

And, to keep us cooled off during the summer heat, the Fire Dept held their semi-annual Fire Muster last Sunday. This is a multi-event, team challenge involving lots of water and strength drills. Of course, it's well known that this activity was originally developed to show the ladies just how tough and strong our Fire guys can really be (no shortage of testosterone over here). We competed in a tug-of-war, a hose and accuracy drill and a bucket brigade, after which we were in second place overall. Unfortunately, our luck ran out on the final event: the joust (using fire hoses to "push" a bucket along a rope past our opponent's mark). As you can see, a soggy wet and fun time was had by all (water conservation efforts were on hold for this day). And it only took about 30 minutes to dry our shoes out completely in the arid 115 degree heat!

(giving it all we got)

(some tug-of-war losers)

(The Hose Joust: that green bucket is on a rope tied to two fire engines)

(losing the joust and getting soaked)

(our base Commander sharing the love with some of the cheering section)

Cita, you're always in my prayers! I love you...