Bermuda Regiment medics have been getting first-hand experience of treating people with injuries, including machete and gunshot wounds, as part of their annual camp in Jamaica.

During the Regiment's camp Exercise Irie Onion conscripts took part in hands-on training including treating the badly injured at Kingston's Public Hospital (KPH) as well as jungle-training in Jamaica's rainforest.

After completing a First Responder's course at the University of the West Indies, the Regiment medics spent an evening working at KPH.

Lance Corporal Hillen, of Support Company, described his experience in the hospital as "somewhat unsettling".

"The evening had us begin by assisting a 16-year old with a seven-inch machete laceration, courtesy of his older brother, to his skull," he said. "This incident set the tone for the evening, which saw us treat stabbing victims, arm ovulsions, including a spurting artery which would unsettle all but the strongest of stomachs, and gun shot injuries. Although the highlight of the evening involved bringing a stab wound victim back to life with chest compressions.

"To call our evening an unnerving experience would be a gross understatement, but it was rewarding to see that all the techniques we learnt would be put into practice to help save an individual's life. We will be able to apply our new found skills not only within the Regiment, but in our outside lives. All in all, an incredibly worthwhile expedition."

And as well as absailing down 160ft cliffs and learning to live off the land during their jungle training, the Bermuda Regiment is also participating in community service projects.

A Regiment team repaired the water supply to a school in Jamaica's Sherwood Forest, constructing a new platform and pump room for a new water tank, installing a new pump, and connecting the plumbing and electricity. The team also worked on roofing and other tasks to improve facilities for children studying there.

"The experience at Ex Irie Onion was definitely a reality check!" said Pte. Mouchette. "It had its ups and downs, but overall I believe something, whether big or small, was gained from this trip. It does make you feel good giving back to the community of Jamaica as a whole.

"The memories are priceless. We learnt how to use what we had and make it happen. I would have liked to have been more prepared with tools and equipment, but we survived. Now I think we can go back to Bermuda and apply it to our everyday lives. Trust us, we will never starve to death we will make things work in our favour, no matter the cost and sacrifices made."

Lieutenant Colonel Brian Gonsalves, Commanding Officer, said that the Regiment took on an additional community project this year.

"The Bermuda Regiment has always undertaken a community project while in Jamaica," he said. "This year we have been fortunate enough to participate in two projects, one at the hospital in Kingston and the other at the school in Sherwood Forest. It is our way of saying 'thank you' to the local community for their gracious support, while helping teach our soldiers the immense value of community service."

Visiting the Regiment during its camp were several Bermudian dignitaries Governor Sir Richard Gozney along with Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing Lt. Colonel David Burch and the Minister's Permanent Secretary Derrick Binns were in Kingston observing the training exercises. Also in attendance were Colonel John Rouse, Assistant Military Attaché British Defence Staff, in Washington DC, and Colonel C. Eugene Raynor, Honorary Colonel of the Bermuda Regiment.