Far from the safety net of the Australian healthcare system, HMAS Warramunga's medical team is responsible for the health and wellbeing of its about 190 crew members during a regional presence deployment.
The team consists of one petty officer medic and two able seaman medics, who manage everything from routine sick parades to emergency response training while the ship operates thousands of kilometres from home.
Medic Able Seaman Alexandria Fogg said most cases were straightforward.
"Most of the time it's seasickness, viral illnesses and musculoskeletal injuries," Able Seaman Fogg said.
"But if we need to, we can treat more serious cases and even perform minor surgery."
Between the two daily sick parades in Warramunga's sickbay, the medics are also responsible for training the ship's medical emergency team (SMET), a group of crew members qualified in advanced first aid.
"This week, our training involved teaching the SMETs to perform primary and secondary surveys to assess and stabilise patients in the event of a serious incident on board," Able Seaman Fogg said.
Able Seaman Fogg said the maritime environment added complexity to even routine medical tasks.
"Performing medicine at sea is complex in nature, in that we're working remotely without access to healthcare facilities ashore," Able Seaman Fogg said.
"There's more noise, the lighting is different and your workspace is rocking backwards and forwards."
'Having a medical officer on board enables the medics to receive advice and authority to prescribe medication without the need to contact shore.'
During the recent regional presence deployment, general practitioner and medical officer Lieutenant Abby Telfer was embarked, providing an additional level of clinical expertise.
Medical officers augment a ship's organic medical team by offering oversight, education and the ability to deliver primary health care during extended periods at sea.
Lieutenant Telfer said this capability became even more important when operating overseas.
"Having a medical officer on board enables the medics to receive advice and authority to prescribe medication without the need to contact shore," Lieutenant Telfer said.
"This ensures that conditions are diagnosed, medication is prescribed and the team are able to treat members as soon as possible.
"In more complex cases, we can engage with foreign healthcare systems to assist members who we cannot manage on the ship."
As Warramunga continues its deployment across the region, the medical team remains focused on prevention as much as treatment. Able Seaman Fogg said the fundamentals still mattered most.
"It's a mixture of good hand hygiene, exercise and ensuring you eat a healthy and varied diet," Able Seaman Fogg said.
"The thing that gives us the most satisfaction is seeing you return to your families happy, healthy and well."
