“The challenge is translating military skills into something the civilian world understands”

There aren’t many people who have experienced injury and trauma in their professional lives. Those who have often find that the impact is so profound that it drives an innate desire to ‘give back’.

This is the case with Professor David Dent MBE CMgr CCMI, who initially worked in intensive care in the NHS and later in the military, where he was he himself was injured in combat, sustaining a blast injury.

He recalls long shifts at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he cared for critically ill patients, including children with terminal illnesses. His career also saw him resuscitating fellow soldiers on the battlefield and dealing with child casualties.

“It does all have an impact, even now, especially in the quiet hours,” he says, “but while you’re there in the moment, you know you have the ability to help others, and that’s the biggest gift you can give.”

The platinum ten minutes

Working as a battlefield trauma expert in the military, David was directly involved in critical care, often treating injured soldiers while fighting was still ongoing. It was a highly stressful role, made all the harder because he was treating his colleagues.

“The emotional impact of dealing with casualties is compounded in the military. You could be trying to save the limb of a soldier who was sleeping in the bed next to you, or it could be someone you had lunch with every day,” says David. “They are not strangers that come through the A&E department. You are highly likely to know everyone you are trying to save.

“You can’t afford to let the emotional side get in the way. You have to do your job and do the best you can for them.”