Dr Michael Anthony Naughton as the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer 1 Australian Field Hospital interviewed by Greg Swanborough for 'The sharp end'

Scene 16, Take 1: The staff of the 1 Australian Field Hospital operating theatre (OT) numbered about 12 – only 1 trained theatre nurse, the rest trained as OT technicians; National Servicemen from various professions and jobs. Raw experience for men only in Army one year. After each session they would have what is now called ‘critical stress debriefing’. Encountered terrible wounds. Their efforts under-recognised. Scene 16, Take 2: Set up of the Field Hospital originated in Vietnam. There were one hundred beds, an intensive care ward, medical wards and pathology. Scene 16, Take 3: Patient load consisted of Australian troops and small number of New Zealanders, Koreans, Americans and civilians wounded by mines plus a few Vietcong. Mine injuries usually multiple and severe. The Commanding Officer received the casualties and assessed them while still in the helicopter. Order of treatment depending on severity of injuries. Scene 16, Take 4: The most common ailment for the men was skin disease from being constantly wet. Scene 16, Take 5: The most difficult part of operation was living up to also being infantry soldier with no training - the 1RAR looked after them. First tour more difficult physically because it was new ground and had to get settled and set up. The second tour difficult being the Commanding Officer and having all the responsibility for the wounded. No conflict between being a medical officer and a soldier. Not difficult to combine the two roles; part of the team and look after the troops.