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Give it a try, you have nothing to lose // Humans of NATO Days

You probably won't see him at any of the displays at the venue, but you can still meet him. Although it might be better if you don't. Warrant Officer Jan Ostrý is in charge of paramedic services at NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days. What does it all entail? How long does it take to prepare? And what would he like to say to the visitors of the event?

What was your journey to the Army of the Czech Republic? Was becoming a soldier your childhood dream?
My journey to the army started in 2011, when I was still working at the University Hospital in Brno. A colleague I was studying with told me about the possibility of becoming a medic in the Czech Army. Through the Regional Military Headquarters in Ostrava and the Central Military Hospital in Prague, I got to Vyškov for a basic training course. After successfully completing it, I became a soldier - a medic in Olomouc. Next, I joined the 73rd Tank Battalion in Přáslavice and now I am a senior staff member at the Land Forces Command in Olomouc. But I can't say that it was my childhood dream. I was studying to be a paramedic and I thought I would ride in an ambulance in our Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, where I come from.  But as it happens in life, it didn't work out quite as planned. On the other hand, I wouldn't change it.

What does your typical working day look like? 
It is important to say that I am a member of the Land Forces Command, which is responsible for the training and preparation of subordinate brigades and regiments. My job is therefore mainly administrative work necessary for the smooth provision of medical training and the field of health care in general at the land force level. Thus, I have to participate in a number of meetings, and also in the so-called staff drills, which are part of the preparations for large and important exercises directed by the ground forces. In the mornings, if time and work permit, I try to devote myself to physical training, which includes running, gym, and various other forms of physical training. And even though it doesn't seem like it, every day brings new challenges, which is what is interesting and motivating about this job.

Have you been on any foreign missions? If so, can you tell us more about it? 
Yes, I was deployed for six months in Afghanistan with a unit composed mostly of the 73rd Tank Battalion. On this mission, I was part of a medical team that consisted of one doctor, myself as a medic, and another fellow medic. We were in charge of nearly 200 Czech soldiers. We were not alone, however, as we had more than 30 combat paramedics on hand, which are soldiers who do not have a medical background, but have completed a two-week medical course focused on saving lives in field conditions.

Our work included first aid, treating injuries and illnesses, and preventive health care. Every day was different and brought new challenges, from treating minor injuries to dealing with serious medical conditions. It was important to be constantly prepared and able to respond quickly to any situation.

One of the biggest challenges was working in harsh conditions where we had to face extreme temperatures, dust, and limited resources. Despite these difficulties, we strived to provide the best possible care to our soldiers and keep them in the best possible condition.

As far as foreign operations are concerned, the Army of the Czech Republic still sends its units abroad, where doctors and paramedics are always present. To be able to go on a foreign mission, one must be in excellent physical condition, have completed various prescribed courses and passed medical examinations. It is a challenging process, but very rewarding and provides valuable experience.

What has working in the military given you that you think you wouldn't have experienced in other professions? What makes an army medic different from a civilian medic?
Working in the army has given me a lot of experience and experiences. After graduating from school I started working at the University Hospital in Brno at the neurosurgery clinic. There I definitely did not experience military discipline, shooting, complex field training or public displays. The army taught me discipline, teamwork, and the ability to react quickly and effectively in crisis situations.

An army medic differs from a civilian medic in several key ways. A civilian medic, for example in an ambulance, arrives in a relatively safe environment. If the location is not safe, he or she will wait for the fire department to arrive and extricate the injured. An Army medic, however, may find himself in direct fire and must save lives even in these dangerous conditions.

A civilian medic, if the situation is safe, goes immediately into action and saves lives. In contrast, an army medic in combat must wait until the combat situation has ceased and only on the order of the commander does he go to save lives. Working in the army also taught me how to manage stress and work under pressure, skills I would probably not have acquired in the civilian sector. Every day brings new challenges and situations that require quick decision-making and the ability to improvise. These experiences have been invaluable to me and have shaped me not only as a professional but also as a person.

Your task at the NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days is the paramedical services at the event. What does it all involve? 
Yes, you are right, my main task is paramedical services for the Czech Army. Our preparations for this event start sometime in March, half a year before the event. Cooperation within the integrated rescue system is important, where we cooperate most with the Moravian-Silesian Region Rescue Service, which is supported by the Army in securing the event. Our work includes presence at coordination meetings, preparations, deployment and composition of crews. We have to ensure a sufficient number of ambulances and personnel, determine how many doctors and what equipment the ambulances should have. We also need to ensure that there are enough supplies for the personnel to be able to go get some water and food.

Our work does not begin with the start of the programme and does not end at the end. The paramedics are on site from 7am and their work only ends when the last visitor leaves. During the event, we must be constantly alert and ready to respond to any health problems that may arise. This includes not only treating minor injuries but also dealing with more serious medical conditions. Overall, paramedical services at NATO Days is very demanding but also very important to ensure the safety of all visitors.

What kind of interventions or assistance have been most frequent during previous NATO Days?
Most often we encounter collapses, especially in 2023, when the weather was beautiful, there were a large number of such cases. I would probably highlight that above everything else. Then, of course, there are other interventions such as cuts, sunburns, and allergic reactions.

In addition to the army medics, there are other - civilian - medical teams present at the event. 
Yes, we cooperate within the Integrated Rescue System (IRS). Various forces are present on site, such as the Fire and Rescue Service, the Medical Rescue Service, the Police of the Czech Republic, the Ostrava Municipal Police, the Czech Red Cross, and also Rescue Ostrava. Thanks to the great cooperation of these forces and the organizing service, we have medical patrols well set up.

If a visitor has an accident, injury, or collapse, we will find out about it at the IRS headquarters. The nearest crew, whether it is the Czech Red Cross, Rescue Ostrava, the Army, or the Rescue Service, will send its people there and we will provide adequate assistance. I have to say for myself and for my fellow military medics that the cooperation between the individual units is excellent and at a high level. Thanks to this cooperation, we are able to respond effectively to various situations and ensure the safety of all visitors.

Do you have funny experiences during such service? Or do you only deal with serious matters?
I would like to have some funny experiences during the service, but since there is a big crowd of people, I am always nervous about whether everything will go smoothly. Mostly we focus on the serious stuff and ensuring the safety of all the visitors. However, every now and then a humorous situation comes up that helps us to release the tension and have a laugh. These moments are rare but very welcome because they remind us of the human side of our work.

What advice would you give to visitors of NATO Days regarding prevention of health problems during the event? Is there anything that visitors are unteachable about?
I would definitely recommend that visitors take plenty of food and drink with them. Don't rely on buying something on the spot as queues can be long and the weather unpredictable. People should bear in mind that sometimes they park a long distance away and it can take up to an hour to get to the venue. There is also the queue at the entrance, the queue for food and drinks, and then the wait for a given display or manoeuvre. All of this can take place in direct sunlight, which increases the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. These people then often become our potential patients. Visitors often underestimate the importance of hydration and sun protection. Although these recommendations are repeatedly emphasised, we still see cases of dehydration and sunstroke. I would therefore recommend some basic precautions to visitors to NATO Days to avoid health problems during the event. 

First of all, it is important to:
Hydration: drink plenty of water, especially if the weather is hot. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and other health complications.
Sun protection: Wear sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and heat stroke.
Comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes because visitors often spend a lot of time on their feet and walking around the large venue.
Regular meals: Don't forget to eat regularly to prevent a drop in energy and blood sugar levels.

And finally, what would you say to those who are considering a career in the Czech Army? 
I don't want to make it sound like a promotional video, but to those who are considering a career in the Czech Army, I would like to stress that it is not only a path to personal growth and development, but also an opportunity to serve your country and contribute to its security. The Army offers a wide range of professions and opportunities where everyone can find their place and apply their skills. If you are looking for a challenge, meaningful work and want to be part of something bigger, the Army of the Czech Republic is the right choice. Join us and become part of the team. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose.