Soldier Survives Sleeping On Land-Mine

UK Ministry of Defence, A soldier who slept on a land mine in Afghanistan which then exploded in the morning sending shrapnel into his arm is returning to his unit just three weeks later thanks to the efforts of Defence medical staff. 
 
On 26 September 2007, Corporal Peter Doherty, who serves with 27 Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, set up his camp-bed behind his WMIK Land Rover near Forward Operating Base Arnhem, in northern Helmand Province. The next morning he got in the vehicle and reversed over where he had been sleeping when a mine exploded, causing multiple injuries to his left arm. 
 
Within 30 minutes of the incident the immediate response team arrived and Corporal Doherty was taken to Camp Bastion Hospital by Chinook helicopter. He explains what happened next: 
 
“I went direct to the operating theatre shortly after arriving at Camp Bastion, although the operation was a success I was told that I would have to go to the Royal Centre for Defence medicine at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment to my wounds. During this initial phase the medical staff who dealt with me were very thorough and swift.” 
 
Corporal Doherty managed to phone his wife, Debbie, from Bastion and tell her that he had been injured. Captain Ward from the Quarter Master’s Department and a female member of the 27 Regiment welfare staff visited Debbie at her married quarter to update her on what was happening. Two days later Corporal Doherty was flown to RAF Brize Norton. On arrival at Brize Norton he was met by medical staff and was then taken direct to Selly Oak. 
 
“The welfare staff were there to met me as I arrived at Selly Oak, they gave me some civilian clothes and training shoes to keep me going, all were brand new and had been donated to Alexandra Wing by local sports shops. I was then taken to the Trauma Ward (S4), I was seen initially, and then due to the casualty priority at the time I waited for 24 hrs for a follow-up operation. The operation was successful and I was allowed home two days later. 
 
“The facilities at Selly Oak were very good, TV, phone, internet at your bedside which the welfare staff issue two ten-pound cards per week so I didn’t have to pay for anything whilst I was there. The use of personal mobile phones was also allowed in the ward. 
 
“The food is good but if you get fed up with it and fancy a change then the welfare staff will issue a voucher which can be used in the hospital canteen which is also very good and for those of us who were more mobile it gave us the chance to get around and stay active.” 
 
Debbie and her children were driven to Birmingham by Captain Ward, she said: 
 
“Whilst at the hospital I found the nurses and doctors extremely helpful. They were flexible with visiting hours and as my husband was mobile he was allowed to go to the hospital canteen with me and also walk over to Alexandra Wing to use the facilities there, where the staff also made us really welcome.” 
Corporal Doherty added: “I'm very fortunate, I could have stepped on the mine at any time. If I had I don't think there would be much of me left. From the initial incident taking place to getting home to my quarter, things happened quickly, were well organised and I was glad to have the support of all who were involved.” 
 
He is returning to Afghanistan tomorrow, 19 October 2007.