Airborne tactical medical support in Grenada

On October 24, 1983, clinical fillers rapidly integrated into the 82d Airborne Division, deployed to the Island of Grenada, and significantly contributed to the tactical medical support mission during Operation Urgent Fury. However, the medical community's unfamiliarity with the airborne division's operational requirements and the 307th Medical Battalion's capabilities have created questions which must be addressed to provide a clearer understanding of what occurred at the division level of medical support (DLMS) during the initial 4 days of the operation. This article outlines key aspects for DLMS to the U.S. Army airborne division and briefly reviews DLMS during Operation Urgent Fury. (AU)

Invasion: a hospital in transition following the 1983 Grenadian intervention

Stress, confusion, and a sense of loss were inevitable during the hospital relocation, especially given the large number of clients, ward communities, and staff needed to move and adjust to change. Despite the fact that the change was perceived as a positive and progressive step in psychiatric-mental health care in Grenada, there were many obstacles and much resistance to overcome. As expected, staff's and clients' fears centered around themes of impending loss and abandonment. An understanding of the transition process, along with the availability of experienced hospital staff for support and guidance, greatly aided the relocation process. Relocation still presented problems and Mt. Gay Hospital continues to struggle to carry out the lasting and beneficial changes that will best promote a therapeutic and culturally sensitive client/staff environment. Despite the fact that the hospital relocation was not entirely self-determined, but partially imposed by political circumstances, a positive resolution of the crisis occurred. The crisis brought about the change that, in this circumstance, is seen as synonymous with growth. It acted as a catalyst to bring about help from unexpected and much needed sources (U.S.A.I.D./Project Hope), which may not have otherwise been available to facilitate such a change. Richmond Hill Mental Hospital took control and advantage of a crisis situation and made it serve its immediate and pressing need for a new psychiatric hospital. (AU)