CUTTING EDGE - THE AIR HOSPITAL

ENVY does full post on IWC's powerful documentary for Channel 4.

It follows the C-17 Globemaster as one of the world's largest military transport aircraft, capable of carrying anything from tanks and helicopters to troops and supplies.  It's been transformed into a state-of-the-art intensive care ward to bring home some of the soldiers most critically injured in Afghanistan - all within 36 hours from the 'point of injury'.
From 'walking wounded' personnel to those on life support, the documentary follows dramatic human stories, as well as reflecting the dedication and wry humour of the CCAST crew as they fight to bring their patients home safely.
It?s the human stories which are compelling. One soldier recalls how he worried, when he thought he was dying, whether he'd got enough life insurance for his family.
A medic brushes aside the question of fear: "You don't want to be in a corner of the aircraft sobbing." Another soldier is upbeat: "I've got all my body parts."
The burning question - how do they cope with the aftermath? - is impossible to answer. A particularly vicious attack on a group of off-duty soldiers leaves five dead and eight wounded.
"How do you begin to come to terms with what's happened?" the director asks one of the survivors. The reply: "When I find a way, I'll let you know."
TX: 25 March 2010