'Not enough medics' on SAS hike, hears inquest

An Army reservist who treated casualties during a fatal SAS test march has told an inquest there were not enough medics stationed on the 16-mile route.

Combat medic 1U told the hearing into the deaths of three special forces candidates that he raised concern about medical staffing levels during previous military "selection" courses.

Soldier 1U, a former member of the Royal Army Medical Corps now serving with an unnamed reserve unit, was stationed near Torpantau on the Brecon Beacons during the march on July 13 2013.

The inquest into the deaths of lance corporals Edward Maher and Craig Roberts and Corporal James Dunsby has heard they passed through five checkpoints, only two of which were staffed by combat medics.

In evidence to the Birmingham coroner Louise Hunt, 1U claimed he was not given a radio on the day of the march, involving 78 candidates, because "there weren't enough to go around".

During his testimony, Ms Hunt asked 1U if he considered that two medics stationed at Torpantau and another at Beacons Reservoir was a sufficient number.

The witness, who served in the RAMC for 23 years before joining the Army Reserve four years ago, replied: "No it was not.

"For some of the further checkpoints, it would take us time to get there and especially with heat injuries, time is against you."

Speaking in view of the coroner but shielded from others in the court by a screened-off witness box, soldier 1U added: "I had raised it several times in the past.

"But we have to work with the amount of manpower that we have."

Asked to clarify his remarks, 1U said he had raised concern that there were not enough medics with those higher up the chain of command in his reserve unit, although not on either July 12 or July 13.

1U also said there was "no wind at all" on the mountains on July 13, a situation he had never encountered before.

The staff sergeant was further questioned by Keith Morton QC, who is representing the father of Cpl Dunsby.

Mr Morton said to 1U: "Did you consider that there were any deficiencies in the medical planning that contributed to the casualties on the 13th of July?"

"Yes, there weren't enough medics," 1U responded.

The inquest continues.