TPCH nurses take their compassion to the Kokoda Trail

TPCH ICU Nurses and associates on the Kokoda Track

A team of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses from The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) recently completed a nine-day trek across the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

Led by ICU nurse Susan Blinkhoff, the group of 16 trekkers included eight TPCH ICU nurses and their close friends. Some of the team chose to participate in the trek due to their personal ties to World War II, while others took on the challenge as an opportunity for growth, adventure and to test their physical and mental limits.

“This was a trip of a lifetime – the most unbelievable and gruelling thing we had ever done – but we loved every second of this life-changing journey,” said Susan.

Trekking approximately 96km through the rainforest, treacherous terrain and tough conditions, the team demonstrated resilience, teamwork and determination – the same traits they draw on every day in the ICU.

“The Kokoda track is known to be one of the toughest walks in the world demanding extreme physical endurance and mental resilience as trekkers face muddy, slippery terrain, dense jungle, steep and relentless climbs and descents, unpredictable weather from intense humidity to monsoonal rain,” Susan said.

“Once you are on the track you are in the jungle and it’s unforgiving. There are no roads or cars, no electricity, no Wi-Fi, no showers, no comforts. You are walking through the remote rugged wilderness with no access to help or supplies – the only way off the track once you are on it is to walk off or get a helicopter.

“You are isolated with only each other to rely on, so we had to be each other’s strength and encouragement. Over hours and days of sweat and toil, on repeat was ‘just put one foot in front of the other’.”

More than just a physical challenge, the nurses also used their skills to support the health needs of local communities. Along the way, they provided informal medical care through dressing wounds, offering hydration support and assisting with a minor surgical procedure at Kokoda Hospital.

“With eight ICU nurses and a GP, we were able to set up first aid posts in the villages. It was nice to give back,” Susan said.
Reflecting on the experience, Susan said individually everyone has come back stronger, with the feeling of ‘now I can conquer anything’.

“As a team, we’ve gained a deep trust and respect for each other that will last a lifetime.”