Walking Wounded

The Four Corners episode that aired on August 5, 2013 showed the tragic IED explosion that changed the life of war photographer Giles Duley forever.

The episode aired on four corners in a structure that's not frequently used. For example normally Four Corners starts with Kerry O'Brien introducing the story, rather this episode first started with shocking scenes from the Afghanistan war in 2011 just prior to the explosion.

The documentary began showing chronologically the incident that unfolded. Dramatic footage of Giles Duley was shown while he spoke in first-person describing the pain he was going through as Army officers placed him into a chopper for an Med Evac. The story then goes on to describe what his reconstruction surgeons faced when carrying out complex medical procedures to ensure his survival.

The documentary changes direction midway through when Duley announced his return to Afghanistan. After this point, the journalist along with Duley visits Afghan nationals in emergency hospitals who have experienced explosions by simply carrying out everyday tasks such as walking to school, driving or sitting on their doorstep.

As the story progresses patients suffering from different injuries are shown. Some look to be beyond talking while others are at an advanced stage of their rehabilitation and can talk to Duley and the journalist.

Considering the main reason for Duley's return to Afghanistan was to finish the job he started, document the Afghan War there are points where Duley's images are shown. Him images make an impact especially when the producers show video captured and then show Duley taking an image with his camera, the next clip is then of what you would imagine his camera is focused on.

As expected the documentary re-communicates Afghanistan's lack of medical facilities. It explains how Afghan's are second in-line for emergency treatment as soldiers receive treatment first at NATO hospitals. It also highlights that their is a fear after coalition forces withdraw conditions may worsen.