Thoughts on Survival Medicine

I view the world of medicine thru 3 windows. First is the window thru which I am currently employed. It is the world where one has an entire hospital to back you up. It is the place where a higher level of medical care is only a shout away. This is where guidelines like "Do not remove impaled object from the patient", or "Keep the C collar on until the Doctor clears the spine" should be followed. It is the window that is available to you thru a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course. It relies upon the idea that there is an EMS truck around every corner. In this world, guidelines from your training should be followed to the letter.

The second window is a wilderness setting. Back in 1999, I took a Wilderness First Responder course. I highly recomend that anyone preparing to survive be trained to this level. This course, as well as this world, is different than the first. Higher levels of medical can be hours to days away. The situation is often ruled not only by the injury, but also the weather, the terrain, and the distance that must be crossed to get to a hospital. It relies upon the idea that help is available, but it is going to take more effort than just dialing 911.
Guidelines are still there, but they are a little looser. Impaled object can be removed under certain conditions and you are taught to clear a spine for example.

The third window is a survival setting. This whole world is defined by you, as only you are in the situation. As a result only you can make the choices, and you will have to live with the results, what ever they may be. Do you follow the guidelines of your training or do you toss them to the side? Do you attempt a procedure that you have only read about, or do you stick to your scope of practice? Does the patient survive? This is a very gray area. Doing nothing in some cases may be better than something, in other cases it may be worse.

Bottom line is that haveing some training under your belt is a good idea. Know yourself, and be prepared to do what you think you need to when the time comes. Others may judge you later, some for doing nothing, others for doing the wrong thing, but only you know what was the right thing.

My two cents.
Phishi

 

Medical Ignorance

I know that I should have some first aid stuff and the knowledge of how to use it. I'm troubled that if a real emergency came along and I grabbed my first aid kit, I would not really know how to begin providing help or relief--or if I was actually doing harm instead of good for the afflicted person(s).

So, the summary of my medical situation, as it relates to survival, is that I possess way more medical ignorance than meaningful medical knowledge.

I will be undertaking a first aid course of some kind--not yet scheduled--but definitely needed big time!

 

The problem with FA courses or even FA kits for that matter is that they are only meant to get you through a short period until real help arrives. It's my personal opinion that unless a long term SHTF medical course becomes available, short of becoming a doctor or maybe an 18D, most are not going to have the skills to deal with serious trauma over any extended period of time. As independent was we all want to be, there is only so much that can be done with a FAK and no real hospital.

 

First aid course is certainly good idea. Having medical manuals and books is another. Read and learn...If something is unclear, post the question here, ask a local doctor, or google it...

 

Check with your local community college... they normally have Voc-ED courses like EMT training, Ambulance Attendant traning along with some Radac courses that might be of interest.

 

Local Community College

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll go stop by today and see what they have in their catalog of course offerings.

 

I think if TSHTF, I'll just kidnap an entire hospital!
Otherwise,.... I'm screwed!

 

ROFL!...I would kidnap only pretty female doctors and nurses...food lasts longer, and if getting screwed happens, at least I'd be screwed by pretty and knowledgeable chicks!...

 

Then you might need some real antibiotics. Hey, at least they could treat you.

 

I'm making sure that I have Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) This stuff is great for skin problems. cuts,scrapes,scratches, athletes foot, jock itch, etc.

expensive as hell but worth it.

 

Who cares!!! They can treat me 24/7!!!....I just hope they also bring antibiotic cremes, jello, oils and....ummmm...are there antibiotic cuffs or whips? I'm a kinky patient!!!....

 

I am worried about my wife in long term SHTF situation. She has several prescriptions that keep her in good working order. I have her stocking up on inhalers and even plan on getting a few eppi pens. but what do you guys suggest for things like low blood pressure and graves disease?

 

Find your local farm vet they carry supplies on their truck so he can just follow you to a hide with it. If you don't know vets have some dental training. I think many unprepared medical professionals will be very willing to come and stay in a prepared area rather than die.

 

I believe garlic is good for regulating blood pressure(as well as regulating blood sugar levels and for fighting infections), but I wouldn't risk it without doing your own research and consulting a licensed professional, because everyone's body is different and you don't wanna gamble with something so serious as your wife's health.

 

In respect to the expiry of meds and drugs, The military did a longitudinal study on the shelf life and effectiveness of meds, and I know I had references to the paperwork but with my finling system in disarray right now I cant find it.

 

Some tidbits on drug expiration dates:
Drug Expiration Dates — Do They Mean Anything?—The Family Health Guide
When Do Medications Expire - Medication Expiration Dates

More to follow...

 

Thanks, I will need to pick up a few natural medicine books and have her stockpile some spare meds for the transition phase. Thats probabbly about the best anyone can do short of making your own meds.

 

Wilderness first aid or survival first aid comes in two flavors.

1. Help is available. An ambulance and a hospital, or a physician with equipment and medicine can be accessed, even if not immediately.

2. Help is not available. Limited supplies and training may or may not be present immediately, but there is no medical facility or physician/surgeon available at all, ever. This is more of an extreme survival situation or an end-of-the-world scenario.

I don't think people realize how precarious the second flavor is where only the simplest injuries and illnesses are routinely survivable.

 

knowledge is power

Life and, as a consequence to living location, medical care in the so-called third-world is closer to a total collapse of civilization than many here in the US would care to admit - if they have traveled overseas for any length of time..

Paying attention to news stores related to medical issues post-disaster can often yield valuable planning information for the careful prepper.

Knowledge of local plants, their possible medical use in a post-disaster situation may provide a better investment of time and resources than a massive 'kit' which will require some regular attention to ensure the contents remain useful.

BTW - the military study of extended drug expiration dates is extensive and access is limited to folks with both a .mil address and password.