Saturday, February 11, 2012

Most common ailments and treatments in Remote Medicine

   In the practise of Remote and Austere Medicine you will find yourself without a lot of kit, in suboptimal locations, without a great light source, and with rain pelting down from all angles. In this unfortunate situation you will still be required to provide the best medical care that you can. 


   This is some good information given by a doctor practising in Central America. He is one of the coauthors of Remote and Austere Medicine: An Introduction. 


   Below are the results of his experience in the provision of health care in various remote and austere locations. He treated nearly two thousand people over a 15-month period. The record keeping was a bit unreliable at times, but the following summary is reasonably accurate.


The Top 20 injuries:
  1. Minor musculoskeletal injuries (ankle sprains most common)
  2. Upper respiratory tract infections
  3. Allergic reactions/Hay fever/Anaphylactic reactions/Rashes
  4. Minor open wounds
  5. Gastroenteritis/Vomiting/Diarrhoea
  6. Sexual health/Contraceptive problems
  7. Skin infections/Cellulitis
  8. Mental health problems
  9. Dental problems
  10. Abdominal pain (2 confirmed acute appendix + 1 gangrenous gall
    bladder; no cause found. Renal or biliary colic were most common)
  11. Flu/Viral illness
  12. Chest infections
  13. Major musculoskeletal injuries (fractures/dislocations)
  14. Asthma
  15. Ear infections
  16. Urinary tract infections
  17. Chest pain
  18. Syncope/Collapse/Faints
  19. Early pregnancy problems
  20. Burns
Top 12 prescribed drugs:
  1. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
  2. Loratadine (and other assorted antihistamines)
  3. Diclofenac (and other assorted antiinflammatories)
  4. Combined oral contraceptive
  5. Flucloxacillin
  6. Throat lozenges
  7. Augmentin
  8. Loperamide
  9. Nystatin (and other antifungals)
  10. Hydrocortisone cream
  11. Ventolin inhalers
  12. Morphine 


                       excerpt from Survival and Austere Medicine: An Introduction.
                                                      Download it here

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

How to become a Remote Medic

   Many students who come through RMI courses ask this question. There are many pathways to the practice of medicine in remote and austere conditions. Let's discuss a few of the most common options.