OTC Pain Management for Remote Areas

   Casualties found in wilderness and remote locations have two main complaints: Thirst and Pain.
How would you as a Remote Medic deal with both of these issues? How can you provide pain management if you are not a doctor and only have access to Over The Counter medications?

Anaphylaxis and Asthmatic management in Remote Areas

   Anaphylaxis is rare enough even in civilian and city based environments but in remote areas there will not be a doctor around to administer helpful drugs. As a Remote Medic it is important to have the skills, training and kit on hand to deal with anaphylaxis and asthmatic illnesses.  

Tactical Emergency Medicine for Operations

This past weekend saw the first TEMO course run for the Irish Defence Forces. The course ran over three days and offered Tactical Combat Casualty Care curriculum for the troops. The TCCC was designed by Dr. John Hagmann and the US military in the mid ninety's. 

Diploma of Remote Medical Practice

   RMI has been negotiating with Middlesex University to grant a Diploma for the wilderness and remote courses. Currently, we are still discussing terms, conditions and pricing but it looks like things will fall into place.
   The structure of the diploma will follow the WEFR/REMT courses and hopefully allow for clinical placements in Dublin, London or Croatia. Those details will emerge later in 2012. The basis of the diploma is outlined below.

The importance of the Pain Scale

   Using your medical assessment skills in remote areas can be challenging. You are limited to what kit you have available and often find yourself with not much more than just your wits and training to deal with traumatic injuries.

Pelvic Fractures in Remote Areas

   For those who enjoy extreme sports such as rock climbing, mountain biking, abseiling, parachuting, paragliding and mountaineering the rewards far outweigh the risks. Still the risks for major injuries are ever present.
   This week we are going to focus on injuries to the pelvis.

How to use Steri Strips

   In a remote setting minor cuts and lacerations can be a huge nuisance or worse transform into a major illness. Having the skills and toys available to clean and close minor cuts can be a benefit for expedition medics.
   Steri Strips, Benzoin Tincture and a Tegaderm dressing can be your best friend.

   *WARNING*
   This blog is not a substitute for treatment from a doctor. If you have a cut DO NOT try this unless you are trained to at least the Wilderness Emergency First Responder level AND unless you are in a Remote & Austere environment!

   Let me introduce you to the Wound Pack.