Hugh:
I just want to say “thank you” to this author for such an excellent series. I agree that they are the finest articles I have ever read on SurvivalBlog. As an office-based physician, I do not have the hands-on field experience that will prove so valuable in the future, and I think most physicians are in the same boat. So thanks so much for taking the time to educate all of us. I will read and re-read your articles, as they will save many lives.
Primary Care MD
o o o
Just wanted to add to B.O.’s comment. I’m a former army combat medic, 101st Airborne in 1970 and did 10 years with the Army, ending up as the ward-master of an ICU (NCOIC or sergeant in charge) II picked up EMT while still on active duty (before Paramedics existed). I drove an ambulance until I got my LPN and worked at that while I got my RN. As an RN, I initially worked in ICU and after a few years, switched to ER. I’m now retired with 25 years as an RN. All told, I’ve spent about 45 years in patient care. LEO Medics letters were AWESOME! If I can add anything to this it would be my suggestion that folks frequent their local thrift stores. Keep an eye out for medical braces– knee, wrist, and ankle in particular. They work a lot better than elastic bandages but should be properly sized. It’s also a good idea to have a pair of crutches on hand. They are frequently in thrift stores for $5.00 to $10.00. and cost a lot more than that if purchased new. Properly adjusted, the top pad should be 2-3 inches below the armpit. The hand grip should allow a slight flex in the elbow. I would imagine there are Youtube videos for this and for applying braces. For B.O.s question on thermometers, he might want to consider rectal thermometers. The oral electronic ones work both ways but should be well cleaned after use. I’ll also add that when my dog was ill, I listened to his heart and was shocked by how irregular it was. I thought he was in atrial fibrillation. When I took him to the vet, he laughed and said all nurses get concerned when they listen to their dog’s heart beat and that sinus arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) are normal for dogs. Once again, LEO Medic’s letters were AWESOME, and I feel that might be an understatement. WSB