The following should be viewed like a checklist to help jump start any tactical medical program to accommodate prolonged field care situations. Most of these concepts are discussed in separate posts and papers but are compiled here specifically to address questions on how to start from scratch. Special equipment acquisition should only be considered after identifying gaps in training, planning and practice. While there are still some gaps which we are working to fill, I hope some of this helps.
Powdered High Strength Calcium Hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)₂) is essential for a medic to keep in the team house or aid station in an austere environment. It can easily be bought, transported and reconstituted for many purposes…
Non-Governmental Organizations, Non-Profits and Volunteers have been providing critical services on the battlefield for millennia. Historically the traditional view of medical care in conflict zones was that the military focused on victory
The Trauma Hemostasis and Oxygenation Research (THOR) Network including the 75th Ranger Regiment, NORNAVSOF, and others have led the way in re-implementing type-O, low titer fresh whole blood far forward with the Ranger type-O Low titer(ROLO) program.
Which burn fluid resuscitation formula is best? Does it really matter?
What can happen if you over resuscitate? Under?
What can cause an increase or decrease in the demand of fluids?
What can you do if you are running out of Lactated Ringers?
As a Lt. Cmmdr. with the U.S. Navy, Dr. Cairns was on duty and a principle responder to the KAL flight that crashed in 1997 in Guam. Dr. Cairns was instrumental in developing the level of preparedness at the Naval Hospital there which received and managed dozens of critical patients in the morning following the crash of the 747.