Become a Backcountry Medic

How to become a back country medic

The Need:

Just like in D&D every group of Adventures needs it medic. Someone who has some medical experience to handle situations. If you are reading this, that means it’s you.

The truth of the matter is most of the time as the group "medic" you will be stuck mending to blisters, scrapes, and the occasional dehydration but every once in a while, you get something serious. I am writing this so when everyone and their mother is freaking out, you will know what to do and lead your team to victory. 

The problem with outdoor recreation is that when something bad happens, more times then not, you are in a rural environment, Far from any help and on top of that, your environment it self will contribute to the escalation of a situation. 

  If you have spent any amount of time in the back country, you know that injuries are bound to happen, it’s just a matter of time. The big question is, “when it happens will you know what to do”? that is why I am writing this.

Read some books:

The thing about wilderness medicine is this... out there when lives are on the line, it doesn't what certification someone does or doesn't hold, what really matters is who has the skills and knowlege to get someone out alive. That being said, the best thing you can for yourself and your friends is to read some good books and practice some of the tecniques that might save your lives one day.

Here is my recommend reading list and links where you can buy them:

(my personal reading list) 

The field guide of wilderness & Rescue Medicine:

A carry-on to bring with you on backpacking, for reference

       Nols wilderness first aid:

       an inexpensive basic first aid book

      Outward bound wilderness first-aid handbook:

      Wilderness medical associates texboot for their WFA course 

     Prehospital Emergency care (10^th):
     The best EMT-B text book out there! :)

Take a class:

I would highly recommend taking a class or to gain some medical skills. Wilderness medical associates international hold a number of courses as well as you local collages:

WFA - Wilderness first aid:

-Everything you need for blister care and simple bandaging

WAFA - WIlderness Advance first Aid

-blood control and minor medications

EMT - Emergency medical tecnition (you can find anywhere)

-What ambulance worker have

WEMT- wilderness EMT

-EMTwith a wilderness specialty

ALS - Paramedic

-The highest level of pre-hospital care

WALS - Wilderness Paramedic

-Paramedic with wilderness skills

Buy your own jump bag:

 I highly recommend that you keep a fully stocked "jump bag" in your personal vehicle if you your groups "back country medic". your group will depend, no expect to have all of the proper materials to treat your crew in advent of an incident. this partuclare "Jump bag" cost's 349.99 and is the exact same one that I use when I work at the fire department, wither I am riding an ambulance  or fire engines. Here is the sad truth, majority of the time we rarely use anything in the ambulance, most of what we need to keep a person alive is already in this bag, the ambulance is usually just a high paid taxi. Everything you need to treat a patient is already in this bag, with the exception of a oxygen container, you need to see a doctor to get a prescription for that. 

Turn you primary care doctor into you Medical director:

Next time that you go see you doctor, share with him about your outdoor recreation and your role as the group medic. If the conversation goes well, see if he will authorize you to use medications that you are trained to use, like oxygen and epinephran. He might be willing to even write you a prescription for all the drugs, vaccinations, and supplies you need.  

Disclaimer

I do not own any right to materials, brands, or content other that that in which I have created. All borrowed knowledge and resources belong to their prospective owners and will be treated with respect and given proper credit .  

Almost all of my content contain affiliate links which serve to help both you and I. The affiliation links allow me to fund my writing and quickly link you to products and services that you might need or find useful in your adventures.

If there is any offensive content, know that is not my intent; for that I anthologize before hand. That being said, I don’t really care. PS: I am having fun. :)