Welcome to the Civilian Medical Podcast episode 078



 



Opening





Brief scenario: "You’re 3miles from the nearest road when your buddy collapses…"

Purpose: Why every outdoorsman should be ready for medical emergencies





Understanding the Off-Grid Medical Reality





EMS might be 30+ minutes to several hours away

No cell service, limited supplies

Weather concerns

Importance of self-reliance and scene control



Right gear, right training









Medical Emergencies Off-Grid



Walk through common emergencies using simple terms and practical examples:



Bleeding & Trauma (gunshots, falls, knife injuries)

Broken Bones & Sprains (tree stand falls, uneven ground)

Hypothermia & Heat Stroke (seasonal threats)

Chest Pain / Cardiac Arrest

Allergic Reactions (bee stings, food, meds)





First-Line Response Principles



What to do in the first 10 minutes:



Scene safety and patient assessment (basic AVPU, ABCs)

"MARCH" acronym in trauma care stands for Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, and Hypothermia/Head injuryWhen and how to move someone vs. stay put

Basic splinting) once life threats have been addressed





What to Carry: The Essential Off-Grid First Aid Kit





Tourniquet (TQ) — and why it's a must-have

Hemostatic gauze

CPR mask or face shield

Epinephrine auto-injector (if allergic)

Chest seals (for hunters)

Emergency blanket, SAM splint, gloves, duct tape, fire starter

How to improvise with what you already have



You can build your own or start with a base kit and customize:







Skinny Medic Essentials Kit – includes trauma gear, NPA,



gloves, and more







I-ROK Rugged Outdoor Kit – waterproof, includes burn gel,



CPR mask, antiseptics 1







Condor Small First Aid Kit – compact, includes basics for



everyday use



 



Emergency Communication & Rescue Tips





Satellite phones messengers

Leave a trip plan: when and where you’re going, when you’ll return





Training Resources & Next Steps





Wilderness First Aid (WFA) vs. Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

NOLS classes

Encourage listeners to practice basic skills like applying a tourniquet



 



Plan for August





        Meteorologist



 



 

Ultimate Summer First Aid Kit Checklist

 Trauma & Bleeding Control



CAT or SOF-T Tourniquet – for life-threatening limb bleeds

QuikClot Combat Gauze – hemostatic agent for deep wounds

Israeli or OLAES Pressure Bandage – versatile for bleeding and splinting

Chest Seals (HyFin Vent) – for open chest injuries (e.g., punctures)



 Airway & Breathing



Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) – maintain airway in unconscious individuals

CPR Face Shield or Pocket Mask – safe rescue breathing



Burns, Bites & Environmental



Burn Gel or Burn Dressings – for sunburns, campfire burns, etc.

Sting Relief Wipes or Bite Treatment Packets – for insect bites and stings

Electrolyte Tablets – prevent dehydration in hot weather

Emergency Mylar Blanket – for shock or sudden weather changes



Basic Wound Care



Adhesive Bandages (variety pack) – for cuts, scrapes, blisters

Sterile Gauze Pads & Rolls – for wound dressing and cleaning<b...