Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Welcome to the Civilian Medical Podcast episode 078

 

1. Opening

• Brief scenario: “You’re 3miles from the nearest road when your buddy collapses…”
• Purpose: Why every outdoorsman should be ready for medical emergencies

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

 

6. Emergency Communication & Rescue Tips

• Satellite phones messengers
• Leave a trip plan: when and where you’re going, when you’ll return

7. 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

 

8. 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
• Antiseptic Wipes & Antibiotic Ointment – infection prevention
• Medical Tape – secure dressings
• Tweezers – remove splinters or ticks

 Tools & PPE

• Trauma Shears – cut clothing or gear
• Nitrile Gloves – protect both patient and responder
• Triangle Bandage – sling or wrap
• Elastic Bandage (ACE wrap) – for sprains or compression

 Medications (OTC)

• Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen – pain and inflammation
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – allergic reactions
• Anti-diarrheal (Loperamide) – travel-related stomach issues

 Recommended Kits to Start With

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

 

Medical Gear Outfitters Use Code CIVILIANMEDICAL for 10% off 

 

Skinny Medic – @SkinnyMedic | @skinny_medic | Medical Gear Outfitters

Bobby – @rstantontx | @bobby_wales