Survival Medical Plan

   Objective   Prepare for injury, illness & medical needs

In the absence of easily obtained medical services, YOU are the doctor. Conditions you may face during a long term crisis can range from simple colds and allergies, to severe illness, injuries, infections, wounds and other injuries that require more than simple first aid knowledge and supplies. Survival medical skills and survival medical supplies deserve high consideration in your plan.

Even short term emergencies lasting only 5 days involving natural or man-made disasters can cut you off from normal medical care or clog the medical response system preventing you from receiving essential care.

Being Prepared
You must consider any special medical needs of specific group members.  Some physicians will be supportive of your preparations and provide extended prescriptions for long term situations that would prevent you from getting to the pharmacy. 

Three Areas of Treatment
Providing self-reliant medical care comes down to three areas: trauma treatment, infection control and foodborne illness.  Trauma treatment involves injuries to the body such as cuts, sprains and fractures.  Infection control is the ability to counter bacterial infections with antibiotics.  Both may require pain management.

Medical References
Even with medical training you will need a library that covers anatomy, medical procedures, evaluation of symptoms, types, dosage and uses of medicines.

Medical Supplies
Even the best commercially available Paramedic Kits on the market are not stocked with all the material and equipment you may need. You and your group could be isolated from normal medical care and may be engaged in physical activities that you are not used to.  Your capability to provide self-reliant medical care, beyond simple first-aid, is essential.  AND you need a sufficient supply of medical equipment, medications and other supplies

Drugs
As you pursue training you will start to understand the need to accumulate not only medical equipment but also a good stock of prescription and non-prescription medicines for survival situations. Properly stored, many medicines can retain their potency for years. 

More than one
While it will be extremely valuable to have one member of your group trained to provide medical attention for life threading situations, even the most competent physician's need a qualified assistant.  So don't put your medical needs all in one basket.  Everyone should have as much medical training as possible.

 

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