Diver Medic Field Operations

Book excerpt: Diver Medic Field Operations: A Practical Guide is just that, a practical guide. This text has been written to provide trained Diver Medics with a reference guide to care for individuals in need of not only emergency care but also many of the non-emergent clinical medical issues that arise in remote locations. It is assumed that the medics utilizing this material are trained to a level of at least emergency medical technician or equivalent and are properly supplied and equipped. This is not a survival or 'do-it-yourself' manual. Rather it is a combination of several fields of medicine and treatment regiments that would apply to the Diver Medic's skill set in an isolated area. In many cases, the Diver Medic working in the remote areas of the world, isolated from definitive healthcare facilities or advanced emergency medical services, may be the only source of healthcare for those in his or her charge. As such, their medical mission will not be limited to providing just emergency care to those critically ill or injured. It will also involve dealing with common medical issues that are experienced on a day-to-day basis. The working environment could be an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico or the North Sea, an isolated installation in the Middle East, or a saturation habitat stored at 1000 fsw (300+meters). Not ideal conditions by any means. Evacuation or advanced assistance can be hours, if not days away. The information contained in this book is a presented in a straight forward, nuts-and-bolts way. The clinical issues are formatted in a, 'what it is, what causes it, what are the signs and symptoms, and how do we treat it' manner for ease of use. It is sincerely hoped that this practical guide will find its way into every Diver Medic's kit. and make life a little easier along the way.