Field Medicine

I would like to tap into the vast wealth of knowledge form the 18D's and up on what type of medication you prefer to deploy with or attain in theatre.

1. Antibiotics

2. Pain MGMT

I would like to get away from the normal stuff , like Cipro and Toradol. I am looking for what you never leave home without type stuff.

TG

I did search first but if this has been discussed before, first I apologize, second I would appreciate an azimuth correction.

[Red Flag 1]

if it was worth saying, it would have been quoted.

RF 1

thanks...I guess I was looking for medics favorites kind of thing. I should caviat that I am a paramedic, I was just wondering if there were some meds out there that they just could not live without. Either theatre would be fine...Iraq or Afg. Just picking brains. Thank you for the azimuth.

Tommy

[Eagle5US]

I am going to dispense with the obvious answers regarding mission dependence, AO, duration of anticipated patient care vs MEDEVAC capability and pt population....and back up to some even MORE basic information.

Your first constraint will be your level of training. What you are "allowed" to both bring and dispense IAW your formal training and level of credentialing. I see nothing in your profile that would indicate your ability to provide prescription medications (though your profile is not specific regarding your qualification level).

Outside of that, understand that your EMT-P skill set and your mil skill set are two different animals and controlled by two completely separate entities. As Combat Lifesavers and Medics cannot start IV fluids on the civilian population, unless you are cleared from some higher medical authority regarding local EMS protocols on military members, your EMT-P skills are wasted on the mil population.

There is always...yes ALWAYS... a person or office that is signing off on what you can and cannot give - from Aspirin to Zantac and everything in between. Even as an ER Trained PA I have someone who says "you are authorized to give this, not authorized to give that". So does my physician boss.

Even OTC Meds...it is very VERY different is someone buys their own tylenol and takes it, vs YOU giving them the same tylenol. Why? because YOU and whoever is over you is now responsible.

Realize also...EXPOSURE to a medication in a training environment DOES NOT EQUATE to authorization to PRESCRIBE the medication.

Perhaps you want to re-think your question and / or provide some additional information regarding your level of training.

One last thing - if stuff works, like Cipro and Toradol...why get away from it? Just because it is exotic or expensive doesn't mean it is any more effective. And yes, even PCN is still prescribed. Why, because it works.

Eagle

Roger Sir,
I appreciate the response. I will rethink my question and provide more details. I am a state certified EMT-P and a Combat Medic who has given prescription Medicine in both envorioments, I did not mean to demean the current usage of medication, I was just looking to see what was the preferred meds out there. I apologize for my lack of writing skills.

TG

When I saw that you had responded, my first thought was...UH-OH

[Eagle5US]

Originally Posted by TommyGun

Roger Sir,
I appreciate the response. I will rethink my question and provide more details. I am a state certified EMT-P and a Combat Medic who has given prescription Medicine in both envorioments, I did not mean to demean the current usage of medication, I was just looking to see what was the preferred meds out there. I apologize for my lack of writing skills.

TG

When I saw that you had responded, my first thought was...UH-OH

Not at all...
but you should know as a CBT Medic....you can't give prescription nothin without a memo on file from your immediate medical authority.

Nicely done on obtaining your EMT-P....but again....you are only authorized to use those skills (and meds) within the limits of your State EMS regulatory entity and in the capacity that there is SOMEONE who is covering your actions to the level of your training.

Of course, I know I am only stating what you already know...

Eagle

Roger Sir I copy all the way,

I will try another stab at this.

As a 18D is there or are there certain meds you always make sure you have in your bag, such the obvious "Ranger candy"-Motrin? Maybe even go so far as do you have a standard vs favorite antibiotic for GSW?

Another note when I was in Iraq the Doc (with C CO 25th INF) I ran all my procedures through informed me that they had performed a study there in Kirkuk in regards to the dosage of Cipro for "Saddam's revenge", the study results showed that a one time dosage of 1000 mg vs the 500 mg BID for 5-7days. The one time dosage seemed to knock it out...

I was just wanting to see if the 18D's had a certain go to war pack they favored.

Again I appreciate any and education I get from you guys.

TG

p.s. I will update my profile to include more details.

[Eagle5US]

Better stated.
Aid Bag does have some good information regarding your question.
Good luck

Eagle