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Written and Edited by The Remote, Austere, Wilderness and Third World Medicine
Discussion Board Moderators
Date : 2005
Pages : 213
Format : PDF
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Introduction
What is preparedness/survival medicine? Our definition is: "The practice of
medicine in an environment or situation where standard medical care and facilities are
unavailable, often by persons with no formal medical training". This includes medical
care while trekking in third world countries, deep-water ocean sailing, isolated
tramping and trekking, and following a large natural disaster or other catastrophe.
The basic assumption is that trained doctors and hospital care will be unavailable for a
prolonged period of time, and that in addition to providing first aid - definitive
medical care and rehabilitation (if required) will need to be provided. Also the basics
of personal and public hygiene will also need to be considered.
Austere medicine is the provision of medical care without access to modern
investigations or technology.
As is the case with any aspects of preparedness you need to decide what you are
preparing for and plan accordingly. For some it will only be a 72-hour crisis, for
others it will be a major long-term event, and for yet others a multiple generation
scenario. Your medical preparations will need to reflect your own risk assessments in
terms of what knowledge and skills you develop and what
supplies/equipment/medicines you store. This book is more slanted towards
preparation for medium to longer term disasters. But most of the included information
is applicable to shorter situations as well.
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