Journal of Special Operations Medicine, Spring 2008, Training Supplement
Abstract
This supplement brings many new and improved additions to the TMEPs and Recommended Drug List. Both references resulted from many hours of analysis, research, and discussion among the USSOCOM Curriculum Evaluation Board (CEB). The unpaid volunteers on this board worked extremely hard to bring these quality products to SOF Medics saving lives today. These protocols and medicines are guidelines for the SOF Medic in the austere environment when the PA or Doc are not available. They are not meant to replace the orders, standing orders, or SOPs of your unit medical direction. We went back and forth on what to call the recommended drug list. At first we called it a formulary. Some asked "if it's a formulary, then that's all I can use - right." Webster defines a formulary as a book listing medicinal substances and formulas. It's not mentioned anywhere that it is a requirement. We also realized that some of the medications are not what you would usually use first line to treat some of the conditions in the TMEPs. The CEB chose the medications for the drug list that are most common on the UALs and AMALs that SOF Medics use today. Some of the lessons learned this year spoke of difficulty loading and unloading vehicles and aircraft. The new RG-33 and RG-31s are examples of vehicles that require practice in loading and unloading. They are about five feet off the ground with not a lot of door clearance. Those that have been using these vehicles understand how crowded it can become inside when it comes time to transport a patient. Practice, Practice, Practice! The litter racks inside of the RG-33 make for a crowded trip and can be difficult to land in the dark. The RG-31 is even smaller and comes with no litter rack. Designation of certain vehicles prior to departure for a mission will make it easier to prepare and place equipment appropriately in your CASEVAC vehicle. You can get a patient on the floor and then with some creative positioning should be able to provide care.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA495461
Entities
Organizations
- Joint Special Operations University