Welcome to the Civilian Medical Podcast episode 078
Opening
Brief scenario: "You’re 3miles from the nearest road when your buddy collapses…"
Purpose: Why every outdoorsman should be ready for medical emergencies
Understanding the Off-Grid Medical Reality
EMS might be 30+ minutes to several hours away
No cell service, limited supplies
Weather concerns
Importance of self-reliance and scene control
Right gear, right training
Medical Emergencies Off-Grid
Walk through common emergencies using simple terms and practical examples:
Bleeding & Trauma (gunshots, falls, knife injuries)
Broken Bones & Sprains (tree stand falls, uneven ground)
Hypothermia & Heat Stroke (seasonal threats)
Chest Pain / Cardiac Arrest
Allergic Reactions (bee stings, food, meds)
First-Line Response Principles
What to do in the first 10 minutes:
Scene safety and patient assessment (basic AVPU, ABCs)
"MARCH" acronym in trauma care stands for Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, and Hypothermia/Head injuryWhen and how to move someone vs. stay put
Basic splinting) once life threats have been addressed
What to Carry: The Essential Off-Grid First Aid Kit
Tourniquet (TQ) — and why it's a must-have
Hemostatic gauze
CPR mask or face shield
Epinephrine auto-injector (if allergic)
Chest seals (for hunters)
Emergency blanket, SAM splint, gloves, duct tape, fire starter
How to improvise with what you already have
You can build your own or start with a base kit and customize:
Skinny Medic Essentials Kit – includes trauma gear, NPA,
gloves, and more
I-ROK Rugged Outdoor Kit – waterproof, includes burn gel,
CPR mask, antiseptics 1
Condor Small First Aid Kit – compact, includes basics for
everyday use
Emergency Communication & Rescue Tips
Satellite phones messengers
Leave a trip plan: when and where you’re going, when you’ll return
Training Resources & Next Steps
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) vs. Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
NOLS classes
Encourage listeners to practice basic skills like applying a tourniquet
Plan for August
Meteorologist
Ultimate Summer First Aid Kit Checklist
Trauma & Bleeding Control
CAT or SOF-T Tourniquet – for life-threatening limb bleeds
QuikClot Combat Gauze – hemostatic agent for deep wounds
Israeli or OLAES Pressure Bandage – versatile for bleeding and splinting
Chest Seals (HyFin Vent) – for open chest injuries (e.g., punctures)
Airway & Breathing
Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) – maintain airway in unconscious individuals
CPR Face Shield or Pocket Mask – safe rescue breathing
Burns, Bites & Environmental
Burn Gel or Burn Dressings – for sunburns, campfire burns, etc.
Sting Relief Wipes or Bite Treatment Packets – for insect bites and stings
Electrolyte Tablets – prevent dehydration in hot weather
Emergency Mylar Blanket – for shock or sudden weather changes
Basic Wound Care
Adhesive Bandages (variety pack) – for cuts, scrapes, blisters
Sterile Gauze Pads & Rolls – for wound dressing and cleaning
Show more...
