Preparing for Medical Emergencies Presented by Neil C. Luehring EMT-PARAMEDIC
Then
NOW
Fishing Resume Taught to be a commercial fly tier at 14. Worked in a tackle shop in my early 20s. Tied flies full time for 2 ½ years. Fishing, Fly Tying, and Rod Building Instructor. Part time guide with Angler s s Covey. Started Trout Creek Flies Guide Service with Denny Breer.
Firefighting / EMS Joined CSFD in 1979 EMT Paramedic since 1986 Served as Paramedic Lt. for 10 Years Field Supervisor for 25 Paramedics Liaison with Transport Agency Liaison with Hospital Systems Planning Medical Coverage for Special Events Management of TEMS (Tactical EMS) Team Planning for Dignitary Escorts Purchasing and Maintenance of Medical Equipment Planning and Implementation of Community Health Programs
Firefighting / EMS Past Certifications Include Toxmedic - Hazardous Materials CONTOMS Tactical EMS Certified American Heart Association BLS Instructor.
Preparing for Medical Emergencies Requirements for Guides Developing a Medical Plan Training First Aid Kits
State Regulations Requirements Colorado Guide / Outfitter Regulations Forest Service Permit Requirements Emergency Procedures Plan Orvis Endorsed Operations are required to have First Aid and CPR Training and to have First Aid kits.
Why Write a Medical Plan?
Why Write a Medical Plan? Promotes safety of clients and guides. Clearly defines responsibilities and expectations. Provides for assessment of risks. Provides for assessment of resources. Provides appropriate response to incidents. Addresses liabilities.
Components of a Medical Plan Risk Assessment Identification of Preventative Practices Medical Treatment Guidelines Assessment of EMS Response Follow up Procedures
Risk Assessment Transporting Clients Vehicles Boats Horses Environmental Hazards Weather Conditions Lightning Swift Water Animal / Insect Bites Altitude Risks Inherent to Fly fishing Fish Hooks Injuries Eye Injuries Fall Injuries Food Preparation and Handling Clients with Pre-existing existing Health Issues
Preventative Practices Eye Protection Proper Hygiene Barbless Hooks Safe Wading Practices Ask clients if they have any medical concerns you should be aware of.
Medical Treatment Guidelines Based on Level of Training Scope of Practice You are only allowed to provide treatment consistent with your level of training Good Samaritan Laws provide liability protection. HIPPA Considerations Does not directly apply. Respect the privacy of health information.
Medical Treatment Guidelines Minor Medical Situations Headaches Other Minor Aches or Pains Insect Bites Blisters Minor Bleeding Situations that can be treated on-site but don t require further medical evaluation or treatment.
Medical Treatment Guidelines Non Life-Threatening Situations Lacerations Fractures Hook Removal Sprains / Strains Situations that can be immediately treated on site and require further medical evaluation and treatment. Time is not critical.
Medical Treatment Guidelines Major or Life Threatening Situations Long Falls Anaphylaxis Difficulty Breathing Seizures Diabetic Emergencies Long Bone Fractures Shock Major Bleeding These situations require immediate treatment and initiation of the 911 / EMS System.
Assessment of EMS Response This Should be Done for Each Guiding Venue Telephone Access Land Line Cellular What Agency Responds Estimated Response Time Level Of Care ALS, BLS, EMT, First Responder, etc. Patient Transport Agencies Ground Access Sites Air Designated Landing Sites You may need to move your patient to a landing site.
Medical Facilities Closest Hospital or Clinic Closest Trauma Center
Follow Up Procedures The Outfitter should be notified of any treatment given to clients. Consider documenting treatment given to clients. First Aid Kits need to be restocked and should be checked periodically. Be aware of psychological impacts to those providing care.
Training Basic First Aid Red Cross 3 Year Certification American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid 2 Year Certification CPR Red Cross 1 Year Certification American Heart Association 2 Year Certification Emergency Procedures Plan should be integrated in the training process. Standardize your First Aid Kits and train with them.
CPR? New Guidelines - Chest compressions only Intended for witnessed arrests. Intended for situations where professional rescuers will be there in a few minutes. Rescue breathing should be employed for situations where the CPR is performed for long periods of time. Children still need rescue breathing first.
First Aid Kits Standardize Your Kits A Good Kit Contains Comfort Items Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Sting Relief, Band-Aids, Blister Relief Wound Care Items Adhesive Strips, Gauze Pads, Antiseptic Wipes, Antibiotic Ointment, Body Substance Isolation (BSI) Items Gloves, Antiseptic Hand Cleaner Splinting Supplies Long Bone Splints, Triangular Bandage (Sling), Finger Splints
CPR Barriers First Aid Kits Pocket Mask or Face Shield Emergency Blanket Shears, Tweezers, Etc.
Guide s s First Aid Kit
Pocket First Aid Kit
Psychological Impacts Medical Events are Stressful Situations You are responsible for the well-being of your clients. Preparation is essential. Knowing you were prepared and did all you could is important for your own well-being. Understand that not all outcomes are good.
Questions?
Closing Thoughts. If it s s predictable, it s s preventable. If for no other reason, do it because it s s the right thing to do.