Survival and Austere Medicine
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.
Be prepared for any situation with this comprehensive guide.