I was asked to give an example on what is achievable in a comment on article I wrote. It is a simple premise: set goals for what is possible. In a grid down situation, a level I hospital for quality health care is not possible or practical. The cost to maintain the facility’s staff, energy requirements and medical supplies will not be possible.
So what is possible? The question really includes is what is practical? Surgeons and medical staff will not be available in rural settings. A clinic with a doctor, nurse(s) and supplies would be achievable. If you planned ahead to have a facility, staff and supplies.
Let’s look at options with a SHTF scenario:
- No planning before the event. That means no medical care or a startup clinic with limited supplies and medicine. People will die from minor injuries.
- Minimal planning. One or more small clinics with a small medical staff, medicine and a small electrical footprint. I never thought about how important lighting was for medical procedures until Dr. Ley did his presentations at our PATCON. Presentation and Q&A. Insulin requires refrigeration and although medicine lasts longer than its expiration date, it does expire and degrade. In some cases, it can become toxic.
- Community Hospital. I just don’t see higher end medical care in a grid down situation. To try to maintain a hospital under these conditions is just setting your community up to fail. People will have a hard enough time finding food.
- Level I hospital, teaching hospital and/or research hospitals. Not possible without a large government sponsorship in the area.
The above examples are broad; overlap between the four cases are possible. My point is that communities should be looking at option 2 above. It is achievable, will save lives and will bring communities together. Anything that enhances communities in the future is a win and each “success” encourages more successes.
Our government has degraded our culture so that we fight each other and our efforts are divided. And that is how a society collapses as we are now seeing. We need to focus our efforts on practical goals and unite our culture to rebuild our society.
David DeGerolamo
100% agree.
A good explanation. As with most things pre planning and a stock of supplies will make a big difference. Yes lighting, and more lighting and then jewelers loupes are really important!
May I suggest, solar power, batteries and high power LEDs. Automotive lighting and inspection cameras are relatively cheap and can be used for some surgeries!
What do the doctors say? Are they prepping? Anyone in contact with them?
I personally know several that are actively getting ready.
Thank you David, that clarifies what is practical and achievable.
I’ve read extensively about field hospitals during the civil war. I think even in rural areas more will be achievable. I believe surgeons with greater skill sets than the civil war will be available and our understanding of hygiene and infection is much clearer than during the civil war. Tens of thousands of amputees survived those butcher shops. I believe our situation will be better than what SELCO experienced. Most parts of Yugoslavia was in better shape than what he experienced.
Dana
1800’s surgeries were done outside in sunlight, patients were told beforehand “if it’s cloudy, don’t come.”
Largely, older and retired medics, MDs DOs and DVMs are going to be far more valuable than the young ones (and easier to find in rural areas)…Modern medical schools focus on the practice of medicine using modern equipment like lasers and cameras, where more primitive surgery and non-surgical methods like complex splints would be extensively practiced by older medical professionals…even better would be veterans with combat experience and patience to teach.
About ten years ago, I bought a complete combat medic bag with all the bells and whistles. I didn’t know how to use much of what it contained, but my thinking was that there would be someone (EMT, nurse, doctor) around, who would. Since then I’ve learned to run an IV, stitch a wound, and use most of the contents. That said, I’m no doctor. Heck, I’m not even a nurse or EMT. Pity the poor soul I have to ‘help’. Lowered expectations now will likely reduce levels of despair later. Thanks, David, for pointing this out.