Re: RE: MDs for field amputations/abgl-response

[<copterrn@bellsouth.net>]

Dr. Romig,

I am interested in your opinion on this thread about training field personnel to provide amputations.

Being deeply involved with trauma care at our trauma center, I have an opinion, but am presently biting my electronic tongue.

>From a physician perspective, what is your take on this complex and complication ridden task being provided by RNs and paramedics?

Awaiting your response!

David Summers RN, CEN, CFRN, EMT-P
Peds Trauma Coordinator
West Palm Beach- FL
> 
> From: "Laurie A. Romig, MD" <laurie.romig@verizon.net>
> Date: 2002/06/16 Sun AM 11:44:58 EDT
> To: <flightmed@flightweb.com>
> Subject: RE: MDs for field amputations/abgl-response
> 
> And here I was, trying to figure out why goat ropes put people at such high
> risk for emergency amputation.... :-)
> 
> We would also fly one of our trauma surgeons out to the scene, but I don't
> think that we have any organized plan or equipment for it. We would probably
> just manage with our usual selection of meds, unless the doc happened to
> grab some of his favorites on the way out the door.
> 
> Laurie Romig, MD
> Bayflite, St. Pete, FL
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: flightmed-admin@flightweb.com
> > [mailto:flightmed-admin@flightweb.com]On Behalf Of David Steele
> > Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2002 11:02 PM
> > To: flightmed@flightweb.com
> > Subject: Re: MDs for field amputations/abgl-response
> >
> >
> > The last amputation that was done on our freeway system was done I believe
> > with a standard hacksaw by an ED doc.  The accident was a few minutes away
> > from the level one trauma center.  The first doc on the scene was
> > to big to
> > get into the compartment so they had to get the smallest doc on duty to go
> > to the scene...
> >
> > Now I am in no way advocating training to do amputations in the field.  It
> > would be one of those procedures that you wouldn't do enough of to stay
> > current in.  However I don't believe by going to med school
> > qualifies you to
> > do a amputation either.  I have always said you could train anyone to do
> > procedures in our industry and this isn't any different.  We could be
> > trained to do this.  It would be an emergent procedure, Life saving
> > procedure, you surely wouldn't worry about your stump closure..
> > Who do you
> > think did them during Vietnam??  talk with some of those hero's in the
> > field.  I can guarantee you they weren't physicians...
> >
> > So now that we know we can do them..  should we.....  Again..  I think it
> > boils down to can you stay current in the procedure..  or in your training
> > and what is the industry standard.  I don't think you probably could stay
> > current, nor is the industry standard to let aeromedical crews (RN,Medics)
> > do amputations in fields (that I am aware of).
> >
> > Now to the question.
> >
> > We don't have a procedure at our program either.  I am also sure
> > it would be
> > a goat rope (new term for me)..  We probably would fly to one of
> > our level 1
> > trauma centers and pick up a ED doc a minute away (airport based service)
> > and proceed to scene.  They would be responsible to bring their own
> > craftsman tools.
> >
> > David Steele
> > email   dsteele1@mn.rr.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Flightmed mailing list
> > To unsubscribe or change your email address, go to
> > http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/flightmed
> >
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Flightmed mailing list
> To unsubscribe or change your email address, go to http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/flightmed
> 
> 


_______________________________________________
Flightmed mailing list
To unsubscribe or change your email address, go to http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/flightmed