ER visit

[BOOMSTICK]

other than those who work in the medical field, do you know what is going on with you when you feel ill on the trail. yesterday I went to the ER for lower back pains. I knew right away it was kidney stones because I have had them before. the guy who was checking me in was asking me questions and I was answering them with medical terms. he then asked me do you work in the medical field.. nope. I read alot of outdoor survival books. he got a good chuckle and continued on with the paperwork.
has anyone tried to know their bones, muscles, nerves, tendons?

 

[the lone gunman]

All I know is after having surgery on my back,both hips, and a broken right femur,all in the last 2 years. That it takes a hell of a long time to get back on track. I still walk like a duck,but lucky to be doing that I guess.

 

[Bushman5]

yea i'm pretty in tune with my body. Have had LOTS of injuries over the years, shoulder dislocates, blown out knees, torn back muscles, lots of concussions, etc etc. I know when my body is protesting or something is not right.

then and again i often push pain aside and ignore it

 

[hikeeba]

I hope you feel better soon, Boomstick.

You were able to recognized your symtoms because you've been through that before. Medical training or not, if a person is experiencing kidney stones for the first time, they may not know what is going on. Even as an EMT, I would not be able to make a definitive diagnosis on myself or on a friend/partner in the woods or on the trail. What would be important is recognizing that something was wrong and needed attention, and taking action. Reading up on conitions and ailments may help give you a general idea of what is going on, but actual experiences will help you even further. That's why EMTs and nurses do clinicals, and docs do residencies.

Don't get me wrong, as I am not knocking you Boomstick. You are ahead of the curve because it sounds like you've taken an interest in first aid. I think the actual rendering care is often overlooked by most outdoors folks. People will spend countless hours assembling a ninja first aid kit, but more often than not will not spend time to take a basic FA course, or even practice bandaging or splinting techniques. Other folks don't even bother, which is scarier yet. I have two friends that I occasionally camp with, and neither one of them bothers with any FA stuff.

Another good point that can be taken away from Boomstick's post is to know enough to turn back if you feel ill. I remember a story here not too long ago about an Eagle Scout who twisted an ankle, and instead of turning back, kept going and ended up getting lost, and ultimately had to be rescued.

 

[EMT_Lee]

I hope you feel better soon, Boomstick.

You were able to recognized your symtoms because you've been through that before. Medical training or not, if a person is experiencing kidney stones for the first time, they may not know what is going on. Even as an EMT, I would not be able to make a definitive diagnosis on myself or on a friend/partner in the woods or on the trail. What would be important is recognizing that something was wrong and needed attention, and taking action. Reading up on conitions and ailments may help give you a general idea of what is going on, but actual experiences will help you even further. That's why EMTs and nurses do clinicals, and docs do residencies.

Don't get me wrong, as I am not knocking you Boomstick. You are ahead of the curve because it sounds like you've taken an interest in first aid. I think the actual rendering care is often overlooked by most outdoors folks. People will spend countless hours assembling a ninja first aid kit, but more often than not will not spend time to take a basic FA course, or even practice bandaging or splinting techniques. Other folks don't even bother, which is scarier yet. I have two friends that I occasionally camp with, and neither one of them bothers with any FA stuff.

Another good point that can be taken away from Boomstick's post is to know enough to turn back if you feel ill. I remember a story here not too long ago about an Eagle Scout who twisted an ankle, and instead of turning back, kept going and ended up getting lost, and ultimately had to be rescued.

I agree. I'm a big one for preaching that anyone who has an interest in the outdoors should, at least, have knowledge of BLS techniques, and practice using them.

 

[BOOMSTICK]

I hope you feel better soon, Boomstick.

You were able to recognized your symtoms because you've been through that before. Medical training or not, if a person is experiencing kidney stones for the first time, they may not know what is going on. Even as an EMT, I would not be able to make a definitive diagnosis on myself or on a friend/partner in the woods or on the trail. What would be important is recognizing that something was wrong and needed attention, and taking action. Reading up on conitions and ailments may help give you a general idea of what is going on, but actual experiences will help you even further. That's why EMTs and nurses do clinicals, and docs do residencies.

Don't get me wrong, as I am not knocking you Boomstick. You are ahead of the curve because it sounds like you've taken an interest in first aid. I think the actual rendering care is often overlooked by most outdoors folks. People will spend countless hours assembling a ninja first aid kit, but more often than not will not spend time to take a basic FA course, or even practice bandaging or splinting techniques. Other folks don't even bother, which is scarier yet. I have two friends that I occasionally camp with, and neither one of them bothers with any FA stuff.

Another good point that can be taken away from Boomstick's post is to know enough to turn back if you feel ill. I remember a story here not too long ago about an Eagle Scout who twisted an ankle, and instead of turning back, kept going and ended up getting lost, and ultimately had to be rescued.

well said. I think since I am home today and really can't do anything I am going to make a list of common injuries and symptoms...

 

[Rob_G]

Given my family's history with medical problems, and my own interest in FA and WOFA, I'm in the same boat as BOOMSTICK, the docs and residents all ask "What part of the field are you in?"

We sometimes disagree with the docs, have to check their work (meds, diagnosis, etc), and have proven them wrong on multiple occasions - I'm not bashing, we understand our limits of understanding, but we've learned that we are odd ducks and need to be a much more integral component of our care.

I've observed that most people have the "It won't happen to me mindset" and the "First Aid isn't sexy enough" mindset.

Which reminds me, I have to go back and refresh these perishable skills.

 

[haggismonger]

I think a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology is every person's responsibility. At the very least, you're able to communicate effectively.

 

[hollowdweller]

I work in the medical field.

 

[stingray4540]

Thanks for posting this Boomer, it reminded me I've been wanting to look into getting some kind of FA training, and I've been wanting to get certified as a lifeguard.

I have a very minimal basic knowledge, and I usually know what's going on with my body, but I'd like to know enough to take care of someone else if needed without making things worse.

 

[PayetteRucker]

I have arthritis in both hips and osgood schlatters in my knees. All I need now is a messed up back... though with all the backpacking I do I think my back muscles and spine are good and strong.

 

[MrCoffee]

Funny I was thinking about this the other day. My wife is in the medical field, so whenever something hurts, I just ask her.... I realized I have next to zero in the way of resources for figuring out my own health issues. No knowledge at all, other then what I have aquired from being injuried. I do have CERT first aid training, but that doesn't teach you squat about taking care of yourself.

But I really should learn.....