Extreme Medical Training

Mental health is just as important as physical health....

If you see the signs in your family, friends or employee’s, as RUOK mate.

Not to be recommended: Use of Knives and Multitools to Perform a Cadaveric Limb Amputation
Baker RA, Worth K, Pourrajabi N, Martin J, Mitchell S, Baker S. 22(1). 71 - 75. (Journal Article)
ABSTRACT

Background: An austere field amputation can be a life-saving procedure for an entrapped patient when standard equipment is not available or operable. The objective of this study was to use hand tools to perform cadaveric amputations in < 2 minutes. Methods: Timed guillotine amputation of the extremities on three cadavers was attempted using four available hand tools: a multitool, a rescue tool, a hunting knife, and a fixedblade knife. The primary outcome was successful amputation of the extremity in < 2 minutes. Results: Amputation success was different among the tools. The multitool amputated 78% of attempts; the hunting knife, 67%; the rescue knife, 56%; and the fixed-blade knife, 44%. The distal tibia/fibula and radius/ ulna were amputated successfully in 100% of attempts, whereas none of the tools could amputate the femur. The multitool received the best subjective ranking - 1.4 (p = .001) - by amputators, with the fixed-blade knife receiving the worst score. Conclusions: In the rare circumstance that an emergent field amputation requires a hand tool, the multitool is a capable instrument for a distal extremity amputation.

Engaging with elder and wiser members of the community to gain an insight to local custom. In 2014 Jerry was allowed the privilege to visit a traditional healer and discuss the local healthcare system that he was developing for the local community. As part of his MPhil field data study Jerry used local and traditional traditions to develop a picture based education system.