The Value of Medical Training During SHTF

In any prepper group, the ability to address medical emergencies is crucial for long-term survival, especially when professional medical care might not be readily available.

MEDICAL

8/23/20249 min read

two female doctors celebrating and toasting during shtf on a Coronet Magazine cover

Inviting Doctors, EMTs, and Veterinarians into Your Prepper Group: A Lifesaving Strategy

In any prepper group, the ability to address medical emergencies is crucial for long-term survival, especially when professional medical care might not be readily available. One of the most effective ways to enhance your group’s preparedness is by inviting doctors, EMTs, and veterinarians to join. These professionals bring invaluable knowledge and skills that can significantly improve your group’s chances of surviving and thriving in a crisis. Here’s how they can contribute and why their expertise is indispensable.

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I’ve worked with clients who came to me because in the past they found themselves in situations where help was delayed, roads were impassable, and emergency responders were overwhelmed. Disasters happen, almost no one thought the attack on 9/11 would happen, but when it did, we witnessed how overwhelmed responders were. In these critical moments, the difference between life and death often boiled down to a basic set of medical skills: the ability to stop a bleed, recognize signs of shock, or provide CPR. What struck me was how many people didn’t know where to begin, relying entirely on systems that had collapsed under the weight of the unexpected.

Disaster preparedness often focuses on survival from violence, and changes the priority with the times. In the last 5 years the focus and concerns from clients has been 1) defense against civil unrest and 2) financial disaster preparedness. I always emphasize medical prepping, which has always been about more than just stocking up on medical supplies. It's about knowing how to act decisively when chaos reigns, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of medical response. A kit filled with tourniquets, gauze, and trauma shears is only as useful as the person wielding it. The ability to assess and respond to injuries, stabilize a patient, and understand the basics of human anatomy can be learned, but these skills demand hands-on training from experienced professionals. Doctors, paramedics, and EMTs are uniquely equipped to teach the real-world applications of these techniques, bridging the gap between textbook knowledge and practical execution.

Consider this: during a disaster, professional medical care might not arrive for hours, even days. In those moments, the person standing next to you becomes your first responder. Are they prepared to save a life? Are you? Learning from seasoned professionals isn’t just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about understanding the gravity of what’s at stake. Training sessions led by doctors or EMTs bring the intensity of real emergencies into focus. These experts carry stories of triage in chaos, of lives saved and lost, and of split-second decisions that echo for a lifetime. Their lessons come not just from theory but from practice, offering invaluable insights into what works when the clock is ticking.

Learning medical skills is also a discipline of muscle memory. The precise way to compress a chest for CPR, the feel of a proper tourniquet application, the sequence for assessing a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation—these are not things you want to think about for the first time when someone’s life depends on your actions. Professional instruction ensures that these skills are drilled into reflexes, turning knowledge into instinct. Repetition under the watchful eyes of experts reinforces confidence, so when the time comes, hesitation doesn’t cost lives.

The psychology of medical training from professionals is equally vital. Disasters bring stress and panic that should be mitigated, which can paralyze even the most well-intentioned bystanders. Professionals train you not just in technique but in mindset—how to remain calm under pressure, how to prioritize multiple injuries, and how to work within the constraints of a less-than-ideal environment. They instill the discipline to take decisive action, focusing on what can be done with the tools and knowledge at hand. They don’t just teach first aid; they teach leadership in crisis. And in any SHTF community, each person should be trained to take on a leadership role, similarly to the way military structures their replacement of commanding officers during incapacitation.

The importance of learning medical skills becomes even clearer when you realize that disasters don’t discriminate. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and man-made crises all strike without regard for convenience or readiness. The skills you acquire today could save your child, your spouse, your friend, or a complete stranger tomorrow. These moments aren’t hypothetical. They’re as real as the professionals who’ve seen them unfold and as crucial as the decisions you’ll make in their wake, and believe me, when bad come knocking, and they will, you and your group need a plan to stop bad guys from attacking during disasters.

Training under the guidance of seasoned experts is an investment in resilience. It’s about embracing the possibility of disaster and meeting it head-on with preparation and confidence. Learn from those who have been there, who have faced the worst and come out on the other side with the knowledge that saves lives. When you take their lessons to heart, you’re not just preparing for a disaster—you’re preparing to be the person others look to when everything else falls apart.

1. Teaching Life-Saving Techniques

Doctors and EMTs are trained in life-saving techniques that can make the difference between life and death in a critical situation. By bringing them into your prepper group, you can ensure that all members are equipped with the knowledge to handle emergencies effectively.

Key Life-Saving Skills They Can Teach:

CPR and AED Use: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are essential skills for responding to cardiac arrests. These professionals can provide hands-on training, ensuring that your group can act quickly and confidently in such scenarios.
Basic First Aid: Knowing how to properly treat burns, cuts, fractures, and other injuries is fundamental. Doctors and EMTs can offer comprehensive first aid training, covering everything from wound care to splinting and bandaging techniques.
Choking and Airway Management: Learning how to clear blocked airways and manage breathing difficulties is critical. These experts can teach your group techniques such as the Heimlich maneuver and how to use airway adjuncts.

2. Infection Prevention and Control

In a long-term survival scenario, infections can pose a significant threat, particularly when access to antibiotics and professional healthcare is limited. Preventing infections before they start is far more manageable than treating them after they’ve set in.

Infection Prevention Strategies They Can Share:

Wound Cleaning and Sterilization: Proper wound care is essential to prevent infections. Medical professionals can demonstrate the correct techniques for cleaning and dressing wounds to minimize the risk of infection.
Sanitation and Hygiene Practices: Maintaining good hygiene is crucial in a survival situation. Doctors and EMTs can educate your group on effective sanitation practices, such as proper handwashing, waste disposal, and the importance of clean water.
Recognizing Early Signs of Infection: Identifying infections early can prevent them from becoming life-threatening. These professionals can teach your group how to recognize the symptoms of infections and how to respond appropriately.

3. Stopping Bleeding and Managing Trauma

In any survival situation, injuries resulting in significant blood loss can be deadly if not managed swiftly. Stopping bleeding and managing trauma is an area where EMTs, doctors, and even veterinarians (for both humans and animals) excel.

Trauma Management Skills They Can Impart:

Tourniquet Application: Learning how to properly apply a tourniquet is a critical skill for stopping severe bleeding, especially from limbs. EMTs and doctors can provide hands-on training in this technique, ensuring that your group can act decisively in emergencies.
Pressure Dressings and Hemostatic Agents: These professionals can teach your group how to use pressure dressings and hemostatic agents (like QuikClot) to control bleeding from wounds.
Stabilizing Fractures and Dislocations: Managing broken bones and dislocations is crucial to prevent further injury. Training in splinting techniques and immobilization can help your group members provide the necessary care until professional help is available.

4. Veterinary Care for Pets and Livestock

For many prepper groups, pets and livestock are vital members of the community. In a survival scenario, ensuring their health and well-being is just as important as caring for human members. Veterinarians bring specialized knowledge in animal care that is invaluable.

Veterinary Skills They Can Share:

Basic Animal First Aid: Just like humans, animals can suffer from injuries and illnesses. Veterinarians can teach your group how to administer basic first aid to pets and livestock, including wound care, splinting, and managing common illnesses.
Animal CPR: In emergency situations, knowing how to perform CPR on animals can save your pet’s life. Veterinarians can provide training in this specialized skill.
Nutrition and Health Maintenance: Maintaining the health of your animals is crucial in a survival situation. Veterinarians can offer guidance on proper nutrition, disease prevention, and overall health management for both pets and livestock.

5. Developing a Medical Preparedness Plan

Beyond teaching skills, these professionals can help your group develop a comprehensive medical preparedness plan. This plan would include essential medical supplies, protocols for dealing with various medical emergencies, and strategies for long-term health maintenance.

Components of a Medical Preparedness Plan:

Medical Supply Inventory: Work with these professionals to create a list of essential medical supplies, including first aid kits, medications, and specialized tools like tourniquets and suturing kits.
Emergency Response Protocols: Develop clear protocols for responding to medical emergencies, such as how to handle mass casualty situations, triage procedures, and evacuation plans if needed.
Training and Drills: Regular training sessions and drills can ensure that all group members are familiar with medical protocols and can act effectively in an emergency.

Stocking Up on Medical Supplies: What to Get and What Surgeries Can Be Performed in a Crisis

In a long-term survival situation or during a crisis where medical facilities are overwhelmed or inaccessible, having the right medical supplies and understanding what can be done with limited equipment can be the difference between life and death. While gathering food, water, and other essentials is a priority, prepping your medical kit with the right tools, supplies, and medications is just as crucial. This article will cover how to stock up on medical supplies, what types of supplies to prioritize, and what kinds of surgeries or medical procedures can realistically be performed with limited resources.

Essential Medical Supplies to Stockpile

A well-prepared medical kit should go beyond just basic first aid items. Here are categories of supplies that you should consider stocking up on:

First Aid Basics For Urban and Rural Preppers

Bandages and Dressings: Include a variety of sizes and types (sterile gauze pads, adhesive bandages, non-stick pads, etc.) for wound care.
Antiseptics: Stock hydrogen peroxide, alcohol wipes, iodine, and antibiotic ointments (e.g., Neosporin) to clean wounds and prevent infection.
Medical Tape and Wraps: Cloth tape, elastic wraps, and self-adhering bandages are useful for securing dressings and providing support for sprains or fractures.

Bleeding Control Supplies

Tourniquets: A must-have for stopping severe arterial bleeding.
Hemostatic Agents: QuikClot or Celox are vital for managing heavy bleeding in wounds.
Pressure Dressings: Emergency trauma dressings, like the Israeli bandage, are ideal for controlling severe bleeding.

Infection Control and Wound Care

Sutures and Steri-Strips: For closing deeper wounds that can’t be managed with bandages alone.
Scalpels and Surgical Blades: Useful for performing minor surgical procedures or cleaning severe wounds.
Gloves and Masks: Nitrile gloves and surgical masks help maintain sterility and prevent cross-contamination.

Medications For Disasters

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatories: Stock over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin.
Antibiotics: Prescription antibiotics (amoxicillin, doxycycline, etc.) are critical in preventing and treating infections. Fish antibiotics are often similar to human versions and are sometimes stocked as an alternative.
Anti-Diarrheal and Rehydration: Include loperamide (Imodium) and oral rehydration salts to treat dehydration from gastrointestinal issues.

Trauma and Splinting Supplies

SAM Splints: Lightweight and versatile for stabilizing fractures.
Triangle Bandages: Can be used as slings or improvised tourniquets.
Chest Seals: For treating penetrating chest wounds to prevent pneumothorax.

Advanced Medical Tools

IV Kits and Fluids: If your group includes someone trained in administering IVs, saline or lactated ringers can be lifesaving for dehydration or shock.
Blood Pressure Cuff and Stethoscope: Vital for monitoring patient vitals during emergencies.
Oxygen Supplies: Portable oxygen tanks and masks, if accessible, can be critical for respiratory distress.

Types of Surgeries and Medical Procedures That Can Be Performed with Limited Equipment

In a survival scenario, complex surgeries requiring specialized tools and sterile environments are not always feasible. However, some essential surgeries and medical procedures can be performed by trained doctors or surgeons with the right supplies and knowledge. Here are some examples:

1. Wound Debridement and Suturing

Debridement: Removing dead tissue from wounds to prevent infection is a crucial procedure. Scalpels, sterile saline, and forceps are typically needed.
Suturing: Deep lacerations that can’t be managed with adhesives or bandages need sutures. Having a suturing kit with needles and sutures is essential.

2. Incision and Drainage of Abscesses

Abscesses can become life-threatening if not treated. With a scalpel, antiseptic solution, and proper drainage techniques, a doctor can relieve the pressure and infection, potentially saving a life.

3. Treating Fractures and Dislocations

While complex fractures might require surgery, many fractures can be managed with splints, traction, and immobilization. Closed reduction (manipulating bones without cutting into the skin) is possible for trained professionals.

4. Minor Amputations

In extreme cases, like severe infections or gangrene, minor amputations might be necessary to save a life. A skilled surgeon could perform such a procedure with minimal tools (scalpel, bone saw, sutures) and proper sterilization techniques.

5. Cesarean Section (C-Section)

A last-resort emergency C-section could be performed if natural childbirth isn’t possible and threatens the life of both mother and child. While this is a major surgery, some doctors could attempt it with basic surgical tools and adequate knowledge.

6. Chest Tube Insertion

In the event of a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), a trained medical professional can insert a chest tube to re-inflate the lung. This requires a tube, a scalpel, and a one-way valve (like a Heimlich valve).

Challenges of Performing Surgeries in Austere Conditions

Performing surgeries and advanced medical procedures in non-sterile environments carries significant risks:

Risk of Infection: Without proper sterilization, post-operative infections can be life-threatening.
Limited Pain Management: Pain management options are often limited to OTC medications and basic anesthetics, increasing the trauma of the procedure.
Lack of Proper Equipment: Advanced procedures often require specialized tools not commonly found in most prepper kits.
Skill and Knowledge: Even with supplies, these procedures require highly trained individuals to be performed successfully.