Wilderness Medicine Updates Ep. 6 - EMS at the Wilderness Boundary with Dr. Graham Brant-Zawadzki
Apr 4, 2023
Dr. Graham Brant-Zawadzki, an emergency physician and medical director with expertise in EMS and wilderness medicine, shares captivating insights from the frontline. He discusses the unique challenges of managing emergency services at the urban-wilderness boundary, including improvisation and collaboration with various agencies. A thrilling avalanche rescue demonstrates the necessity for adaptability in critical situations. Dr. Brant-Zawadzki also highlights potential career paths in wilderness medicine and the importance of networking and professional interactions for future opportunities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Avalanche Blocks STEMI Transport
- An ambulance with a STEMI patient was blocked by a spontaneous avalanche, turning the call into a wilderness rescue.
- Multi-agency coordination used a toboggan and ski patrol to ferry the patient across the slide and reach the cath lab with minimal delay.
Wilderness Is Situation Not Geography
- Wilderness can be defined by circumstances where resources are overwhelmed by needs rather than geography alone.
- A familiar urban scene can become wilderness in seconds when nature or logistics suddenly limit care and transport.
Write Clear Wilderness Protocols
- Create specific wilderness protocols so crews know when flexibility from urban protocols is allowed.
- Tailor those protocols to local call types so providers don't feel they've failed when standard care isn't practical.