Wilderness Medicine Updates Ep. 1 - Fentanyl on the Ski Hill?
Jan 24, 2023
Discover the innovative use of intranasal fentanyl for treating acute pain on ski slopes. The discussion delves into its safety and effectiveness, especially for injured skiers needing quick relief. You'll learn about the protocols ski patrollers follow and the challenges they face in outdoor medicine. The podcast also highlights the growing trend of adopting advanced pain management strategies in wilderness settings, making mountain rescues safer and more efficient.
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Intranasal Route Suits Cold, Remote Care
- Intranasal fentanyl avoids needles and IV access, making it ideal for cold or difficult environments like ski hills.
- Studies suggest comparable efficacy to IM/IV opioids while simplifying field analgesia logistics.
Get Protocols And Physician Oversight
- Train lower-level providers under a special protocol with online physician oversight before allowing IN fentanyl on patrols.
- Obtain regulatory approval and standardize dosing charts and radio contact for each administration.
Respect Nasal Volume And Atomizer Loss
- Use a nasal atomizer and respect volume limits: roughly 0.5 mL per nostril to avoid runoff and poor absorption.
- Account for atomizer dead-space by drawing an extra 0.1 mL to ensure full delivered dose.