Posts by Natalie Bonthius

Student’s Question: In a few weeks, I am going on a cross-country road trip with three other friends. I am constructing the first aid kit. Is there anything I should add/omit? Survival Med’s Answer: Considering your destinations and activities, we would suggest adding the following items to your first aid kit: If anyone in the…

Question: When should I perform the primary assessment, secondary assessment (head-to-toe), and secondary survey? Survival Med’s Answer: The primary assessment is the initial evaluation conducted as soon as possible to identify and address immediate life-threatening issues using the MARCH protocol: massive bleeding, airway, respirations, circulation, and the decision to hike out to help versus calling for emergency…

Question: When a head injury occurs, should spinal immobilization be immediate if the victim initially fails the focused spine assessment questions, and how does the patient’s reliability factor into this decision? Survival Med’s Answer: The NEXUS criteria are guidelines used by healthcare providers to assess the necessity of spinal immobilization after a traumatic incident, like…

Question: Why does the MARCH protocol prioritize respiration before circulation? Survival Med’s Answer: In reality, the assessment of Airway, Respiration, and Circulation often occurs concurrently or in rapid succession. The primary focus is determining if the victim is breathing and if they have a pulse. The sequence may vary based on the situation: The MARCH…

Question: How do I differentiate between angina and ACS in wilderness first aid? And what do I do if either of them occur? Survival Med’s Answer: Distinguishing between Angina and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in wilderness first aid involves understanding their characteristics. Differentiating without medical tools is challenging, emphasizing the importance of comparing symptoms to…

Question: How many rescue breaths should I give to a drowning victim? Survival Med’s Answer: Determining the precise number of rescue breaths for drowning victims can be uncertain due to evolving guidelines and varying agency recommendations. While some suggest two rescue breaths, others propose five. In water rescue scenarios, our suggestion is to provide five initial…

Question: How do I determine the urgency and means of evacuation for abdominal issues in remote or wilderness settings? Survival Med’s Answer: Your concern about abdominal issues and the need for evacuation is valid, especially considering conditions like appendicitis and bleeding ulcers. Assessing the urgency and mode of evacuation involves several factors. For severe and…

Question: How do I tie a tourniquet? Should I use a square knot, and then poke the stick through the middle of it? Survival Med’s Answer: Tying a tourniquet involves various methods, and the choice depends on the situation and the materials available. The quickest approach for most individuals is to wrap the material around…

Question: How would neurogenic shock change blood volume? Survival Med’s Answer: Neurogenic shock is a condition stemming from nervous system damage, particularly to the spinal cord. It’s characterized by a sudden inability to regulate blood pressure and flow, impacting the distribution of blood to the body’s tissues. The term “volume” refers to the distribution rather…

Question:  In discussions about treating eye injuries in outdoor or wilderness locations, there’s conflicting advice on whether to apply pressure to the surrounding bones of the orbit to stop bleeding. Can you clarify the correct approach in this situation? Survival Med’s Answer: When dealing with lid lacerations, the primary goal is to control bleeding effectively.…