Do something!!!!!!! OR..What would MacGyver do? 12/4/ with nothing (or almost nothing)

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1 Do something!!!!!!!...with nothing (or almost nothing) OR..What would MacGyver do? Spokane County EMS With the advent of the new field of EMS almost 70 years ago, care providers were given all the necessary training and the latest and greatest in emergency medical care vehicles and supplies. 1

2 And for those that were fortunate enough to become paramedics, the new light weight portable cardiac monitor/defibrillator units As the fledgling industry grew, more and more equipment became available to us and we were required to be able to use it all and at times carry it all 2

3 . And the supply companies were more than happy to sell us whatever we thought we needed..even enticing us with ads and sales pitches that included scantily clad models dressed in the latest and greatest EMS equipment Then they gave us a symbol so all would recognize what it is that we do What do the legs of the star represent? 3

4 Sooo.what are we to do when we are out there, minding our own business and encounter a situation the we feel compelled to attend to and. you don t have your tools? DISCLAIMER None of these suggestions or tricks should be considered a standard of care, protocol or accepted method of treatment. These are simply Steve s ideas for what to do in those situations where you don t have the normal equipment to care for our patients. TOOLS OF THE TRADE From the local hardware store 8 x 10 foot tarp Roll of duct tape Rubber kitchen gloves Protective eye wear From the local drug or grocery store 1 box feminine napkins From your local EMS supplier Pocket mask or barrier device Rubber kitchen gloves are relatively thick and most are lined Last longer than medical gloves Easy to wash and sanitize (Will hold up to bleach solution) Long cuffs CHEAP! 4

5 You only have one set of eyes PROTECT THEM! You can usually find inexpensive goggles in the tool section of the local hardware store And now a few words from our sponsor.about duck tape Its really called duct tape (because its used in the heat and a/c industry for sealing ducts) There are several types available from different manufacturers Get the heaviest you can find Look for actual string fibers in the tape (It may be harder to tear, but it is much, much stronger, especially when doubled.) You can make triangular bandages from each of the corners of the tarp My preferences for a tarp: Minimum of 8 x 10 to allow for chopping up two-sided (usually thicker) Sewn in twine around edges Middle of the price range usually more waterproof Hint: Use duct tape to seal the cut edges of the tarp and t-bandages to prevent unraveling. Wrap your patient in the tarp after covering with blankets to prevent heat loss through evaporation and convection 5

6 Because of its slickness the tarp is a great way to move a patient emergently However, does not provide great spinal immobilization Hint: When your tarp becomes worn, cut into 2 foot wide strips and give to kids for sleds Non-medical uses Kneel on the tarp to change a tire (probably cleaner than the side of the road and if folded, much softer than asphalt) Rain tent in bad weather for road side repairs Temporary fix for a broken window (NOOOO not the windshield!) If you have poles, trees, fence posts, etc. available, you can make an army style litter Pay attention to the way you fold around the poles! If you are using wood, a minimum of 1 x 1 or 1 inch in circumference is necessary 8 feet long is also very convenient With the help of our friend, the duct, You can make a portable stretcher 6

7 The heavier the person, the more handles you will need Be sure to double over the area that will be used for handles You can also double tape the areas under the stretcher for more strength A traction splint???? Really? 7

8 And a tourniquet, too!!!!! I almost forgot the Maxi-pads!!! To be used for dressing wounds of all types and sizes Unfortunately, the adhesive is on the wrong side but you can always use DUCT TAPE And now a tidbit for the ALS folks 8

9 One last duct tape trick.. For when your stretcher straps or backboard straps get trashed POST-TEST What is the advantage of a two sided tarp? What are two good characteristics of duct tape? What is your best tool when you have nothing? QUESTIONS??? What can you do to strengthen duct tape? How many fingers does Steve have on his left hand? Questions? Contact: Carolyn Stovall stovalc@inhs.org Fax: Special thanks to Sheila Crow Stitchin Dreams Embroidery wcsocrow@yahoo.com For providing our Secret Question prize 9

10 Updates Please Starting in November, all Certificates of Completion will be ed to each participant. Please be sure to provide a current address on the sign in roster and print name clearly. Please also any organization contact information changes to: Michelle Ensminger ensminm@inhs.org 10