Recording & Tracking Group Member Health
I’m sure we all have at least some medical training, and I’ll bet a lot of us have some medical supplies that go above and beyond the typical first aid kit such as sutures, or Kelly clamps. Setting up a medical room can be a daunting task.
Trying to figure out what you will need and gathering it up in quantity is where most of us stop, but how about keeping track of issues such as allergies to certain antibiotics or keeping track of vital signs while monitoring infections?
Keeping records in a long term SHTF situation will be critical and we have to be ready for it. Having a notebook and pencil to write down patient observations is a start, but pre printed forms can help your group medic ensure that they record the right information every time, without forgetting important notes. Create a patient file and refer to it every time a group member is seen by the medic. Record every thing, every time!
Patient history should be taken when a group member arrives at your BOL. Record any preexisting conditions that may require ongoing monitoring or attention. Don’t forget to include allergies, life threatening conditions such as heart disease, or psychological issues, as well as any medications being taken and how much they have brought with them.
Since most visits to the medic will be emergency in nature, a First Aid Form should be filled out, noting the nature of the injury, steps taken, and timing for followup. Once the form has been completed, place it at the front of the patient’s medical file. Always place forms at the front of the file so that the newest information is easily accessible.
At times, a patient will need to be kept for observational reasons. A vital sign flow chart may be required to monitor their progress, or lack thereof. Taking regular vitals such as heart rate, respirations, temperature, etc. can help identify if treatments are working. This form should be kept near the patient until discharged when you would place it in the patients medical file.
Medications, pharmaceutical or homeopathic may be required and at regular intervals. Since your medic may not be able to spend 24 hours a day at the medic station, some responsibilities may fall on helpers, such as administration of medications. Keep a record of what is to be administered, in what dosage, and at what interval. Whomever administers them should record it on a log and keep it with the patient. Again, after discharge, place that form in the patients file.
A selection of medical forms is available for download by gold members. Please print multiple copies as you see fit.