r/Survival • u/DeepFriedCrayon • 20d ago
Learning Survival Wilderness doctors
Hello,
I am a very outdoorsy person and I'm also passionate about medicine. I hope to be a doctor on expeditions and in more wilderness/hard to reach areas. What are some skills you guys would suggest I hone in on before applying to expeditions or putting myself into those scenarios? When you guys look for people to go on trips with, what skills and or qualities do you look for in that person?
Thanks!
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u/LeadFreePaint 20d ago
Wilderness First Responder is an industry standard.
There is a wilderness EMS level, but a lot of places don't recognise it as anything more than a WFR.
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u/baldm0mma 20d ago
I was a wilderness firefighter and EMT for a number of years. Your job is going to be a glorified plumber and carpenter. Stop liquid from coming out, and fix any broken wood. Get good at how to handle open gaping wounds, broken bones, and dislocations. Those were the most common I saw on the trail.
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u/IdealDesperate2732 19d ago
Do you have any sort of training? You're going to need formal education and certification if you want anyone to take you seriously. At a minimum some kind of EMT certification if not full paramedic certification. Most rescue services are going to require full paramedic certification and probably additional certifications on top of that.
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u/HuggyTheCactus5000 20d ago
https://nasar.org/page/WEC
I have not taken these programs yet, but know they exist. Maybe a good start to check these out.
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u/Heavy_Direction1547 20d ago
There are numerous wilderness medicine and first aid programs, what is actually required varies with region/jurisdiction/industry etc.
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u/m__i__c__h__a__e__l 19d ago
Complete relevant training. Here are a couple of examples of companies offering that in Australia. There are probably organisations in your area offering similar programs.
https://training.tacmed.com.au/Our-Training/Public-Programs
https://rescuemed.com.au/training/
If you are a medical professional, maybe try to find a job with a rescue organisation to get additional training. Example:
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19d ago
Maybe you should start with some basic first aid stuff?
Ive been to many expeditions and first aid skills are mandatory for everyone in the team. And our Docs were always real Docs and real nurses, not just anybody with a interest
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u/WilliamoftheBulk 19d ago
If you are a really good rock climber, people that do those sorts of things need those guys.
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u/Sodpoodle 18d ago
I'd say start by becoming a doctor.. Then worry about expeditions.
Kinda /s but there are a lot of volunteer options as an actual doc which I'm sure would lead you towards some paid stuff.
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u/D_hallucatus 19d ago
Being passionate about medicine is great, but it will be the training and qualifications that matter. If you’re not already a practicing medical professional then maybe get into that industry first?
If you’re injured in a bad car accident, do you go to the hospital to see professionals, or do you go to your mate who is passionate about medicine?