Eric Pirie - Prolonged Care in the Field

As a longstanding member of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, Eric Pirie talks through the issues arising from rescues that are protracted, and particularly focuses on prolonged care in the field, which may not be particularly familiar to BASICS Scotland Responders, but occurs fairly regularly in Mountain Rescue.

Key points from this podcast:

• Think about carrying and using a bothy bag (group shelter) to help protect your patient from the environment.
• Carry a head torch, a really useful piece of equipment
• Look after yourself by popping snacks into your pockets so that you can refuel on the go

Resources related to this podcast:

St Emlyns Blog for the H.I.T.M.A.N mnemonic and other useful info.

ProlongedFieldCare.org  – A useful website, very military in nature, excellent principles.

SHEEPVOMIT nursing mnemonic described in the NSOCM Manual (NATO Special Operations Combat Medic) Course run by the ISTC SOF – International Special Training Center

About Eric

Eric is an International Mountain Guide (IFMGA), Mountain Instructor Certificate holder, Wilderness EMT and Paramedic, who has 25 years of experience working to the highest levels in the outdoors worldwide.

Eric joined the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team in 1982 and is still an active team member. Whilst working as an Instructor at Glenmore Lodge, The Scottish National Outdoor Training Centre, Eric was head of Rescue for 10 years. He also worked as a senior ski patroller, on Cairngorm for 7 seasons, when there was snow! He has been involved in numerous rescues both in Scotland and worldwide, gaining experience in longer term patient care whilst seconded to the National Park Service as a mountaineering/medical volunteer ranger, on patrol for a season, on Denali, Alaska. Eric now works full time for The Scottish Ambulance Service based from home in Grantown-on-Spey.