Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Pain in Austere Environments: 2024 Update.

The Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the management of pain in austere environments. Recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence as defined by criteria put forth by the American College of Chest Physicians. This is an update of the 2014 version of the "WMS Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Pain in Remote Environments" published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine 2014; 25:41-49.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite: 2024 Update.

The Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to develop a set of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and treatment of frostbite. We present a review of pertinent pathophysiology. We then discuss primary and secondary prevention measures and therapeutic management. Recommendations are made regarding each treatment and its role in management. These recommendations are graded on the basis of the quality of supporting evidence and balance between the benefits and risks or burdens for each modality according to methodology stipulated by the American College of Chest Physicians. This is an updated version of the guidelines published in 2019.

Regional Anesthesia in the Austere Environment: Lessons Learned from Current Out-of-Hospital Practice.

INTRODUCTION: Pain management for trauma in the extreme environment is vital for both casualty comfort and aiding safe extrication. However, adequate pain management in a resource-limited environment can be challenging and is often limited. We conducted a scoping review of the use of regional anesthesia in the prehospital environment, evaluating which regional anesthetic procedure was performed for various indications, their efficacy, and the type of healthcare provider delivering the anesthetic. METHODS: A PRISMA-guided systematic literature review was conducted of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies reporting the use of regional anesthesia in the prehospital environment published before June 30, 2022. RESULTS: Thirty studies met the criteria and were included in the review. The most common types of regional anesthesia were fascia-iliaca compartment block (n = 317, from 12 studies) and femoral nerve block (n = 210, from 8 studies), along with various other blocks for a range of indications. These blocks had good efficacy and a low-risk profile and could be delivered by a wide range of healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: Regional anesthesia is an effective and non-resource-heavy pain management tool in prehospital environments, which may be applicable to austere settings. It can cover a wide range of injuries and can avoid systemic complications for casualties that may already be challenging to manage in out-of-hospital settings. Additionally, regional anesthesia can be effectively delivered by a wide range of providers. This review provides a holistic summary of pain management using regional anesthesia in the prehospital environment, with a discussion on its potential use in more extreme settings.

Developing Cricothyroidotomy Skills Using a Biomaterial-Covered Model.

INTRODUCTION: Cricothyroidotomy is an advanced and life-saving technique, but it is also a rare and a difficult procedure. The purpose of the present study was to produce a low-cost simulation model with realistic anatomic features to investigate its effectiveness in developing cricothyroidotomy skills. METHODS: This study was performed at a university simulation center with 57 second-year student paramedics and a cricothyroidotomy simulation model. Total scores were assessed using a checklist. This consisted of 13 steps and was scored as misapplication/omission=0, correct performance and timing with hesitation=1, and correct performance and timing without hesitation=2. One of these steps, local anesthesia of the area if time is available, was not performed owing to time limitations. The highest possible score was 24. Data are presented as mean±SD with range, as appropriate. Normal distribution was evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student t test, and Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Students completed the cricothyroidotomy procedure steps in 116±46 (55-238) s. At performance assessment, the score achieved was 12±5 (2-24). The highest total score of 24 was achieved by 3 students (5%). Total scores exhibited negative and significant correlation with procedure time (r=-0.403, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The model developed in this study is an inexpensive and effective method that can be used in cricothyroidotomy training for student paramedics. We think that repeating the cricothyroidotomy procedure on the model will increase success levels.

Evaluation of Three Field Rewarming Techniques During Cold Weather Military Training.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 rewarming techniques to determine how warfighters, and perhaps other populations in wilderness environments, should prioritize field rewarming options after a brief accidental immersion in cold water. METHODS: As part of a cold weather military training exercise, 31 military personnel (mean±SD age: 26±5 y, height: 180±10 cm, weight: 83.2±10.9 kg) completed a 10-min immersion in cold (0°C) water and subsequently rewarmed for 60 min using 3 different field rewarming techniques (sleeping bag, sleeping bag + warm fluids, or exercise). Heart rate, core and skin temperatures, thermal and shivering sensations, and manual dexterity (intravenous setup and insertion) were measured during the training exercise. RESULTS: Cold water immersion decreased core temperature (pre: 37.4±0.4; post: 36.4±1.0°C; P<0.001) and mean skin temperature (pre: 27.9±1.3; post: 15.6±1.8°C; P<0.001) and impaired manual dexterity (intravenous insertion time, pre: 71±12, post: 166±48 s; P<0.001). Recovery from mild cold stress was similar among all 3 rewarming techniques for all measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggesting similar rewarming responses in field settings are beneficial for the warfighter, and perhaps others, in that rewarming options exist and can be implemented with no compromise in recovery from cold stress.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update.

To provide guidance to clinicians, the Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of victims of accidental hypothermia. The guidelines present the main diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and provide recommendations for the management of hypothermic patients. The panel graded the recommendations based on the quality of supporting evidence and a balance between benefits and risks/burdens according to the criteria published by the American College of Chest Physicians. The guidelines also provide suggested general approaches to the evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia that incorporate specific recommendations. This is the 2019 update of the Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2014 Update.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diabetes Management.

The Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel in 2018 to develop a set of evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes, as well as the recognition, prevention, and treatment of complications of diabetes in wilderness athletes. We present a review of the classifications, pathophysiology, and evidence-based guidelines for planning and preventive measures, as well as best practice recommendations for both routine and urgent therapeutic management of diabetes and glycemic complications. These recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence and balance between the benefits and risks or burdens for each recommendation.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment and Prevention of Drowning: 2019 Update.

The Wilderness Medical Society convened a panel to review available evidence supporting practices for acute management and treatment of drowning in out-of-hospital and emergency medical care settings. Literature about definitions and terminology, epidemiology, rescue, resuscitation, acute clinical management, disposition, and drowning prevention was reviewed. The panel graded available evidence supporting practices according to the American College of Chest Physicians criteria and then made recommendations based on that evidence. Recommendations were based on the panel's collective clinical experience and judgment when published evidence was lacking. This is the first update to the original practice guidelines published in 2016.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Spinal Cord Protection.

The Wilderness Medical Society reconvened an expert panel to update best practice guidelines for spinal cord protection during trauma management. This panel, with membership updated in 2018, was charged with the development of evidence-based guidelines for management of the injured or potentially injured spine in wilderness environments. Recommendations are made regarding several parameters related to spinal cord protection. These recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence and balance the benefits and risks/burdens for each parameter according to the methodology stipulated by the American College of Chest Physicians. Key recommendations include the concept that interventions should be goal oriented (spinal cord/column protection in the context of overall patient and provider safety) rather than technique oriented (immobilization). This evidence-based, goal-oriented approach does not support the immobilization of suspected spinal injuries via rigid collars or backboards.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Water Disinfection for Wilderness, International Travel, and Austere Situations.

To provide guidance to clinicians, the Wilderness Medical Society convened experts to develop evidence-based guidelines for water disinfection in situations where the potability of available water is not ensured, including wilderness and international travel, areas affected by disaster, and other areas without adequate sanitation. The guidelines present the available methods for reducing or eliminating microbiologic contamination of water for individuals, groups, or households; evaluation of their effectiveness; and practical considerations. The evidence evaluation includes both laboratory and clinical publications. The panel graded the recommendations based on the quality of supporting evidence and the balance between benefits and risks or burdens, according to the criteria published by the American College of Chest Physicians.

What to Expect Working as a Doctor at a High-Altitude Aid Post.

Over the past 40 years, in an attempt to reduce the morbidity and mortality of altitude illness, a number of volunteer-run, seasonal aid posts have been established at mountain ranges across the world. As each aid post is designed for the local population and tourists at hand, the range of problems seen and services offered vary accordingly. Although each clinic differs on its funding model, the services it offers, how it is staffed, and the interventions available, there are key similarities between each of these clinics. For physicians preparing to travel from their home country to volunteer at such aid posts, there are important preparations that need to be made before embarking on such endeavors. This article describes how to prepare for such work, what to expect, and some of the challenges that one might face.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Heat Illness: 2019 Update.

The Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel in 2011 to develop a set of evidence-based guidelines for the recognition, prevention, and treatment of heat illness. We present a review of the classifications, pathophysiology, and evidence-based guidelines for planning and preventive measures, as well as best practice recommendations for both field- and hospital-based therapeutic management of heat illness. These recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence and balance the benefits and risks or burdens for each modality. This is an updated version of the original Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Treatment and Prevention of Heat-Related Illness published in 2013.

Successful Field Rewarming of a Patient with Apparent Moderate Hypothermia Using a Hypothermia Wrap and a Chemical Heat Blanket.

Hypothermia is a common problem encountered by search and rescue teams. Although mildly hypothermic patients can be rewarmed in the field and can then self-evacuate, the Wilderness Medical Society hypothermia guidelines suggest that a moderately hypothermic patient in the wilderness requires warming in a medical facility. The hypothermia prevention and management kit, developed by the US military, consists of a chemical heat blanket (CHB) and a heat-reflective shell. We present a case in which a hypothermia wrap and the CHB from a hypothermia prevention and management kit were used successfully to rewarm a patient with apparent moderate hypothermia in the field. We are unaware of previous reports of successful field rewarming of a patient with moderate hypothermia. We believe the use of the CHB in conjunction with a hypothermia wrap made field rewarming possible. We recommend that a CHB, along with the components of a hypothermia wrap, be carried by search and rescue teams when a hypothermic patient might be encountered. Although there were no documented core temperatures, we believe this case is consistent with the hypothesis that if a hypothermic patient who is found lying down and shivering is allowed to stand or walk before insulation is applied and before there has been an additional period of 30 min during which the patient continues to shiver, there may be increased afterdrop with deleterious results.

Accidental Hypothermia: 'You're Not Dead Until You're Warm and Dead'.

[Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2019-02.asp].

An Experience of Improvised Laryngoscopy.

Airway management in the wilderness runs the gamut from basic airway support to endotracheal intubation. Fortunately, direct laryngoscopy is a seldom called upon skill in expedition medicine. However, the medical skills required during a mission or expedition are never truly known in advance. Improvisation during evolving medical events is a mainstay of expedition medicine education and practice. It is unlikely, given constraints of weight and size of expedition medical kits, that a conventional laryngoscope would find its way into a standard "go bag." Faced with the real but rare event of needing to intubate a patient in an austere environment, how can improvisation be used? Multiple ideas for improvised laryngoscopes can be found in the wilderness medicine literature, but which, if any, of these devices have true clinical utility? To this end, participants of a recent Wilderness Medical Society preconference in medical elements of light search and rescue were given the opportunity to devise and construct their own improvised laryngoscopes and attempt intubation of a training mannequin. Participants with varying degrees of intubating experience improvised effective laryngoscopes from provided materials and successfully intubated an airway mannequin.

[Emergency Medicine in Remote Settings]. / Notfallmedizin abseits schnell erreichbarer medizinischer Infrastruktur.

For many acute diseases and injuries, treatment does not differ between industrialised environment and wilderness setting. However, for some emergencies, treatment needs to be adapted if advanced medical care facilities cannot be reached within 4 hours.In these situations, dislocated joints and fractures should be reduced quickly. Contaminated wounds should be cleaned carefully, with drinking water being sufficient when no sterile solution is available. A patient with a contaminated wound should receive a systemic antibiotic coverage within one hour. Keeping an injured patient warm is crucial to prevent disseminated coagulation.In most cases in the wilderness, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be stopped after 20 minutes; if no return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) has occurred. However, in case of severe hypothermia, drowning or cardiac arrest due to lightning, prolonged CPR may be feasible.Handwashing with soap and water and use of alcohol gels are effective measures for the prevention of travellers' diarrhoea during expeditions.

Methoxyflurane for Procedural Analgesia at 4470 m Altitude.

Methoxyflurane is a volatile, fluorinated anesthetic agent with analgesic properties. Although no longer used as an anesthetic due to concerns regarding renal toxicity in high doses, it has enjoyed a resurgence as an inhaled analgesic in prehospital care and in the emergency department. The agent is nonflammable and leads to rapid, titratable analgesia without intravenous access. The Penthrox inhaler device is light, robust, and straightforward to administer. Consequently, it has been proposed as an ideal analgesic for the remote high altitude setting. We report its use for procedural analgesia during suprapubic aspiration for acute urinary retention at a remote rescue post at night, in cold winter conditions, at 4470 m altitude in Machermo, Nepal. We found that methoxyflurane provided rapid, effective analgesia for our patient's visceral and procedural pain. The inhaler was easy to administer, and the patient remained responsive to voice, with satisfactory oxygen saturation and respiratory rate throughout. We also briefly review the administration, dosing, efficacy, and safety of methoxyflurane and its role in remote medical care.

Wilderness Mass Casualty Incident (MCI): Rescue Chain After Avalanche at Everest Base Camp (EBC) In 2015.

The Nepal Earthquake of 2015 killed over 8000 people and injured over 20,000 in Nepal. Moments after the earthquake, an avalanche of falling ice came down from above Everest Base Camp (EBC). The air blast created by the avalanche flattened the middle part of EBC, killing 15 people and injuring at least 70. The casualties were initially triaged and treated at EBC and then evacuated by air to Kathmandu for definitive care. There were intermediate stops at the villages of Pheriche and Lukla during which the casualties were offloaded, retriaged, treated, and loaded again for further transport. Most of the authors of this article helped to provide primary disaster relief at EBC, Pheriche, or Lukla immediately after the earthquake. We describe the process by which an ad hoc rescue chain evacuated the casualties. We discuss challenges, both medical and nonmedical, what went well, and lessons learned. We make recommendations for disaster planning in the Khumbu (Everest) region, an isolated high altitude roadless area of Nepal.

Static Rope Evacuation by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Rescue Operations in Southeast Norway.

INTRODUCTION: Physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in Norway are an adjunct to existing search and rescue services. Our aims were to study the epidemiological, operational, and medical aspects of HEMS daylight static rope operations performed in the southeastern part of the country and to examine several quality dimensions that are characteristic of this service. METHODS: We reviewed the static rope operations performed at 3 HEMS bases during a 3-y period and applied a set of quality indicators designed for physician-staffed emergency medical services to evaluate the quality of care. Data are presented as medians with quartiles, except National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) scores, which are presented as mean (SD). RESULTS: Fifty-nine static rope operations were identified, involving 60 patients. Median (quartiles) age was 43 (27-55) y. Median (quartiles) take-off time was 9 (5-13) min. Trauma-related injuries were found in 48 patients. The main conditions were lower limb injuries, found in 32 patients. Ten patients experienced medical conditions. Mean (SD) NACA score was 3.3 (1.3). A potential or actual life-threatening diagnosis (NACA score: 4-6) was reported among 15 patients. The main interventions were intravenous lines (19 patients), analgesics (17), and oxygen treatment (14). Four patients were intubated, and 1 thoracostomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Static rope operations are rarely performed. The quality indicators suggest that the service is safe, available, and equitable. Its main benefit seems to be evacuation and the maintenance of readiness before rapid transport of the physician to the scene or the patient to the hospital.