in the study

Almost a day of rest with no scenarios - but a day of constant activity.  We left camp at 8 am and drove to the University of Tennessee (UT) Medical Center in Knoxville (UTMCK).   We spent the morning in the Graduate School of Medicine Family Medicine conference room treated to donuts, orange juice and coffee.  We had three short lectures regarding group travel and emergency medicine finishing off with a visit to UT Lifestar helicopter.

Finally about half of us went over to my parents house for some good home cooking and to watch the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics.  Another good day and looking forward to our days off.

Tired.  I think that word describes everyone tonight.  We were on four scenarios today of increasing difficulty.  I now understand why were are at UT tomorrow and have Saturday and Sunday off.  I'm sorta wondering about next week given we have three days off. 

Our day started at 8am after breakfast with a small incline scenario of some individuals injured in a hunting accident.  These first extractions were difficult and required some thought but were nothing when compared to the later ones.

Quick plug for the official WMS Elective Blog for anyone interested in reading an official version of our daily activities.   Only thing I have on it is the pictures. :)  Mainly because I'm here and collecting all the photos for the elective DVD and not being able to send many due to limited internet connectivity.

For the first time since the elective started, my brain isn't really ready to write anything.  I have this interesting collage of thoughts floating in my mind but refusing to come to any semblance of order. 

I will, however, make a shout out to my cousin in Philly, already has 27" of snow and expecting 12-22" more.  That is crazy.  I'm glad we only got the little bit (about 1 inch) this morning.  It made our afternoon scenarios much more interesting.  Oh, I forgot to mention we were able to do two scenarios this afternoon.  It was quite the learning experience.  Many problem-solving skills in use to perform the packaging and extrication.

From my years of practice I have discovered testosterone and alcohol are a failed combination. - TK

I think this quote is a great summary of our day.  It was a day of many lectures imparting lots of wisdom, some student lectures and a little hands on demonstrations.  Our day consisted of lectures about High Altitude illnesses, Cold injuries, Facial Trauma, a talk from a Chiropractor and ending with a lecture about orbital injuries.

Sunday, or the seventh day, was a day of rest, church, relaxation and superbowl. It was good seeing all my friends back in Knoxville and attending ORBC again after a month out in Memphis. Everyone except me went to Buffalo Wild Wings for the Superbowl and it sounds like they thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of wings, a good game and new friends.

Yesterday was a day of several lectures.  We started the day was learning about high altitude illness and progressed into Search and Rescue (SAR).  There were a few really interesting bits of information I pickup throughout the morning.  I learned that at a high altitude blood could become much to thick.  Ugh, that would stink having a stroke because the blood thickens to transport more oxygen. 

After the first lecture talked about high altitude illness the rest of the morning and all afternoon were devoted to SAR.  As part of these lectures we instituted two of the three classical search techniques (Efficient and Thorough) practicing them outdoors.

We left this morning from camp at 8 am for the Blount County Sheriff's Department to learn about different types of weapons, entrance and exit injuries and tracks.  Those instructing us in the various firearms took aim as the pig heads with 4 or 5 different firearms.  After demonstrating the effects on the pig heads we progressed to the human simulate to see the actual tracts through something with the consistency of flesh.  Yeah, sorta morbid but necessary in wilderness medicine.

Well, we are back from our day off and are starting up with Search and Rescue.  We have Jeff Wadley presenting today and are going to "skim the surface" of this topic.  Also just found out that our first night scenario is next Monday.  Gotta start hitting the trails and make sure we know the area to keep the night a bit shorter.

As to Days 5 & 6, they were days full of multiple and varied experiences as are becoming common here at the WMS Elective.  Each and every experience has broadened my perspective on Wilderness Medicine.  Not all have been as glamorous and exciting as my posted highlights, but all have served to increase my appreciation for the wilderness.