CoROM cast. Wilderness, Austere, Remote and Resource-limited Medicine.

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly is again joined by Dr Sam Slishman. They discuss medical innovation and Aebhric’s invention called the AirBase. They discuss medical innovation, focusing on inventions, such as the Slishman Traction Splint and the Airbase. They emphasise the importance of evidence-based medicine, particularly in the use of tourniquets and bleeding control techniques. The discussion also addresses the challenges of marketing medical devices, the role of 3D printing in healthcare, and advice for aspiring medical professionals in austere environments.TakeawaysInnovations in medical devices can significantly impact patient care.Tourniquets are effective but should be used with caution.Direct pressure is often more effective than tourniquets for certain injuries.The Airbase serves multiple purposes during emergencies.3D printing can revolutionise medical device development.Standard of care is not static and can vary by location.Patient comfort is crucial in emergency medicine.Research in austere medicine faces unique challenges.Continuous learning and adaptation are essential for medics.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr Sam Slishman01:31 Innovations in Medical Devices04:25 Tourniquet Efficacy and Research09:38 Direct Pressure vs. Tourniquets17:50 The Airbase: A New Medical Tool24:14 Challenges in Medical Device Development31:20 The Role of 3D Printing in Medicine39:19 Advice for Aspiring Medics

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly is joined by Rabbit, who is an EU SOF medic who shares his extensive background in military medicine and his current focus on researching the effects of higher education on individuals with PTSD. He discusses his personal experiences with PTSD and how education has played a role in his recovery. The conversation also touches on the importance of engaging the younger generation in military medicine, adapting to the changing battlefield, and the need for collaboration between special operations and conventional forces. Rabbit emphasises the significance of education and teamwork in improving outcomes for those affected by trauma.TakeawaysRabbit has a rich background in military medicine and education.His PhD research focuses on PTSD and higher education.Education can provide hope and support for individuals with PTSD.There is a need for specialised programs for military personnel with PTSD.Engaging the younger generation is crucial for the future of military medicine.Collaboration between special operations and conventional forces is essential.Rabit emphasises the importance of teaching and enabling others in medicine.The battlefield is evolving with new technologies and challenges.Personal experiences with PTSD can inform research and treatment.Teamwork is vital in prolonged field care situations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rabbit and His Background02:52 Exploring PTSD and Higher Education10:22 Personal Experiences with PTSD and Education17:12 The Role of SOMA and Engaging the Younger Generation26:57 Advice for New Medics and Collaboration in Medicine

Zach Andrews, an active-duty U.S. Army SOF medic and rural critical care paramedic, shares his journey through an MSc in Austere Critical Care. He dives into his research on microcirculation in resource-limited settings, detailing the development of the Andrews Microcirculatory Severity Scale (AMSS). Zach emphasizes the importance of noninvasive methods for assessing microcirculation and discusses his ambitions to validate AMSS in real-world scenarios while promoting education in rural healthcare. His insights on collaborative problem-solving in austere environments are both inspiring and practical.

Bill Vasios, a physician assistant and former 18 Delta, shares his expertise in prolonged field care and nutrition. He discusses the critical role of enteral and parenteral feeding in austere environments, emphasizing early nutritional intervention to enhance recovery. Vasios highlights practical techniques such as nasogastric tube placement and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for effective care plans. The conversation also addresses challenges in maintaining nutrition during transport and the psychological benefits of oral intake for patients.

Join a riveting discussion on managing sepsis in remote care. The hosts dive into assessing septic patients with focused history and trending vitals. Learn about the importance of early warning systems like QSOFA and NEWS2. They explore the critical role of point-of-care ultrasound and monitoring techniques, including MAP and urine output. Antibiotic strategies in austere settings are highlighted, alongside malaria treatment protocols. The episode wraps up with innovative care methods like telemedicine consultations and the FLASH mnemonic for risk assessment.

Bill Vasios, an experienced clinician in austere care, and Rhod Jordan, a clinical practitioner focused on remote medicine, dive into the intricacies of burn management. They discuss critical airway management, innovative fluid resuscitation strategies, and the importance of patient involvement in care. The duo highlights methods like the use of topical morphine for pain relief and the necessity of accurate assessments to prevent infection. Their insights reveal that managing burns is as much about art as it is about science.

This is a brief introduction to the AI roundtable to be held at the Medicine in the Mediterranean conference, running from 31 January to 2 February. You can join us using the link below.https://corom.edu.mt/medicine-in-the-mediterranean-2026/

This is a brief introduction to the AI roundtable to be held at the Medicine in the Mediterranean conference, running from 31 January to 2 February. You can join us using the link below.https://corom.edu.mt/medicine-in-the-mediterranean-2026/

This is a short introduction to the two lectures that Dr Slaven Bajic will be giving at the Medicine in the Mediterranean conference running from 31 January to 2 February. You can join us using the link below.https://corom.edu.mt/medicine-in-the-mediterranean-2026/

Join Bill Vasios, a skilled physician associate, and Rhod Jordan, a seasoned remote paramedic, as they dive into the Practical Prolonged Casualty Care manual. They discuss the essential role of clear communication in patient care and emphasize training for non-medical responders. Rhod highlights the significance of promoting patient autonomy and recognizing nonverbal pain signals. The conversation also touches on cultural considerations and practical techniques for prolonged casualty care, making it clear that fostering teamwork can lead to better outcomes.