A good knee exam starts with obtaining a good history. How did the pain begin? Sudden or gradual? Did the patient feel a pop? Did it occur while running? Twisting? When decelerating? Changing directions? What hurts now? What actions make it better or worse? Of course, if there is concern for infection then there areContinue reading “Knee Exam”
Author Archives: Medic Mentor
Patellofemoral Syndrome
A Very Common Cause of Knee Pain This is very common, and I believe that Medics can both diagnose and treat it. When Soldiers walk miles for Land Navigation in the dark on uneven terrain, ruck march 9-12 miles, and conduct patrols- they can definitely get some knee pain. This is one common reason whyContinue reading “Patellofemoral Syndrome”
ACCIDENTAL HYPOTHERMIA
This post wasn’t an expected one for me. However, there have been a few hypothermia cases recently that motivated me to dig into this topic. This post will be a little more wordy, unfortunately. I admit that I completely nerded out on the reading and podcasts. But, I needed to find the most up-to-date infoContinue reading “ACCIDENTAL HYPOTHERMIA”
How to Properly Screen a Ranger Physical
This post will momentarily take a different direction. It doesn’t have anything to do with improving your medical skills. But, it has everything to do with ensuring your Soldiers successfully get through medical in-processing and into Ranger School. That will make them happy, it will make your boss happy, and it will help you earnContinue reading “How to Properly Screen a Ranger Physical”
Heat Injuries (Final Thoughts for Now)
This will be my last post on this important topic until the next annual MCOE Heat Forum. I get concerned about training each summer and the absence of knowledge and unit preparedness with regard to heat casualty prevention. Kids die each year on active duty training posts, but what about National Guard units that conductContinue reading “Heat Injuries (Final Thoughts for Now)”
Heat Injuries (Continued)
As promised, this post will include several additional sources of information. One presentation is from Dr. Max Bursey from a previous Heat Conference. Use these slides to reference the latest proposed definitions and solutions. This one may be helpful to use for your hot weather training as it was originally designed for a large audienceContinue reading “Heat Injuries (Continued)”
Heat Injuries
We have to agree on the definition before we can discuss treatment. Many different definitions and opinions exist out there. Fort Benning has taken the lead on research and committees to help shape these opinions. It happens all the time. You go to the field and a dude passes out. No one knows what toContinue reading “Heat Injuries”
Common Foot and Ankle Injuries
This post is all about foot and ankle injuries. What is an Emergency? What needs to be evacuated now? What can you take care of yourself? How can you prevent further harm? What steps can be taken for open fractures to improve outcomes? Until I find a better way to present material, its gonna haveContinue reading “Common Foot and Ankle Injuries”
WRITING SOAP NOTES
A NECESSARY EVIL TO LEARN It’s boring stuff. I know. But it is important. It is important to know how to properly document issues for your guys. It’s important to know how to write a medical note properly on a SF600 in order to help your team. This video is a quick 6 minute powerpointContinue reading “WRITING SOAP NOTES”
What to Expect
Over the next few weeks to months, I intend to post regularly. As I develop hip pocket training for the medics under my supervision, I will post it here so that others can benefit. My intent is to deliver content that is relevant, helpful, and pithy. I know that medics all over the world sitContinue reading “What to Expect”