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Band-Aid Bob’s Chiurgeon’s Corner

by Thorvald Laeknir

Unfortunately necessary legalese:

Note that the following views are the author's and not necessarily those of the Society for Creative Anachronism Official chirurgeon policies and procedures are set forth in the Chirurgeon's Handbook.

What's a chirurgeon and why do they like being bored so much?

Chirurgeons are the field medics of the SCA. When someone gets hurt in combat, from a bee sting, from stepping on glass, or downing five too many, we are the first line of defense. Chirurgeons need only basic first aid experience, but the more the better. Chirurgeons range in experience from those with a few Red Cross courses, to emergency medical technicians, to nurses, to U.S. Navy combat surgeons. Look for people wearing white fleams (a medieval bloodletting instrument) on a red tear at events.

Chirurgeons also love to be bored. Excitement means someone has medical problems. Boring means everything is going well. Keep your local chirurgeons happy by playing smart and not having dumb medical problems (such as wearing poorly maintained armor, not drinking water, not eating, not wearing sunscreen, etc.).

Heat related iniuries and how to avoid them (HYDRATE OR DIE!):

After stick a band aid on them small cuts, heat related injuries are probably the most common medical problems in the SCA. Hence the unofficial motto of the chirurgeonate: Hydrate or die! Your body depends on a balance of water and salt; if either gets too low or too high, you dehydrate. Dehydrate enough and you get heat exhaustion (dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, cool and pale skin). SCA events are often outdoors, and in hot and/or dry environments. If you are exercising under such conditions, you are at risk for heat problems. This is mostly a problem for fighters, but anyone can have problems (marshals, spectators, and even chirurgcons). If left unchecked, heat exhaustion can become extremely serious. You stop sweating, your temperature goes to 105* F, and you go into heat stroke. and the now very excited chirurgcons call an ambulance in a hurry Please keep us as bored as possible!

Steps to avoid heat injuries:

• Get proper fluid intake. If you are thirsty, drink. if you are hot, drink. If you have not urinated for a while, drink. When in doubt, drink. Remember that alcohol is a diuretic so drink water, not beer, if you are really thirsty. Keep those waterbearers busy!

• Get proper salt intake. When you sweat, your body looses a lot of salt. Keep your salt level even by always eating lunch, and munching on salty foods such as pretzels, nuts, or potato chips as needed. Salt tablets are probably overkill for most people and can cause heat exhaustion from too much salt.

• Stay in the shade if possible. Wear a hat. Wear sunscreen. Wear loose clothing.

• Relax! Take a break every once and a while. Take off your hat (or helm) and sit back in the shade while drinking some water or Gatorade.

• Keep an eye on your friends and have your friends watch out for you. ("Thorvald, you look pale. Drink this and have some pretzels!" "Nightshade, you have eaten lunch, right?" "You are wearing sunscreen with that revealing bodice, right?")

First aid kits

Anyone who goes to a camping event should take a small first aid kit. You can buy kits at most drug stores or superstores. If you do not have one already, your best deal is probably buying a pre built kit and supplementing it to your taste. A good starting or personal first aid kit should contain:

If you want a more serious kit, then buy a fishing tackle box or some similar system that lets you quickly find needed items. A serious kit contains (besides multiples of most everything found in the smaller kit):

This list is by no means exhaustive. I add new items to my kit constantly. Some other first aid kit notes:

• Triangular bandages and cravats can easily be made from old sheets, fabric scraps, etc.

• Throw out any snake bite kits you n tight have. They do not work well and often cause more harm than good (victim now has major lacerations along with the poisoning, wonderful).

• Some of the more esoteric items may take some searching at drug or hospital supply stores. A well stocked kit is not cheap, so shop around as equipment prices can vary widely.

Medications:

You should also always take whatever appropriate medicines (antihistamines, pain killers, decongestants, inhalers, etc.) you might personally want handy at any event. This is because chirurgeons have one important limitation. By law, they can NOT give out medications (except glucose). I can not give you Tylenol or any common medication. (There are some pseudo legal ways around this, but do not count on it. Nor are chirurgeons traveling pharmacies.)

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