Pro Re Nata

Depending on which dictionary used, “Pro Re Nata” has few different Latin definitions. The definition we like is “… as the situation demands”. As such, this is our improvised medical training course. During this four hour class, students will learn how to utilize random items found in various environments to treat life-threatening injuries.
There is a time and place for improvised medical tools in the field. Planning to improvise is planning to fail. However, for those students that already have a solid understanding in modern field medicine techniques and tools; they may find themselves in situations where they have depleted the contents of their IFAK or med kit… and still have injuries to treat. Think of some of the past events (Boston Marathon bombing, Philadelphia train wreck, Las Vegas concert) where there was more than one person severely injured. Some of our students find themselves in locations throughout the world, where simply carrying commercial medical equipment is not permissible. This is where learning how to adapt a non-medical item which is designed for one thing and turning it into a life-saving device or tool comes to the rescue! The point is that even when we are diligent and are prepared for a bad day, we may not have all the appropriate tools readily accessible to solve all the problems.

Some of the subjects covered in class:

- Hemorrhage Control; how to create effective tourniquets, pressure dressings, etc.

- Fractures; how to splint open or closed fractures.

- Patient Movement and Evacuation; how to build litters for short and long distances

- Penetrating Chest Injuries; how to create occlusive and non-occlusive chest seals.

- Shock (Hypovolemic); how to prevent and treat using improvised items.

- Burns (Thermal)

- Wound Management