Solo Medical Emergency Runbook

Solo Medical Emergency procedures for handling serious illness or injury when working alone in remote locations or field assignments.

Immediate Assessment (First 5 minutes)

Self-Evaluation Protocol

Consciousness and Mobility Check:

1. Can you think clearly and make rational decisions?
2. Can you move without severe pain or risk of further injury?
3. Are you experiencing symptoms that require immediate medical attention?
4. Do you have adequate shelter and protection from elements?

Critical Symptom Recognition:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness or severe confusion
• Severe bleeding that won't stop with direct pressure
• Suspected spinal injury or head trauma
• Signs of severe allergic reaction

Decision Tree

• Life-threatening symptoms → Call 911 immediately, activate emergency location beacon
• Serious but stable → Implement evacuation protocol, contact emergency contacts
• Minor but mobility-limiting → Assess ability to self-evacuate vs. need for assistance

Emergency Response

Location Broadcasting

1. Send GPS coordinates to emergency contacts via text/satellite device
2. Activate personal locator beacon if available
3. Use mapping app to share precise location with 911 dispatcher
4. Provide landmarks and access route information for responders

Emergency Services Contact

Information to Provide 911:

• Exact location with GPS coordinates and access route details
• Nature of medical emergency and current symptoms
• Your name, age, and relevant medical history
• Equipment you have available and whether you can move
• Weather conditions and any hazards responders should know about

Emergency Contact Cascade

Activation Order:

1. Emergency contact #1: Notify of situation and location
2. Emergency contact #2: Request coordination assistance
3. Work contact: Notify of potential story/deadline impacts
4. Medical contact: Provide symptom update and medication information

Self-Care and Stabilization

First Aid Implementation

1. Control bleeding with direct pressure and elevation
2. Maintain body temperature with available clothing/shelter
3. Stay hydrated if conscious and not vomiting
4. Position for optimal breathing and circulation
5. Avoid unnecessary movement if spinal injury suspected

Pain and Symptom Management

1. Use over-the-counter medications per label instructions
2. Apply ice or cold packs to injuries if available
3. Elevate injured extremities to reduce swelling
4. Practice calming breathing techniques to manage anxiety
5. Conserve energy and avoid unnecessary exertion

Evacuation Procedures

Self-Evacuation Assessment

Can Proceed If:

• Injury allows safe movement without worsening condition
• You have clear route to safety or medical care
• Weather and terrain conditions are manageable
• You have adequate supplies for evacuation duration

Assisted Evacuation

1. Remain in place if movement could worsen injury
2. Make yourself visible to responders (bright clothing, signal devices)
3. Prepare medical history summary for responders
4. Organize equipment for potential overnight wait

Equipment and Information Management

Medical Information Preparation

• Current medications and dosages
• Known allergies and adverse reactions
• Recent medical procedures or ongoing conditions
• Emergency contact information and medical power of attorney

Equipment Security

1. Secure sensitive work materials if possible
2. Create equipment inventory for insurance purposes if gear is abandoned
3. Leave equipment in visible location for later recovery
4. Remove only essential items that can be safely carried

Work Continuity

Professional Notification

1. Contact editors/clients with realistic timeline for story completion
2. Provide handoff information if work must be transferred
3. Arrange for colleague to cover time-sensitive assignments
4. Document completed work and outstanding requirements

Story Protection

1. Upload completed work to cloud storage if possible
2. Send draft materials to trusted colleague for safekeeping
3. Protect source confidentiality if story involves sensitive information
4. Maintain professional obligations while prioritizing health

Prevention and Preparation

Pre-Trip Medical Planning

• Inform trusted contacts of planned route and check-in schedule
• Carry adequate first aid supplies for anticipated risks
• Maintain current medical information summary in easily accessible format
• Research medical facilities and emergency services along planned route

Communication Redundancy

• Carry multiple communication devices (cell, satellite, radio)
• Pre-program emergency contacts into all devices
• Test communication devices before departing for remote locations
• Establish check-in schedule with emergency contacts

Recovery and Follow-Up

Medical Care Coordination

• Follow up with healthcare providers for ongoing treatment
• Document incident details while memory is fresh
• Review effectiveness of emergency response procedures
• Update medical information and emergency plans based on experience

Work Resumption

• Gradual return to field work based on medical clearance
• Update risk assessment procedures for similar assignments
• Brief colleagues on lessons learned from incident
• Modify equipment and preparation based on identified gaps