SHTF First Aid Courses

[Lanky Yankee]

If I was running a 1-2 day course on SHTF medicine i would cover.

Basic anatomy and physiology (know whats normal)
Basic Vital signs (Respiration rates, pulse checks, and capillary refill)
Pharmacology including some herbal and essential oils
Hygiene (very important)
Bleeding/Wound care (cleaning,sutures,after care)
Cannulation/rehydration therapy (mainly for dehydration)
Burns
Fractures(using sticks and rags)
General infections and treatment

Obviously you could have a very long list of things but to be honest most of the medical problems in a SHTF situation can't be dealt with unless you have a lot of medical knowledge and the right equipment. Riversong has it right when talking about a close population with poor hygiene, just look at refuge camps and the outbreaks they get there.

As for most common medical problems (respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, etc), they can't be treated long term. Once the meds run out they will probably die off.