PMed Resources

[resolute]

Greetings All,

I am a junior MO, being sent overseas in the near future.  I have been told that I will be working closely with PMed, in an advisory / supervisory capacity (which is ironic and humbling, since the PA who does this all the time will probably know way more than I will). 

I was wondering whether anybody knows of any good PMed resources ... maybe some kind of "primer / textbook?"  I realize it is a huge area of inquiry, but realistically, do I really need a bunch of huge texts on:  industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, fauna / flora of Afghanistan, field craft, hazmat, etc?  Or are there 1 or 2 "Bibles" of PMed that I can get as references?

I'd like to begin reading up on things ASAP so that I can at least be somewhat prepared for these duties.  I know it is impossible to be ready for every contingency, but I definitely don't want to go in cold.

Any and all advice appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[lethalLemon]

EDIT: Nevermind. Question Answered.

 

[Armymedic]

No, you do not need a whole bunch of texts.

I realize you are new, but this are questions you need to talk to the rest of your medical team you are going over with. Your PMed is your advisor, ask them the questions, as they should already know where the references are, if they don't "ask" them to seek the answers for you. That's their expertise, no different from the other specialists you use in civilian practice. Your the PMed tech's supervisor as you are the Officer who will oversee their work and back them up if there is conflict or problems with the Chain of Command. Your supervisor, the Task Force Surgeon, also have oversight on all medical personnel on deployment with you.

The PA you are working with should have a pretty good idea of what is required as well. When you are over there, you will still have some connectivity with the DWAN and/or internet where you can access info on line.

Some links you may choose to use:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante/rl-l/default-eng.asp
http://www.vnh.org/

I will pm you the user name and password for this site which has a Public Health manual in it:
http://online.statref.com/UserLogin.aspx?submit.x=7&submit.y=3&submit=submit&&Path=/Splash/Splash.aspx&Product=StatRef

I realize your first deployment is daunting, but ask those around you whom have gone over before, they will have good answers for you.

 

[CombatDoc]

If this is your first deployment as a junior MO, if you are deploying to the sandbox chances are that any PMed reports will be signed off either by OC R1 (a Maj) or the TF Surgeon (a LCol).  If deploying elsewhere, there is usually someone more senior and experienced to assist you with your professional development in public/occupational health.  As Rider Pride notes, you may supervise PMeds  and you will find that they are a great resource with lots of practical experience.  If there are any significant issues (e.g. water quality, pest control) there should be an MO with more experience who can guide you.  Also, the folks at Force Health Protection can put a lot of brainpower/experience on anything unusual that you may face in theatre (e.g. Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever).  Good luck on your deployment.

 

[resolute]

Thank you for those useful and informative responses.  I guess I have a lot of reading ahead of me now!