100-PFC with Sean Keenan

This week, Aebhric talks with Dr Sean Keenan, one of the founders of the Prolonged Field Care Working Group. They discuss his background and the development of PFC. They talk about creating the Austere Emergency Care course, which brings the lessons of prolonged field care to the civilian environment. He emphasises the importance of providing relevant and practical training that sparks interest and fosters collaboration among healthcare professionals. The conversation covers the benefits of being a non-profit organisation, the importance of continuous learning and humility in austere environments, the role of professional organisations like SOMA in supporting special operations medics, and the value of connecting with like-minded individuals in the field. The guests advise new paramedics, SOCM medics, nurses, and doctors interested in working in austere environments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:44 Formation of the Prolonged Field Care Working Group 30:20 The Creation of Specialized Medical Standards 40:16 The Benefits of Being a Non-profit Organisation 42:40 The Role of Professional Organizations in Supporting Special Operations Medics 45:04 Connecting with Like-Minded Individuals in the Field 49:02 Advice for new Paramedics, SOCMs, Nurses, and Doctors in working in austere environments   Takeaways The Prolonged Field Care Working Group was formed to address the need for extended medical care in austere environments by Sean Keenan, Paul Loos and Dennis Jarema. The group developed the Austere Emergency Care course to teach civilian remote medics the lessons of prolonged field care. The course is designed to provide relevant and practical training that sparks interest and fosters collaboration among healthcare professionals. Creating the Specialized Medical Standards non-profit organisation allows for the continued support and development of the Prolonged Field Care Working Group and the Austere Emergency Care course. A non-profit organisation can open doors and create opportunities in various fields, including medical and educational institutions. Continuous learning, humility, and being a team player are essential qualities for working in austere environments. Professional organisations like SOMA provide a platform for networking, exchanging ideas, and solving operational problems in special operations medicine. Connecting with like-minded individuals in the field can lead to valuable collaborations and sharing of knowledge and experiences. New paramedics, SOCMs, nurses, and doctors should focus on being excellent medical professionals, always learning, and acting in the best interests of their patients and teams.