Remote Medical Support: The Basics

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With hundreds of off-road racing and similar events yearly and plenty of sand dunes, beaches, rainforests, and bushland to go around, many adventurers, families, and organisations regularly partake in activities throughout Australia’s distant areas. For this reason, the provision of remote medical support becomes vital, as many accidents and health issues may arise.  

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2019 alone, 48% of deaths for people aged less than 75 included potentially avoidable deaths. Moreover, up until April 2021, the number of road deaths ― including off-road adventures and recreational activities ― shows variation in comparison to 2020.  

In any case, trends that point to declines in the number of recreational and comparable deaths may lead people into complacency, downplaying the necessity of remote medical support in far-off areas. In fact, in the course of such events, healthcare is usually hours apart. Considering this, remote medical support makes all the difference for those involved in similar activities.  

Often described as “one of the most difficult off-road courses in one of the most remote places in the world,” the Finke Desert Race was recently the scene of a terrible accident. Namely, a 60-year-old spectator had died, and two more individuals suffered injuries after a car crashed into onlookers. As it is not yet clear if emergency help was at hand, the matter emphasises the need for better-organised onsite paramedic assistance.  

Regrettably, with little comprehension of the apparent benefits of remote medical support, these grim numbers are poised to rise.  

Australia’s Far-off Areas and Remote Medical Support

Per an Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health report, overseas tourists are at a more considerable risk of being hospitalised for an injury in the aftermath of water and air transport, near-drownings, and pedestrian-related injuries.  

Moreover, the report’s authors proceed with the finding that “sport or leisure-related activities were the most common activity conducted at the time of the incident. International tourists are at a higher risk of experiencing injuries, particularly following recreational pursuits.” 

In fact, countless people die needlessly in such events due to a lack of available and adequate emergency medical treatment. Likewise, the shortage of rural doctors in remote areas is associated with:  

  • Increased travel burdens,  
  • Reduced continuity of care,   
  • Delayed healthcare seeking, and  
  • Poorer prognoses.  

Alternatively, the proximity of a seasoned paramedic typically contributes to a stark decline in the fatal outcomes of injuries and similar issues. Truth be told, most deaths deriving from health traumas and incidents can be prevented if specific procedures are implemented promptly.  

remote medical support

The Golden Hour

Among the countless benefits of an onsite medic is applying emergency medical response (EMR). Healthcare experts sometimes refer to the timeframe where EMR is conducted as the golden hour. The term refers to the period of time immediately following a traumatic injury.  

More specifically, during this time frame, there is the highest likelihood that quick medical and surgical treatment could prevent death. But, the exact period can be longer or shorter than one hour, depending on the nature of the injury. Thus, being well-versed in the art of remote medical support rings paramount.

Quick fact: An onsite paramedic can provide advanced interventions such as airway adjuncts, emergency drugs as well as primary healthcare treatments.   

In emergencies, there is limited time to wait for an ambulance to arrive from far away. If they are not already on site, the consequences can be irreversible. 

In a nutshell, here are particular objectives that the first responder or onsite medic should meet to mitigate unfavourable outcomes:  

  • Quickly recognise and respond to the emergency,  
  • Promptly utilise emergency medical care and life-support systems to sustain life, and  
  • Urgently transport the victim to the nearest appropriate medical facility for extensive treatment.  

Why Hire a Remote Medical Support Team?

Reasons for engaging a seasoned onsite medic crew abound. Among them is that total confusion, stress, and excitement often arise from an unexpected injury or illness. In such instances, the person responding to the emergency should approach it assuredly and calmly.  

For example, a confident and competent first responder or paramedic will lend assurance to everyone involved in the incident that things will be all right. Confidence and the ability to control a medical incident provide a calming effect to those nearby and offer reassurance to patients. 

As a matter of fact, social scientists believe that the demeanour of the first responder in such cases is contagious and potentially leads to better outcomes concerning organisation and logistics.  

An onsite paramedic can forestall the onset of secondary trauma, such as shock. They can accomplish this by offering reassurance and conducting appropriate treatments.    

Basic Procedures

Medics responding to the emergency first conduct a patient assessment or the primary survey – as medical professionals often refer to this method. Simply put, the action entails physically examining the victim and checking for:  

  • Responsiveness – conscious state,   
  • Airway – patency, 
  • Breathing – is/is not or how well/how bad,  
  • Circulation – present or not, blood inside the body or not (*note – blood should not be outside the body!),  

Subsequently, the so-called secondary survey checks for other serious injuries that are not immediately life-threatening. It is a kind of head-to-toe examination, intending to discover burns, broken bones, and similar issues.   

Succinctly, the onsite paramedic unit performs the physical examination by following these steps:  

  1. Primary survey, including vital signs (breathing and pulse),  
  2. Resuscitation, whereby breathing is restored utilising CPR if needed,  
  3. Secondary survey,   
  4. Provision of required emergency care.  

Furthermore, trained paramedics can also collect information that can later benefit the treating doctors in a medical facility. For instance, the onsite medic unit can observe the environment and ascertain the causes of the injury, trauma, or illness. Thereby, quick restoration of the victim’s health is likely to ensue in the nearby hospital.  

Experiencing and Treating Common Health Issues

Some injuries and illnesses are more prevalent than others. Thus, allow us to run you through a few frequent health issues arising in remote areas, sporting events, and similar activities. 

Burns

First, sunburn is among the most common injuries sustained in Australia by tourists. Typically, it appears on the surface after a few hours of excessive exposure to the sun. However, in Australia and several southeast Asian countries, periods as short as 30 min can lead to sunburn.  

The chief issues surrounding sunburn relate to increased risk of other skin damage, including rough spots, dark spots, dry or wrinkled skin, and even skin cancer.   

Some preventive measures to implement to battle sunburn include: 

  • Avoiding sun tanning and sun exposure between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon,   
  • Using sunscreen frequently, and 
  • Covering up.  

Other significant burns may occur from campfires or while dealing with an overheating car engine, an explosion of some kind or even recently boiled water. In this case, it is vital to remove clothing and jewellery from the burned areas before swelling impedes emergency treatment and creates secondary problems. For this type of issue, we recommend the following actions: 

  • Actively cool the area as best you can with at least 20 minutes of cool running water,  
  • Be wary of hypothermia, especially with children, and 
  • Continually assess the patient’s airway to ensure adequate breathing.   

Burns can be very painful. Therefore, analgesia will assist in this setting, while paracetamol may also be useful. Obviously, paramedics and doctors will carry a higher level of pain relief than what is available to you over the counter.   

remote medical support

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion

Most people misuse the term heatstroke. Actually, in most cases, patients experience heat exhaustion. Although unpleasant, it is rarely life-threatening. Heat exhaustion can be characterised by fatigue and core temperature of between 37-40 degrees Celsius.  

This usually comes about after moderate activity in a hot environment without hydrating. The issue is generally rectified easily with oral fluids and moving to a cooler environment, with air-conditioning or under a shade. However, in extreme circumstances, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.  

Consider marathon runners, iron man style events, enduro motorcycle racing, etc. If mismanaged, this becomes a life-threatening condition that will require IV fluids, active cooling (ice packs and water) and potentially glucose for reduced sugar levels. 

The main takeaway here is to maintain liquids when travelling or conducting physical activities throughout Australia.    

Stings and Bites

The bites and stings of the vast majority of insects are not deadly or severe and will likely improve within a few hours or days. Nevertheless, others might lead to infections, causing severe allergic reactions or spreading illnesses such as malaria or Lyme disease.  

Although rarely life-threatening, some of the most harmful attacks may occur from spiders, snakes, and jellyfish. In fact, such stings and bites may result in breathing difficulties, a swollen face or mouth, and dizziness. As paramedics know from courses on remote medical support, a person experiencing such an attack may also   

  • Lose consciousness,   
  • Sense difficulty swallowing, or   
  • Feel a fast heart rate or wheezing.  

 Some preventive measures to protect oneself include inquiring about conditions, wearing a protective suit, and avoiding water while jellyfish season is underway. 

Immersion and Near-Drowning

In 2020-21, almost 300 people died in Australia’s waterways and beaches. On the other hand, the concept of near-drowning refers to delayed illness as caused by the aspiration of water into the lungs, thereby potentially causing spasms in vocal cords and the closing up of the airway.  

Due to an increase in the prevalence of drowning deaths in Australian coastal waters, not-for-profit organisations and public institutions are increasingly warning of the adverse trends among divers and snorkelers.  

The fact stands that basic first aid and CPR are invaluable as a base. However, an onsite paramedic skilled in advanced resuscitation constitutes a far more beneficial asset in emergencies. They may even potentially prevent the onset of more harmful consequences of immersion or near-drowning.  

In Conclusion

Off-road vehicle injuries, heatstrokes, sunburns, and other health issues may be a common concern for those travelling to or temporarily staying in rural areas. Whether for leisure or business, spending time in remote locations may prove harmful if remote medical support is not at hand.  

For those who visit far-off areas and are unable to travel with a paramedic or doctor, we advise bringing medical stores and equipment. These items should be task-specific and may include:   

  • Basic airway devices,  
  • Automated External Defibrillators (AED),   
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) and primary healthcare medications under prescription,   
  • Trauma packs and emergency stores, and  
  • Splints, pads, and bandages, which can be found in a quality first aid kit.  

Panoptic Solutions helps individuals and teams do their best work and enjoy relaxation time without worrying about remote medical support being unreachable.

What Is Infrastructure Security: Top Risks and Advantages 

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Modern society seems to be taking critical infrastructure as a given. From tunnels, utilities, highways to connecting bridges, railways, and dams. All these facilitate the access of populations to clean water, electricity, transportation, and commerce. So, what is infrastructure security? It constitutes one of the central concerns of governmental policy worldwide, with private sector companies increasingly making an impact in its scope. 

The Australian Bankers’ Association best describes the mutually dependent nature of critical infrastructure:  

The Commonwealth has defined ‘critical infrastructure’ as that infrastructure which, if destroyed, degraded or rendered unavailable for an extended period, will significantly impact the social or economic wellbeing or affect national security or defence. Clearly, the banking sector is a vital component of the critical infrastructure. But it must be appreciated that the banking sector is dependent upon at least two other components of the critical infrastructure, namely the electricity sector and the telecommunications sector. 

Due to an uptick in malicious actors’ attempts to infiltrate critical systems, what is infrastructure security has become a question that many are entering in search engines. Although most attacks on critical infrastructure occur virtually, some malefactors remain persistent in achieving their criminal goals by physically inflicting damage. 

Currently underway in the Australian Parliament, the Critical Infrastructure Bill focuses on elevating the resilience and security of the country’s vital infrastructure. Legislators expect it to address natural hazards (weather events) and human-induced threats (interference, espionage, cyber-attacks, and trusted insiders).  

Many analysts argue it is an indispensable topic only beginning to make headlines in Australia and the world. 

Thus, this article will dissect what is infrastructure security and its risks and advantages in the 21st century. 

Mobile Patrols and Patrol Routes

As a rule of thumb, the constant presence of security guards on-site comprises the best course of action for preserving vital assets. In fact, their regular proximity to the infrastructure in question serves as a deterrent to potential attackers and intruders. 

Similarly, mobile patrols and alarm response systems are more effective in taking care of security when it comes to large structures. Productivity levels of critical infrastructure tend to improve when the proper security solutions are in place, as workers and staff are not afraid for their safety. 

Equipped with incident escalation protocols and pre-agreed upon instructions, mobile patrols are ready to respond to any emergency. Instead of paying an idle static security officer on-site, corporate security directors are increasingly hiring mobile patrols. They can cover as much ground as the static security officer but in the fifth the time. 

Some of the other responsibilities of a mobile patrol entail: 

  • Responding to alarm systems timely and proactively, 
  • Checking on employees and infrastructure randomly, and 
  • Remaining on high alert and using the latest technology to cover the whole facilities and staff. 

Finally, establishing and meeting the expectations of critical infrastructure managers often proves essential. For instance, they may need the security guard and mobile patrol to do one or more of several things. These include acting as a deterrent, being noticeable, and arriving at a set time to lock up buildings or inspect equipment. Here is where the question of what is infrastructure security becomes particularly tangible.

In addition, critical infrastructure managers may need to explain to their security officers why they want them to be present at specific time points and facilities. For the security team to perform its duties accurately, communication barriers must be removed. 

what is infrastructure security

Access Control and Infrastructure Security

Access control is one of the main obstacles against outsiders (or trusted insiders) intending to harm a critical infrastructure facility. In short, it is a security term that refers to the tactics and equipment that companies use to limit and monitor access to and within their premises. 

Experts usually recommend placing CCTV cameras at the stairwells, main doors, and elevators. Although this practice is particularly beneficial, another high-grade action to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure is to introduce electronically controlled locks on doors. In fact, it would be most desirable for visitors or workers to speak with a security guard before gaining entrance. That way, maximum control is ensured over who enters and exits the premises. 

Most critical infrastructure facilities use either CCTV cameras or security guards. Alternatively, to reach the highest attainable level of protection, we recommend engaging both access control methods. 

Finally, security experts often argue that the primary role of protection agents in access control is to: 

  • Monitor incoming personnel traffic, and 
  • Stay vigilant for designated threats and suspicious persons. 

However, some critical infrastructure facilities have little to no security awareness. In that case, the protection staff should focus mainly on the object of potential threats. Even though it is difficult to assess which assets or facilities are most vulnerable, a risk assessment serves to clarify any uncertainties. 

How Barrier Systems Augment Security 

According to safety expert Snorre Sklet, a barrier system aims to perform multiple-barrier functions. For instance, a fire extinguisher comprises a barrier system that helps implement a mitigation function. It can stop or limit the spread of fire. In the language of infrastructure security, this type of practice can restrict or entirely halt an activity intended to wreck critical infrastructure.  

Moreover, we may divide the barrier system into active and passive. The first concerns itself with access control points where security officers check vehicles or individuals for credentials. The latter can be a fence or dyke surrounding the facilities. Both should be in place to maximise safety and security ― and this is what experts call a multiple-barrier system. 

Some companies believe that simply placing walls or barricades will suffice to deter potential intruders. However, dozens of breaches attest to the fallibility of this belief. 

Making Infrastructure Security a Priority

As many as 67% of companies with critical infrastructure suffered at least one attack in the last 12 months. The advent of cyberattacks has only exacerbated the overall stability of facilities that provide clean water, electricity, transportation and other modern age necessities. 

Whenever a physical or cyber attack occurs, the general productivity and operability of critical infrastructure facilities drop notably. For instance, a mere temporary discontinuity in clean water systems functioning could produce a debilitating impact on the affected population. Sometimes, it takes a company with critical infrastructure days or weeks to fully recover from this type of attack.  

In this article, we hope to have described what is infrastructure security and how it benefits numerous critical systems.

For all the reasons described above, this topic has been gaining traction in most societies and is set to make headlines in the foreseeable future. 

Companies like Panoptic Solutions help organisations enhance productivity by offering unmatched infrastructure security services.