Remote Area Medical Management (RAMM) Course

The RAMM course is a 7-day advanced level course which is designed to expand the suite of skills and knowledge available to those who already have training in the field of Pre-Hospital Care. It was developed in association with Senior Clinical Lecturers in Paramedic Science at Birmingham City University, as well as expedition doctors.

This course is suitable for doctors, paramedics, EMTs, nurses, expedition leaders, close protection medics, those providing medical support for exploration sectors (oil, gas, minerals, etc), and media medical cover, as well as those operating independently in remote and hostile environments. It includes numerous case studies, and indoor, outdoor, and night time scenarios. These scenarios include everyday incidents and those likely to be encountered in wilderness, remote, and/or hostile environments. Pre-requisites apply in order to attend this course. Students must have an in-date First Person on Scene qualification, or other advanced first aid certificate.

The course requires pre-reading and two manuals are provided: a Royal College of Surgeons (Edin.) manual, RAMM manual, and online material.

Course content:

Day 1:

• Initial assessment of course pre-reading
• Scene assessment, initial triage methodology and risk assessment
• Airway assessment: supraglottic airway devices, and bag valve use and suction

Day 2:

• History taking for the respiratory system
• Review of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
• Respiratory system assessment (auscultation, percussion, IPPA)
• Respiratory system common complaints
• Respiratory system traumatic injuries
• Drug interventions for the respiratory system

Day 3:

• History taking for the cardiovascular system (CVS)
• CVS assessment
• A/P review for CVS
• Use of NIPB assessment and interpretation
• Capillary refill test and pulse
• Common CVS complaints: assessment and treatment, and common drug interventions
• Catastrophic haemorrhage, tourniquets, and haemostatic dressings
• IV cannulation and fluid replacement
• Hazards and risks of IVs
• Legal considerations
• IO fluids
• IO use of the FAST1, EZIO cooke needle
• Burns and scalds

Day 4:

• History taking for the nervous system (NS)
• A/P review for NS
• NS assessment
• Common NS complaints: assessment and treatment, and drug intervention
• ENT assessment, complaints, and treatments
• Traumatic head injuries: assessment and treatment rationale
• Toxins and poisons
• Spinal injury management, road traffic collision, and rapid vehicle extraction drill

Day 5:

• History taking for the musculoskeletal (MSK) system
• A/P review for MSK system
• MSK system assessment and percussion
• Common MSK system complaints: assessment, treatment, and drug intervention
• Traction splints, POP back-slabs, and immobilisation
• History taking for the gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) systems
• A/P review for GI and GU systems
• GI and GU system assessment and percussion
• Common GI and GU complaints: assessment, treatment, drug intervention, antibiotics, pain relief, and urinalysis
• Diabetes: assessment, recognition, and management
• Wound closure: glue, suture, and staples
• Dermatology: rashes, bites, stings, and injections
• Medications: use, contradictions, and legal issues

Day 6:

• Pre-mission planning and intelligence
• Bugs and creepy crawliies: bites, stings, and treatment
• Telemedicine
• People factors and critical incident debriefing

Day 7:

• Assessment and treatment of trauma course
• American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons

This is a non-residential course.