EARLY TELEMEDICINE

GOAL: Gather appropriate and complete information and enlist the help of a critical care and/or surgical expert early in your management.24

The following information, if obtainable, should be prioritized to enable the most effective telemedicine support: subjective comments; objective – vital signs (HR, RR, Systolic BP, MAP, urine output); mental status; skin exam, lactate (if available); treatments administered or available – antibiotics; any other drugs, and the amount and type of fluids given so far.

- Ensure the complete medical history and documentation of any preceding events.
- Communicate capabilities available where you are managing the patient (e.g., by completing the “capabilities checklist” on the PFC WG Telemedicine Template on prolongedfieldcare.org and emailing/texting if possible before calling the consultant).
- Document any infected wounds, bites, or other potential sources of infection, etc. Send photographs or real-time video if possible.