Based on the Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for arachnid and snake envenomation in military working dogs (MWDs), the following is a detailed medical materiel list tailored for field treatment and stabilization:
Medical Material List for MWD Envenomation
1. Antivenom & Administration Supplies
- Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (CroFab) or Crotalidae Immune F(ab)₂ Equine
- Used for North American pit viper envenomations.
- Saudi Polyvalent Scorpion (Equine) F(ab)₂ Antivenom
- Used for specific scorpion envenomations.
- Lactrodectus mactans antivenin
- Used for Black Widow Spider envenomations.
- Additional antivenom products, if available and indicated.
- Syringes and needles
2. Additional Medications
- Diphenhydramine HCl Injection
- Dexamethasone Injection
- Epinephrine Injection
- Analgesics
- Opioids (e.g., fentanyl, morphine) for pain management.
- Avoid NSAIDs due to risk of coagulopathies.
- Gastroprotectants
- Antibiotics
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate, cephalosporins) if significant tissue necrosis or infection is present.
3. Fluids & IV Equipment
- Crystalloid Fluids
- 9% Sodium Chloride or Lactated Ringer’s Solution.
- IV Pump
- IV Catheters and Administration Sets
- Clippers and chlorhexidine scrub (IV catheter site preparation)
- Medical tape
4. Monitoring & Diagnostic Tools
- Vital Signs Monitoring Equipment
- Thermometer, stethoscope, pulse oximeter, and blood pressure cuff suitable for canines.
- Laboratory Supplies
- Equipment for Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, and urinalysis.
5. Wound Management Supplies (if indicated)
- Bandages and Dressings
- For example: sterile gauze, island dressings, cast padding, roll gauze, elastic wraps.
- Antiseptics
- For cleaning periwound skin.
- Surgical Instruments
- Hemostats, scissors, forceps, and scalpel blades for wound care +/- debridement.
- Sterile gloves
6. Airway Management Equipment
- Oxygen Delivery Systems
- Endotracheal tubes as appropriate.
- Laryngoscope
- Bag valve mask (if manual ventilation required).
- Oxygen canisters or oxygen concentrator with appropriate tubing.
This comprehensive list ensures preparedness for managing arachnid and snake envenomation cases in military working dogs, aligning with established clinical guidelines and field practices.
For additional information including National Stock Number (NSN), refer to Logistics Plans & Readiness (sharepoint-mil.us)
DISCLAIMER: This is not an exhaustive list. These are items identified to be important for the care of combat casualties.