Survival Medicine

In this episode, Joe and Amy discuss how to evaluate the victims of a mass casualty event, concentrating on your actions with each individual patient using the START and SALT protocols. They also update you on the latest in Bird Flu news, is it heading for pandemic status? Short answer: unlikely. Plus, Dr. Joe Alton talks about your options when transporting patient with a team and equipment or just by your lonesome self and with bare hands! All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, The Altons Hey, don't forget Dr. Alton's quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. You'll be glad you did!

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss the basics of mass casualty events, where the number of casualties exceeds the available resources. What do you do in these circumstances, especially in survival settings?  But it's not all mass casualties, lesser issues can affect work efficiency and make things hard for a mutual assistance group after a disaster. What do you do when someone breaks a tooth? Medically prepared people also need to be dentally prepared if they're worried about a long-term event. Plus, a discussion about tonsillitis in an off-grid setting. You need to identify it fast and nip it in the bud to prevent it from becoming a major issue. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Amy Alton. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad! Joe and Amy Alton

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Amy Alton talk tips on how to get through the next hurricane. Hurricane Helene caused major destruction even in inland areas of North Carolina and other points south. Dr. Alton gives his thoughts on how to make the next one a bump on the road, not the end of the road, for you and your family. Also, a discussion on how to deal with migraine headaches on or off the grid. They may not kill you, but they can affect all-important work efficiency in times of trouble. Plus, a primer on the various antiseptics that would make sense to have in your medical kit, plus some natural options. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe Alton, MD (aka Dr. Bones) and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss the Monkeypox, now called Mpox, and it potential, if any, to be an issue on this continent in the future. Also, some basics about suturing in survival scenarios, including what materials are used. Plus, how to put together a reasonable sick room for epidemic infectous disease cases without getting healthy people sick.   All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe Alton, MD and Amy Alton, APRN! Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

In this far-ranging episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss the Monkeypox, now called Mpox, and it potential, if any, to be an issue on this continent in the future. Also, some basics about suturing in survival scenarios, including what materials are used. Plus, how to put together a reasonable sick room for epidemic infectous disease cases without getting healthy people sick. Lastly, a discussion about the problematic headache type known as "migraines," how to recognize them and what to do off the grid.  All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe Alton, MD and Amy Alton, APRN! Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss wound infections, how to diagnose, treat, and prevent. Also, multiple warnings by the FDA regarding contamination of meats and vegetables with the bacteria listeria monocytogenes, a common cause of food poisoning. Plus, Nurse Amy talks about sinusitis and various natural herbal remedies that can help speed recovery, and a question from a reader about beating the heat, both for you and your dog. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Nurse Amy and Doctor Joe Alton, aka Dr. Bones! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton   Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

Lately, there have been a lot of angry young people carrying flags that aren't red, white, and blue. One day you might find yourself in the midst of these unhappy folks, which is what we call "cruising for a bruising." Dr. Joe Alton tells you strategies on how to stay safe in times of civil unrest. Plus, the medic in times of trouble must have the knowledge and ability to close wounds when it's appropriate. We've talked about this subject many times, and how important it is to cultivate the judgment related to when to and when not to close a wound. You'll also need to know a little about the suture materials available to you, which you'll find in this episode! Lastly, you might be more likely to get hit by lightning than bitten by a shark, but it's not impossible if you go in the water and it's interesting to talk about! Dr. Bones tells you what to do. Also, a question from a listener of the podcast about the usefulness of the time-honored "Dakin's solution" for wound care. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse PractitionerAlton discuss the recent outbreak of tuberculosis cases on the West Coast, and how to prevent it from affecting your family in good times or bad. Don't worry, it's not an epidemic in the U.S., even though it accounted for more than a million deaths in Africa and Asia in 2022! Also, everything you need to know about tornadoes! We're in tornado season for a while yet, and much of the country has experienced the kind of weather that spawns them. Here's how to keep you family safe in major storms. Plus, pregnancy off the grid isn't all peaches and cream, and the family medic should know what to expect, especially in late pregnancy as labor approaches. Dr. Bones gives yout the 411 on this natural, but sometimes complex situation. Plus Plus, a couple  of questions from our listeners, readers, and viewers about things like plasma donations and much more! All this in the latest episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton.  Here's wishing  you the best of health in good times or bad, Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.   W

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss important tips on controlling bleeding wounds (18 tips, as a matter of fact!), The cover-up (alleged) of the true origins of COVID-19 by the powers that be, biologic weapons in warfare, the pros and cons of the LifeVac dechoking device, and how to prevent lightheadedness and fainting when donating blood. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.  

You know, we talk a lot about medical supplies that you have to get serious training for, like tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, decompression needles, and the like, but there are important supplies you probably have right now in your medicine cabinet that are also very important for the survival medic in long-term disaster settings. Dressings, bandages, antiseptics, and much more are discussed in this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast. Also, internal injuries:  What you need to know, with Dr. Joe Alton. Also, the benefits of raw honey in wound care, but a discussion of mold and its risks and remediation. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

Joe and Amy Alton's Survival Medicine Podcast discusses the start of tornado season and how to get yourself prepared, [lus basics of draining boils and abscesses off the grid. Dr. Bones takes a hard look at medical skills needed to survive, listing them out, and giving a reasoned look on how to be a successful family medic in times of trouble. Also, Dr. Alton takes a question from a listener on testosterone replacement therapy, not really a survival topic but you'll learn a lot. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy discuss hard realities regarding survival situations, and how the family medic needs a mindset adjustment to be effective in that role. Also, Dr. Joe Alton talks about cold-related extremities injuries like frostbite and immersion (trench) foot. Amy Alton, NP, discuss what you need to know about the basics of essential oils as a tool in the survival medicine cabinet, and Dr. Bones answers a question from a listener of their friend Jack Spirko's Survival Podcast about Dakin's solution, an old option for wound care that has serious survival implications. All this and more on the Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss cold weather exposure and its ill effects, known as "hypothermia." Plus, the medic has to know how to deal with mundane issues as well as the sensational "prepper" problems like disaster trauma. One of these issues is lice. Dr. Alton tells you everything you need to know about lice: head lice, body lice, and public lice. Plus, scabies! Ugh! Finally, Dr. Bones discusses how viruses change from year to year, and what that means for this year's cold/flu/RSV/Covid season. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton! Joe and Amy Alton Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton lament the loss of fish and other equivalent antibiotics due to the actions of the FDA, leaving the family medic in survival settings with one less tool in the medical woodshed. Also, Dr. Bones discusses important strategies to stay safe in your vehicle this winter, even if stranded in a blizzard. Also, natural remedies for respiratory infections, with a special in-depth look by Nurse Amy at the health benefits and uses of peppermint. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with medical preparedness advocates Joe and Amy Alton! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Learn more about cold weather survival and 200 other off-grid topics with the 4th edition of the award-winning “Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help Is NOT On The Way,” available on Amazon in black and white, or get a color or color spiral-bound version at store.doomandbloom.net. And check out our entire line of quality medical kit and supplies there too! You'll be glad you did.  

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton proudly announce their first children's book, "Snowbie, the first snowman," a heartwarming story of how snowmen came to be, great Christmas bedtime reading for little ones! Reading to children helps develop listening, vocabulary, social, and other skills that last well into their teens. Check out Snowbie here: Snowbie: The First Snowman: Alton A.R.N.P., Amy, Alton M.D., Joseph, Crouthamel, Cheryl: 9781510780675: Amazon.com: Books Plus, Dr. Bones discusses pneumonia, whooping cough, epigottitis, and other respiratory infections that come out in the cold weather months (part of a series). Also, his thoughts on bartering in survival settings, and why you should have more medical supplies that you currently have in your storage! Lastly, a question from a listener about inflammation of the prostate. What is it and how is it treated? All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, The Altons Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss dental issues, gouty arthritis, yellow fever, more in this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, broadcast from the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains! You might be ,medically prepared, but are you dentally prepared? Most family medics don't realize that, in survival scenarios, they're bound to come across dental issues with little or no knowledge or supplies. Dr. Joe Alton discusses the basics of the dental exam, tooth anatomy, dental decay, tooth abscesses and more. Also, check out our unique dental kit for off-grid settings... Experts say we're in for cases of yellow fever in the near future. Find out about this past and future epidemic disease, and why the authorities are worrying about the U.S. suffering an outbreak now! Also, a reader question about arthritis, especially gouty arthritis... All this and more on the Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits (including suture kits) at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.  

In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss a wide range of medical topics from tic disorders to acid relux to wound care. Amy gives a thorough overview of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the various treatments used, their advantages and disadvantages.  Dr. Joe Alton discusses wound care and how proper irrigation of an open wound helps healing and increases survival rates. Plus, a news story out of New York City that suggests the government there is asking everyone to carry anti-overdose drugs like Narcan(r) due to an alarming death rate from fentanyl. Dr. Alton also takes a question from an audience member about tic disorders, especially in kids. There's not much that the Altons won't cover in the Survival Medicine Podcast! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Amy and Joe Alton Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits (including suture kits) at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

In this episode of The Survival Medicine Podcast., Dr. Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy, discuss upcoming fall season issues like colds, flus, respiratory syncytial virus, headaches, quality control of herbal drugs, and the myth of the popular OTC drug phenylephrine as an effective nasal decongestant in cold and flu season. Also, learn about the basics of protective vests in survival scenarios with Dr. Bones. All this and more in this topic-packed episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton  

Recent hurricanes on the West and East coast have threatened millions, and it's important for you to know what to do if one of these juggernauts is heading in your direction. Dr. Joe Alton tell you what you need to know. Last time, we talked about shark attacks, but many more people are injured by less scary critters like sting rays and jellyfish. Dr. Alton tells you what to do for these injuries, and also talks about the recent spate of cases of marine waters that harbor Vibrio vulnificus, the flesh eating bacteria that has killed several people this summer.  Plus, heavy rains from Cyclone Hilary have cause flash floods and mudslides in the normally desert Southwest. Dr. Bones tells you all about them, and what to do before you build that dream retreat in the mountains, how to harden a home already built, and what to do if the river of mud is an imminent threat. All this and more on the Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits (including suture kits) at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

You'd have to look far and wide for someone who hasn't been stung by an insect at one point or another.  It's not pleasant in any situation, but bees and wasps especially can inflict some real discomfort if you run afoul of them. In a small minority of cases, allergic reactions to the venom injected can be life-threatening, a condition known as “anaphylaxis.” Find out more about wasp and bee stings with Dr. Joe Alton in this segment. Plus, a lot bigger but, thankfully, a lot rarer, is an encounter with a shark. About 25 species are known to attack humans, some provoked, some not so much. There's a lot more people these days (more than 8 billion, and they're heading to the beach in the summer. Find out about how to prevent a shark attack, what to do if you're in the water with sharks, and what to do if you witness an attack. Also in this episode, Nurse Amy goes into specifics on how to make your own ointments, a useful skill for the off-grid pharmacist. When the drugs run out, you'll still have herbs if you start your garden now, and these can be compounded into ointments with medicinal benefits. All this and more from Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy in the Survival Medicine POdcast! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy  Find out more  in our books and  get medically prepared with kits and supplies from Nurse Amy's entire line of supplies and education at store.doomandbloom.net!

It's true that a survival group needs someone with medical knowledge and supplies to treat heavy bleeding and orthopedic injuries. Indeed, the average survival medical kit concentrates on these issues to the exclusion of much else. Even well-prepared medics don't realize that they'll be faced with a quite different challenge much more often: dental problems. In this podcast, Dr. Joe Alton tells you how to deal with dental trauma off the grid. Also, Amy Alton, NP, discusses herbal remedies like tonic wines and syrups, hot-infused oils, and how to make capsules and powders, and Dr. Joe takes note of malaria cases transmitted right here in the U.S.A., and what you need to know. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page SURVIVAL MEDICINE HANDBOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WHEN HELP IS NOT ON THE WAY is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.      

In this extended episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss another wide range of topics, including how to make herbal remedies, dehydration from hot summer weather, how to diagnose, treat, and prevent heat-related emergencies, soft tissue infections like cellulitis, and much more.... Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad! Joe and Amy Alton Hey, learn more about 200 medical topics in survival settings with the two-time Book Excellence Award winner in medicine, The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help Is NOT On The Way, available in black and white at Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net! Plus, check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies while you're there! You'll be glad you did!

In this extended episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Joe Alton, MD, FACS, FACOG, and Amy Alton APRN, CNM go into various diverse topics! Dr. Joe Alton discusses bleeding issues in honor of National Stop The Bleed Day, then pivots, as school ends, to the Great Outdoors and the ticks that inhabit it. Nurse Amy goes into making herbal meds and tells you how to put together a good herbal first aid kit, and Dr. Bones answers a listener's questions about preventing dental cavities with various products you can stockpile for times of trouble. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton,aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Hey, learn more about 200 medical topics in survival settings with the two-time Book Excellence Award winner in medicine, The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help Is NOT On The Way, available in black and white at Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net! Plus, check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies while you're there! You'll be glad you did!

In a survival scenario, the family medic will be called on to care not only for medical issues, but dental as well. Military medics during the Vietnam War reported that they dealt with dental problems almost as often as medical. Therefore, the survival medic should expect much of the same. Dr. Joe Alton discusses a strategy that can take care of 90 percent of all dental emergencies: Extraction! Plus, Dr.Joe and Nurse Amy discuss what you need to know to have a thriving medicinal herb garden underway well in advance of the zombie apocalypse! Everything about soil, cuttings, grow zones, etc. to get you on the learning curve for a successful supply of sustaining medicines. Plus, Dr. Joe Alton answers some questions from a listener about osteoarthritis. Our moving parts get wear and tear, and osteoarthritis is the inevitable result. What you should know. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with the Altons! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton

Water. You can't live without it, but in a survival scenario, bad water could be the reason you don't make it. In this episode, Dr. Joe Alton discusses various ways to deal with questionable water, including disinfection methods, filtering, getting fresh water from salt water, and much more. Also, you may want to hear about a new virus about as much as you'd like a hole in the head, but Ebola-like Marburg may be worth knowing about. Dr. Alton (Bones) tells you what you need to know in a calm, reasoned manner (In other words, don't worry, odds of it leaving its place of origin is very small). Plus, Dr. Alton answers a question from a listener about the passing of a friend from a stroke. What you need to know about this often life-threatening event. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast! Wishing you the best of health in good or bad times, Joe and Amy Alton Don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits at store.doomandbloom.net!  

In this episode of The Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss the importance of the medic knowing their role and job description in times of trouble, plus how to decide the types and number of medical supplies should be in your storage.  Also, the train derailment in Ohio last month caused a major chemical spill. Would you know what to do if 115,000 gallons of vinyl chloride were thrown at you from a train. Dr. Joe Alton tells you what you need to know. Plus, Nurse Amy discuss the medical uses of thyme as a natural remedies when the commercial medications run out. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! Check out our Stomp Supreme to get an idea of what the serious medic might need in a long-term off-grid scenario without hope of medevac, plus our other kits, many one-of-a-kind, at store.doomandbloom.net. Learn about the medical supplies you'll need in times or trouble and 200 other medical topics in disaster settings in the award-winning 4th edition of The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help Is NOT On The Way...  

Recently, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake caused massive damage and loss of life in parts of Turkey and Syria. Over 22,000 deaths are confirmed so far, with more than 60,000 injured. Dr. Joe Alton tells you everything you need to know to increase your chances of surviving this unpredictable and devastating natural disaster. Also, Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton gives you the scoop of preventing allergies in the coming season, with a number of natural remedies to improve your quality of life. Dr. Alton returns to discuss the recent listeria outbreak that has caused 400 food brands to be recalled from the market in the last couple of weeks. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Hey, make sure you get your family medically prepared with quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net. You'll be glad you did.

It's winter, and some folks are heading for ski resorts, and that means a big change in altitude for most. The National Academy of Sciences reports that 33.5% of the population lives below an elevation of 100 meters above sea level. That means that, in any major disaster, getting out of Dodge often means heading for the hills. There's a possibility that we might have to abruptly relocate from a home at sea level to a “bug-out” location in the mountains. Many people adjust to changes of climate and altitude easily, but others don't; the rapid change in elevation may cause a condition known as Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Dr. Joe Alton tells you what you need to know, and discuss with Nurse Amy some case histories of backcountry high-elevation sickness. Plus, is it better to be a lone wolf or is it important to have a community to fall back on? Many preppers are keeping their thoughts to themselves these days, and they might survive a major disaster, but can it be done all by themselves? Some thoughts... This and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton.  Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, don't forget to get your copy of the survival medicine gold standard, The 4th edition of the Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for when Help is NOT on the way, in black and white on Amazon or in color at store.doomandbloom.net.

Winter storms like "bomb cyclones" can be life-threatening, so it's important to know how to winterize, not only your car, but yourself. In this episode, Dr. Joe Alton discusses different ways to make sure you survive that car trip out in the blizzard, including all the supplies that would make sense to keep in the car just in case. Also, dental extraction is a rare thing you'd have to do yourself these days, but in long-term survival, someone has to do it, and you're elected. How to go about it? Dr. Alton tell you in this segment. Plus, Chestnuts have distinct health benefits which we'll tell you about, but also let's talk about the efforts to revive the American Chestnut, a rare tree in America's landscape today, but more than a quarter of our Eastern and Midwest forests 100 years ago.   Dr. Alton will talk about canine influenza, which seems to be more prevalent this year than others. What is the dog flu and can it, one day, mutate to infect humans. What you need to know for your dog and, maybe, yourself! All this and more in the latest episode of The Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Joe Alton! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton

Joe Alton MD, aka Dr. Bones, covers a broad range of topic in this episode, including traumatic brain injuries like concussions and worse. Head injuries will be common in survival settings, and the medic can still be effective even with limited supplies and materials. Also, Paxlovid, the COVID therapy, has been free so far (which is good, since it costs an average of $530) but that changes in mid-2023, simply because the FDA hasn't approved it fully yet. Medicare Part D won't cover it until it does, but these things may take a while, which could put some lives at risk. Dr. Alton discusses further. Plus, a question from a listener who has become more and more allergic to bee stings. What can she do to desensitize herself and avoid anaphylactic shock? Dr. Bones thinks aloud as to some options. Finally, some pointers on soft tissue wound care to help the off-grid medic help an injured survivor recover fully. All this and more in the latest episode of The Survival Medicine Podcast! Wishing the best of health in good times and bad, Joe Alton MD Check out the 4th edition of The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help Is NOT On The Way!  

People in off-grid settings are often called upon to perform activities to which they're not accustomed. In daily survival, the inexperienced will suffer mishaps that lead to injury; in situations where sanitation is questionable, these injuries carry a risk of infection, especially in unsanitary conditions. One of these is known as “cellulitis.” Dr. Joe Alton tells you what you need to know about this common problem. Also, aquarium antibiotics have been a staple for survival medics since Dr. Alton's article in survivalblog close to 15 years ago. Now, the government is tightening the screws as to how citizens can access antibiotics, starting with food-producing livestock. What does it mean for the preparedness community? Plus, an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus on the west coast may become an epidemic and part of a triple whammy this winter along with flu and COVID. Find out about this surging virus.  Finally, some advice on what to do in falls into cold water from a capsized boat (or, in the case of recent headlines, a fall from a cruise ship!) All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe Alton MD, aka Dr. Bones! Hey, don't forget your copy of The Survival Medicine Handbook, the 4th edition, a 2022 Book Excellence Award Winner in the Medical category!

In normal times, once you have stopped the bleeding and applied a splint or dressing, the emergency is “over.” You sit and wait for an ambulance or rescue helicopter to arrive and your part is over. In an austere setting, however, the medic must follow the status of the wound for more than a few minutes or hours. You're in charge until the person is fully recovered. Constant, diligent wound care is your responsibility. It's important to understand that a wound is not just a “hole”; it's part of a person who should be informed of your plan of action and participate, if possible, in their care. Most wounds will heal completely over time, but some may never achieve full recovery. Due to massive injuries or complicating conditions such as diabetes, the best care may sometimes yield a less-than-optimal result even in good times. The medic's duty is to care for the patient the best they can with the limited supplies and technology available off the grid. In this episode, Dr. Joe Alton discusses daily wound care in austere settings, including the removal of non-viable tissue using sharp debridement. It ain't pretty, but if you're the medic, it's you that has to do it. Also, questions that preppers should ask their doctors when told to take a new drug or get a serious diagnostic test. All this and more on the Survival Medicine Podcast! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad,  Joe Alton MD Hey fill those holes in your medical knowledge and supplies with award-winning books, kits, and supplies at store.doomandbloom.net!

A world weary of one viral pandemic is now experiencing the early stages of another: In the last three months, more than 88 countries have reported a total of more than 30,000 cases of the disease called monkeypox, which was previously restricted to parts of Africa. That's more than we saw in the 2014 Ebola epidemic, so the survival medic should know about it. Plus, flooding in Kentucky takes more than three dozen lives. Flooding is a common disaster, and anyone who doesn't live on a mountaintop should be prepared to deal with one. Flash floods, burn scars, ice jams, snowmelt, dam failures, and more are discussed so you'll know what to do to keep your family safe. Lastly, one of the most common problems the medic will see in survival scenarios is mundane: constipation. At least, it's mundane until you get a bad case of it! Dr. Joe Alton discusses all you need to know to help your people stay at 100 percent in times of trouble. Bonus: What about MREs and constipation? All this and more in the latest episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe Alton MD and Amy Alton NP.... Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad! Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits at store.doomandbloom.net. Also, our Book Excellence Award-winning 700-page Survival Medicine Handbook is now available in black and white on Amazon and in color and color spiral-bound versions at store.doomandbloom.net.

t's summer, and this is the time that people head out to the shore and take in the Great Outdoors. Millions will do just that, and the vast majority of beach-goers will experience nothing but a great time. On occasion, however, a person may run afoul of a sea creature during their time in the water. It's their home, after all, and some can get pretty aggressive when disturbed or when looking for a meal. In this podcast, we discuss everything from encounters with jellyfish to sharks. Also, we review everything you should know about preventing summer drownings everywhere, including pools, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Finally, Nurse Amy introduces a new first aid kit meant for minor wound care, and Dr. Alton discusses how to deal with minor soft tissue infections like cellulitis. All this and more in the latest survival medicine podcast with Joe Alton MD and Amy Alton NP!  Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy Find out more about animal encounters, survival at sea, and 200 other medical topics off the grid in the Book Excellence Award winner in Medicine, The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help Is NOT On The Way. Plus, check out quality medical kits for beach outing and other scenarios at store.doomandbloom.net.

Well, it's summer and a lot of folks are heading out into the great outdoors. In a disaster or any other situation that knocks us off the grid, we'll be exposed a lot more to things like insect stings and poison ivy, as well as strange food items that we aren't accustomed to. Being in contact with all this stuff may cause Allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. When we develop an allergic reaction, it might be mild or it might be severe. If severe enough, we refer to it as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Dr. Joe Alton discusses what you need to know and options on how to get epinephrine auto-injectors at a discount.. Plus, a discussion all about lightning in summer storms, and what to do to avoid being a victim. Even if you've medically prepared, and have a big stockpile of conventional medications, hey, they'll eventually run out. If you're gonna be the family medic in a survival setting, you'll need to find alternatives if you want to keep your people healthy long-term. What's the difference between alternative, complementary, integrative, holistic, and other types of care? Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Learn about 200 medical topics off the grid with a copy of the 2022 Book Excellence Award winner in medicine, The Survival Medicine Handbook's 4th Edition. Plus, check out our entire line of quality medical kits and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net

Today Nurse Amy and Dr. Bones talk about the health benefits of chamomile.  Yes, a regular MD and nurse practitioner touting the benefits of herbal tea, how about that?  Hey, in times of trouble, you gotta use all the tools in the woodshed! Plus, a thorough discussion on the basics of IV therapy, with emphasis on essentials and practical tips to get fluids into a dehydrated patient. Learn how to recognize signs of dehydration and an ancient, but useful off the grid, method of rehydrating an unconscious patient: rectal rehydration. Yes, that's a thing... All this and more in the latest episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe Alton MD and Amy Alton NP! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits, educational books, and individual supplies at store.doomandbloom.net! You'll be glad you did.

A bill entered in California's state legislature has gone where President Biden's “disinformation bureau” couldn't. Bill AB-2098 gives power to the state's medical board to investigate and punish doctors whose advice and treatment regarding COVID-19 varies from their perceived “applicable standard of care.” The medical establishment now has “disinformation” authority over others who dare to voice alternative options to their patients or even on social media. Dr. Joe Alton, aka Dr. Bones, gives his thoughts. Also, Nurse Amy Alton tell you about peppermint oil, and its potential as a viable tool in the survival medicine cabinet. Uses and ways to prepare it are included. Plus, Dr. Joe Alton talks about how to deal with wounds from sharp objects like knives in survival settings with limited supplies. Finally, a question from a listener about what to do about leg cramps. All this and more in this episode of The Survival Medicine Podcast, with Joe Alton MD and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad,  Joe and Amy Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of educational books, individual supplies, and the highest-quality medical kits at store.doomandbloom.net. You'll be glad you did!

It's a rare individual who has never had a nosebleed and a lot of people have, over the course of their lives, been the recipient of a punch in the nose or other facial trauma. Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss nosebleeds, nasal fractures (broken noses) and foreign bodies in the nostrils of children in this episode. Also, Amy Alton, NP discusses the usefulness of valerian root off the grid for various purposes in the survival medicinal garden. Plus, a listener asks about the heart condition that causes palpitations, irregular beat, and much more: Atrial fibrillation. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr.Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Hey, fill those holes in your medical storage with kits and individual supplies from our entire line at store.doomandbloom.net!  

More than 20 million Americans experience some form of hormonal dysfunction related to the thyroid gland, so you can bet that the off-grid medic will eventually come across someone with it. You've gott to know  know how to recognize these conditions and improve them, if possible. This can be way harder off the grid than in today's modern world, but you might still be able to do something that helps. Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy explore the topic... Also, Dr. Joe Alton answers a difficult question from a person dealing with issues relating to alcohol use. How to get on the wagon and stay there. Are there ways to get back to full sobriety? If so, how? Dr. Alton explores the possibilities in this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, check out the greatly expanded 4th edition of the Survival Medicine Handbook, the essential guide for when help is NOT on the way, available in black and white at Amazon or in color at store.doomandbloom.net!

How long do you think you'd last when the SHTF if you can't hear the zombies sneaking up on you muttering something about tasty, tasty brains? The ear is the organ that controls, not only hearing, but balance as well. It's a rare parent who hasn't had to deal with ear problems at one point or another during their life. In some cases, It could be a chronic issue that makes an otherwise healthy child (or adult) miserable. Dr. Joe  Alton discusses what the medic needs to know about ear problems off the grid. Plus, a question from a listener dealing with inflammatory bowel syndrome. Learn all about the condition and ways to diagnose and treat the condition. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr.Joe Alton and Amy Alton. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe Alton MD Hey, fill those holes in your medical storage with high-quality medical kits and supplies from our entire line at store.doomandbloom.net!  (We also  have otoscopes at a reasonable price!) You'll be glad you did.

Some of our friends have discouraged us from speaking about the small possibility of a nuclear event in the unstable and uncertain future, but everyone should know about them, not panic, and understand that survival is possible in many cases. Dr. Joe Alton discusses different types of nuclear weapons and meltdowns, types of radiation, percentages and radius of damage, symptoms of radiation sickness, building shelters, treating the sick, and much more. Plus, a question about suture kits from a listener leads to a discussion of why and when to close wounds, and how to developing good judgment is more important than just learning how to throw a stitch. All this and more on the Survival Medicine Podcast!  Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, check out our medical kits, books, individual supplies, and more at store.doomandbloom.net. You'll be glad you did.

In this topic-filled podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss corruption in the medical establishment that has led to bad messaging and advice for the current pandemic, and why this happens in a highly politicized society. Also, Dr. Alton cover cold injuries like frostbite and immersion (trench) foot, and other cold exposure issues. Nurse Amy tells you all you need to know about clove bud oil, a useful item to have in long-term survival medicine cabinets, and Dr. Bones returns to discuss the significance of expiration dates and how they affect the survival medic... All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton

In good times or bad, families may face any number of events where trauma causes injuries. In the United States alone, there are over 37 million emergency department visits annually due to some type of trauma. Off the grid, it stands to reason that activities of daily survival performed by those unaccustomed will greatly increase the number of traumatic wounds. This week, Dr. Joe Alton discusses what to do for strains and sprains.  Also, the Alton discuss antiseptics, both commercial and improvised, and their use in survival scenarios to save lives. Plus, a Survival Podcast question about strokes leads Dr. Alton to tell you all you need to know about them in good times or bad. Hey, find out more about  150  medical topics in survival settings with a copy of the greatly expanded 4th Edition of the Survival Medicine Handbook, available at Amazon or get a personally signed copy at store.doomandbloom.net. You'll be glad you did. Joe and Amy Alton

Well, we survived our first cold wave of the year down here in South Florida, where the temperatures dived all the way down into the high fifties. We've heard rumors that some places get even colder in winter, so, even though they're probably just rumors, the Altons talked last time about general hypothermia. This time, they'll talk about cold water safety in survival settings. Plus, Dr. Bones (Joe Alton MD) discusses things you should know about medical gloves, all about wound infections, and more. Nurse practitioner Amy Alton discusses nursing care in a comprehensive way in part two of her series, as much information as you'll find anywhere on the subject.. All this and more on the lastest Survival  Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, The Altons Consider getting your family medically prepared and use those HSA/FSA dollars at store.doomandbloom.net, where you'll find an entire line of medical kits, individual supplies, and the latest 4th edition of the Survival Medicine Handbook!

The environment plays a large role in your success as medic in survival settings. If you don't take weather conditions and other factors into account, you have made the environment your enemy, and it's a formidable one. One major issue is cold-related illness, otherwise known as hypothermia. Normally, the body core ranges from 97.5 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius) when taken orally or rectally. Rectal temps tend to be slightly higher than oral, and oral temps slightly higher than skin readings, such as those taken in the armpit. Hypothermia begins when the body core drops below 95 degrees. Dr. Joe Alton discusses what to do when the family medic is faced with someone struck by cold exposure. Also, Nurse Amy Alton begins a series on nursing care off the grid. While not as sensational as emergency trauma care, the daily maintenance of the bedridden group member is so important that you're bound to lose people if you don't know how to properly care for them all the way to recovery. Amy discusses what you need to know in part 1... Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, have you gotten your copy of the brand new, greatly expanded 4th edition of the Survival Medicine Handbook? You should check it out here! You'll be glad you did!.

Many of the medical items in your storage, like instruments and some dressings, may come already sterile, but in survival, dressings are consumed and the sterile instruments become dirty. This leads to the question of how to sterilize your reusable items and produce a store of sterile supplies. Dr. Joe Alton discusses how best to disinfect reusable and even some disposable items in the aftermath of a major long-term disaster. Also, a major obstacle to good sanitation and health in survival will be infestation of retreats by rodents like rats and mice. Their droppings, urine, saliva, and nests can contaminate your food supply and make things much harder. Dr. Bones discusses all sorts of strategies to keep your retreat rodent-free. Plus, a question from a listener about alopecia aereata, a hair loss syndrome that can be difficult to deal with in good times or bad. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast, with Joe Alton MD and Amy Alton NP. Hey, if you want to know more about survival medicine in times of trouble, consider a copy of the greatly expanded, brand new 4th edition of the Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help is NOT on the way, available at Amazon or at store.doomandbloom.net.

Although science has made great progress against bacterial disease, our advances against viruses are still in their infancy. Now, potentially good news is being reported in the battle against the current pandemic: An experimental oral drug known as molnupiravir reduces the risk of hospitalization and death in phase III clinical trials. Today Joe Alton MD (aka Dr.Bones) and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton  are going to talk about two products developed by Merck Pharmaceuticals: Ivermectin and Molnupiravir, and the evidence for their effectiveness in the COVID pandemic. Plus, why is Merck pushing this new drug over ivermectin, already FDA approved for certain parasitic issues? All this and more on the latest episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! Hey have you gotten a copy of the brand new, greatly expanded 4TH EDITION of the Survival Medicine Handbook? Check it out at store.doomandbloom.net along with our entire line of quality medical kits, individual supplies and personal protection gear (including N95 masks) or go to Amazon.com. You'll be glad you did.  

The control of major hemorrhage (called “hemostasis”) is the territory of paramedics and trauma surgeon in normal times. In survival scenarios, however, the family medic is unlikely to be either of these. Although direct pressure on a bleeding wound may stop the bleeding, there are times when it just ain't enough. In such cases, tourniquets are the best first course of action, but they can't stay on there forever. While tourniquets, gauze rolls, and Israeli battle dressing will help stop bleeding, they don't have anything special in them that specifically aids in the clotting process. In the last several decades, however, special substances have been identified that can help control the loss of blood. If you know how to properly use them in an emergency, often in conjunction with a tourniquet, you'll increase an injured patient's chances of survival. Off the grid, having a supply of these will save lives. Dr. Joe Alton and Amy Alton talk about different hemostatic dressings, including some improved ones that can still serve as a way to stop bleeding. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Hey, find out about all the latest materials for the survival medic in the brand-new greatly expanded 4TH EDITION of "The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide for When Help is NOT on the Way", available at Amazon and at store.doomandbloom.net! And don't forget to get more medically prepared with our entire line of kits, individual supplies, and personal protection gear (including N95 masks)! You'll be glad you did.

For the survival medic, increasing international tensions means that knowledge about nuclear events and the physical damage associated with them is a worthwhile topic to know about. Short of an asteroid hitting Earth or an ultra-deadly pandemic disease, we mean more deadly than COVID, no disaster has the potential to destroy society as much as a nuclear war. Even “minor” radiation accidents, such as reactor meltdowns, may cause long-standing damage to whole areas. The medic must always have a plan of action for every type of disaster to increase the chances for survival of group members. In this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcastl, Joe Alton, MD and Amy Alton NP discuss radiation events like dirty bombs, atomic and thermonuclear weapons, likelihood of survival from the various types of damage that could occur, fallout shelters, and diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation sickness. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad,  Joe and Amy Hey, check out the greatly expanded brand new 4th Edition of the Survival Medicine Handbook, now available for immediate shipment from amazon and from store.doomandbloom.net. Consider a limited-edition signed color copy for the survival medic in your family!

In the US, almost twenty percent of the population has problems with anxiety, which is defined as feelings of apprehension, nervousness, and unease. It might be about an imminent event, a current situation, or may be of unknown origin. For example, Israel announced that Iran will complete a nuclear weapon in 10 days, and that was 9 days ago. Also, are we going to need a vaccine passport to travel, work, go to the bathroom? Don't be surprised. So, yeah, a lot of anxiety. And these are “normal” times. In survival scenarios, anxiety, depression, and PTSD are going to be epidemic among survivors, and the family medic had better be prepared to deal with people suffering from these conditions. Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss ways that you could help out if you were knocked off the grid long-term. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe Alton MD              Amy Alton NP Hey, don't forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits, individual supplies, and more at store.doomandbloom.net, plus preorder a personally-signed copy of our upcoming 4TH EDITION of the Survival Medicine Handbook at the website! You'll be glad you did.

Last week The Altons said It's a cruel, cruel summer, like the 80s song goes, and if you live on the coast or considering a trip to the beach during the dog days, you have more than sunburn to worry about. There's all sorts of critters in the sea that can cause trouble, even close to shore. I'm not talking about sharks, it's shark week on Nat Geo and some of you are probably all sharked out. I'm talking about other sea creatures that don't bite you, but sting you like jellyfish, stingrays, spined catfish, scorpion fish, lionfish, etc. Plus, Joe and Amy discuss the heartbreaking tragedy of drowning accidents. How does someone drown, what happens in the body during the event, and how to treat near-drownings and prevent it altogether. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, don't forget that a brand new edition (the fourth) of the Survival Medicine Handbook will be on bookshelves and at Amazon soon! To check it out or get a signed copy, go to store.doomandbloom.net!