equipment review
Improvised Medical Protocol Development for Multi-Day EVA Operations: The Botanical First Aid Framework
Dr. Priya Sharma
· Copernicus Station Clinic
Lunar Emergency Medicine · Vol. 2, No. 1 · July 1, 2028
Abstract
Extended EVA operations in remote lunar surface areas may require managing medical emergencies without immediate medical bay access. This paper describes the Botanical First Aid Framework — a protocol system for improvised medical management using available resources, developed from analysis of 42 remote EVA medical incidents.
The challenge of managing medical emergencies during multi-day EVA operations far from the main habitat is one of the most underaddressed problems in lunar occupational medicine. The focus of most medical planning on habitat-based care leaves a significant gap.
We analyzed 42 medical incidents occurring during EVA operations more than 4 hours from the nearest medical bay, drawing on incident reports from five lunar habitats over a 3-year period. Incident types included musculoskeletal trauma (38%), equipment malfunction-related injury (24%), cardiovascular events (15%), and respiratory incidents (12%).
The term 'Botanical First Aid' emerged from the improvised nature of field medicine in resource-limited environments — recalling the historical practice of botanists on solo expeditions who developed systematic approaches to self-treatment from available materials. In the lunar context, available materials are limited but well-characterized: suit components, emergency kit supplies, and the physical environment itself.
Key protocol developments:
1. Suit-as-splint protocol: EVA suit rigid components can immobilize extremity fractures for transport
2. Towel protocol (Protocol T-1): The EVA emergency kit towel is classified as a legitimate multi-function medical device — tourniquet, sling, dust filter, pressure dressing, and, critically, privacy screen for examination (psychological importance in team settings)
3. Remote cardiac assessment using suit telemetry
4. Communication-first doctrine: establishing Earth telemedicine contact before any field procedure
Conclusion
The Botanical First Aid Framework provides a systematic approach to improvised EVA medical care. Implementation in all EVA training curricula is recommended.
We analyzed 42 medical incidents occurring during EVA operations more than 4 hours from the nearest medical bay, drawing on incident reports from five lunar habitats over a 3-year period. Incident types included musculoskeletal trauma (38%), equipment malfunction-related injury (24%), cardiovascular events (15%), and respiratory incidents (12%).
The term 'Botanical First Aid' emerged from the improvised nature of field medicine in resource-limited environments — recalling the historical practice of botanists on solo expeditions who developed systematic approaches to self-treatment from available materials. In the lunar context, available materials are limited but well-characterized: suit components, emergency kit supplies, and the physical environment itself.
Key protocol developments:
1. Suit-as-splint protocol: EVA suit rigid components can immobilize extremity fractures for transport
2. Towel protocol (Protocol T-1): The EVA emergency kit towel is classified as a legitimate multi-function medical device — tourniquet, sling, dust filter, pressure dressing, and, critically, privacy screen for examination (psychological importance in team settings)
3. Remote cardiac assessment using suit telemetry
4. Communication-first doctrine: establishing Earth telemedicine contact before any field procedure
Conclusion
The Botanical First Aid Framework provides a systematic approach to improvised EVA medical care. Implementation in all EVA training curricula is recommended.
Keywords
EVA, field medicine, improvised, first aid, remote, protocol