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Fri, 7 Mar 2003 09:59:19 -0500

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Ken,

As always, timely and well said.  

It speaks volumes for the List that, in times of crisis, many (most?) of us
have habitually arrived here to offer support, or to seek and share
important clinical and social insights.  The Trauma List is both a credible
clinical resource and a nexus of great comfort and camaraderie for those
whose deepest purpose is human survival.   If mankind is ultimately left to
struggle against a single disease, it will be physical trauma.  Fate
allowing, the Trauma-List will endure and grow to support coming
generations.    

A few Big Picture suggestions:

First, it is up to each of us to ensure the proliferation of the List, as
its strength is chiefly a function of its ubiquity and diversity.  Recommend
it to colleagues, refer to it publicly and frequently.  I rarely end any of
my trauma-related presentations without a slide that says, simply, "
<http://www.trauma.org.> www.trauma.org."   Significantly, it falls right
after the slide that says, "Questions?"

We must also collectively see that the List is a place where both earnest
learners and leading experts can make good use of their time.  Newcomers and
veterans alike (myself included) must be periodically reminded that the List
is a forum where ideas are dissected, not individuals.  But we must likewise
be kept aware that our ideas are not part of our flesh, or even a fraction
of our identity; and that ideas--all ideas--are subject to dissection, be it
via scalpel or chain saw.  

Finally, I'd urge that the List membership more actively champion issues of
proactive injury prevention, which are too often roasted in the glare of
reactive intervention.  ED thoracotomies make for compelling television, but
they save undeniably fewer lives than bicycle helmets, or violence control
strategies, or the avoidance (where possible) of war.  The power of the List
could be immeasurably magnified if we communicated not only to one another,
but also--collectively--to our fellow citizens and our leaders.  

I disagree that "political or military actions" are not our business.  In my
opinion, most of today's geopolitical crises ache for the unique wisdom and
perspective of healthcare providers.  Pick any head of state, and swap him
for a week with your favorite doctor.  I am convinced that the world would
be improved.

I too sense a darkness ahead, although I hope that it's a consequence of too
much Tolkien.  But whatever the future holds, I imagine that as long as I'm
a nurse I'll be here on the List; and I'm confident and encouraged that the
List will be here, too.

Friends, all, you are in my thoughts.

Pret Bjorn
Trauma Coordinator
EMMC Trauma Program
489 State Street
Bangor, ME 04401

207.973.7260 (office)
207.973.7673 (fax)
207.941.5085 (voice pager)

-----Original Message-----
From: KMATTOX@aol.com [  <mailto:KMATTOX@aol.com> mailto:KMATTOX@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 10:58 PM
To: trauma-list@trauma.org
Subject: Fwd: Preparedness for Peer Response

Colleagues around the world.  This is NOT a political or an alarmist
posting.  It is simply a suggestion that this international trauma network
serve as a source for communication should there be need for us to assist
any of our colleagues around the world in the  next few days and weeks.
Granted military medicine has sophisticated infrastructure, and I am not
addressing military missions.   I would recommend that we assure that the
servers here are in good repair,  that each of us check this web site a bit
more frequently than usual and that we have the capability of responding and
planning on short notice.  

Responses can be to assist in difficult patient management, collection of
needed supplies, arranging communications with special organizations, such
as doctors without borders, and to use this Internet in case telephone lines
are down.   The persons on this web site represent the most uniform, most
knowledgeable, and most dedicated medical professionals in the  trauma
world.   We know each other, and know where each other live.  

Should there be civil disasters in a region, we might use this Internet to
identify colleagues in health care just outside that region to aid in
assessing need.   The very last thing that a region in need desires, is to
have persons come to do work that does not really need to be done.   

Again, I do not want to be an alarmist.   I do have a strange feeling in my
bones, that I have learned over my lifetime not to ignore.   We must always
act professionally and NOT get involved in political or military actions
which are not our business,  but we can assist fellow trauma professionals
by having this "already in place" international disaster trauma network.   

Finally, I would recommend that persons in charge of trauma programs in
various regions around the world make appropriate identification of
themselves and form regional networks during this time of preparedness.    I
could suggest that anyone  not wanting to openly identify themselves on the
Internet open to all lurkers, send their e-mail, concerns, availability, and
coordinating suggestions to our web master or anyone who would volunteer to
be the preparedness international coordinator.   

My dear friends on this web site, we learned during tropical storm Allison
that our prized medical facilities are much more fragile than we might have
thought.   Today is the time for us to form a preparedness pact, tomorrow it
might be more difficult.  

Today we are on the brink of unknown international actions.   Tomorrow it
might be an earthquake, a huge flood, a landslide, or other natural or
manmade crisis.   The internet has become a powerful way for us to
communicate.   Let us use it to the benefit of supporting each other and
responding to exact needs to serve any patient needs which might arise.   

Karim, I do hope that I have not overstepped the vision and purposes of this
trauma  web site.   Discussions should be focused on how this infrastructure
might function.  Please refrain from any political or military conversation
regarding this opportunity.  

k

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<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>Ken,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>As always, timely and well 
said.&nbsp; </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>It speaks volumes for the List that, 
in times of crisis, many (most?) of us have habitually arrived here to offer 
support, or to seek and share important clinical and social insights.&nbsp; The 
Trauma List is both a credible clinical resource and a nexus of great comfort 
and camaraderie for those&nbsp;whose deepest purpose is human 
survival.&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><FONT 
color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>If mankind&nbsp;is ultimately left to struggle 
against a single disease, it will be physical trauma.&nbsp; Fate allowing, the 
Trauma-List will endure and grow to support coming 
generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#800000>A few Big Picture 
suggestions:</FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial></FONT></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>First, it is up to each of us to 
ensure the proliferation of the List, as its strength is chiefly a function of 
its ubiquity and diversity.&nbsp; Recommend it to colleagues, refer to it 
publicly and frequently.&nbsp; I rarely end any of my trauma-related 
presentations without a slide that says, simply, "</FONT><A 
href=http://www.trauma.org/index.php/community/list/url/http:list.ftech.net/pipermail/trauma-list/2003-March/"http://www.trauma.org."><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial 
size=2>www.trauma.org.</FONT></A><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial 
size=2>"&nbsp;&nbsp; Significantly, it falls right after the slide that says, 
"Questions?"</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>We must also collectively see that 
the List is a place where both earnest learners and leading experts can make 
good use of their time.&nbsp; Newcomers and veterans alike (myself included) 
must be periodically reminded that the List is a forum where <EM>ideas </EM>are 
dissected, not individuals.&nbsp; But we must likewise be kept aware that our 
ideas are not part of our flesh, or even a fraction of our identity; and that 
ideas--all ideas--are subject to dissection, be it via scalpel or chain 
saw.&nbsp; </FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>Finally, I'd urge that the List 
membership more actively champion issues of <EM>proactive injury 
prevention</EM>, which are too often roasted in the glare of reactive 
intervention.&nbsp; ED thoracotomies make for compelling television, but they 
save undeniably fewer lives than bicycle helmets, or violence control 
strategies, or the avoidance (where possible) of war.&nbsp; The power of the 
List could be immeasurably magnified if we communicated not only to one another, 
but also--collectively--to our fellow citizens and our leaders.&nbsp; 
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>I disagree that "political or 
military actions" are not our business.&nbsp; In my opinion, most of today's 
geopolitical crises ache for the unique wisdom and perspective of healthcare 
providers.&nbsp; Pick any head of state, and swap him for a week with your 
favorite doctor.&nbsp; I am convinced that the world would be 
improved.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>I too sense a darkness ahead, 
although I hope that it's a consequence of too much Tolkien.&nbsp; But whatever 
the future holds, I imagine that as long as I'm a nurse I'll be here on the 
List; and I'm&nbsp;confident and encouraged that the List will be here, 
too.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>Friends, all, you are in my 
thoughts.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=030133519-19052000>Pret 
Bjorn</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=030133519-19052000>Trauma 
Coordinator</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=030133519-19052000>EMMC 
Trauma Program</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=030133519-19052000>489 
State Street</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN 
class=030133519-19052000>Bangor, ME 04401</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN 
class=030133519-19052000></SPAN></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN 
class=030133519-19052000>207.973.7260 (office)</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN 
class=030133519-19052000>207.973.7673 (fax)</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#800000 face=Arial size=2><SPAN 
class=030133519-19052000>207.941.5085 (voice 
pager)</SPAN></FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>-----Original Message-----<BR>From: KMATTOX@aol.com [</FONT><A 
href="mailto:KMATTOX@aol.com"><FONT 
size=2>mailto:KMATTOX@aol.com</FONT></A><FONT size=2>]<BR>Sent: Wednesday, March 
05, 2003 10:58 PM<BR>To: trauma-list@trauma.org<BR>Subject: Fwd: Preparedness 
for Peer Response<BR><BR>Colleagues around the world.&nbsp; This is NOT a 
political or an alarmist posting.&nbsp; It is simply a suggestion that this 
international trauma network serve as a source for communication should there be 
need for us to assist any of our colleagues around the world in the&nbsp; next 
few days and weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp; Granted military medicine has sophisticated 
infrastructure, and I am not addressing military missions.&nbsp;&nbsp; I would 
recommend that we assure that the servers here are in good repair,&nbsp; that 
each of us check this web site a bit more frequently than usual and that we have 
the capability of responding and planning on short 
notice.&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR>Responses can be to assist in difficult patient 
management, collection of needed supplies, arranging communications with special 
organizations, such as doctors without borders, and to use this Internet in case 
telephone lines are down.&nbsp;&nbsp; The persons on this web site represent the 
most uniform, most knowledgeable, and most dedicated medical professionals in 
the&nbsp; trauma world.&nbsp;&nbsp; We know each other, and know where each 
other live.&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR>Should there be civil disasters in a region, we 
might use this Internet to identify colleagues in health care just outside that 
region to aid in assessing need.&nbsp;&nbsp; The very last thing that a region 
in need desires, is to have persons come to do work that does not really need to 
be done.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR>Again, I do not want to be an 
alarmist.&nbsp;&nbsp; I do have a strange feeling in my bones, that I have 
learned over my lifetime not to ignore.&nbsp;&nbsp; We must always act 
professionally and NOT get involved in political or military actions which are 
not our business,&nbsp; but we can assist fellow trauma professionals by having 
this "already in place" international disaster trauma 
network.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR>Finally, I would recommend that persons in 
charge of trauma programs in various regions around the world make appropriate 
identification of themselves and form regional networks during this time of 
preparedness.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I could suggest that anyone&nbsp; not wanting to 
openly identify themselves on the Internet open to all lurkers, send their 
e-mail, concerns, availability, and coordinating suggestions to our web master 
or anyone who would volunteer to be the preparedness international 
coordinator.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR>My dear friends on this web site, we 
learned during tropical storm Allison that our prized medical facilities are 
much more fragile than we might have thought.&nbsp;&nbsp; Today is the time for 
us to form a preparedness pact, tomorrow it might be more 
difficult.&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR>Today we are on the brink of unknown international 
actions.&nbsp;&nbsp; Tomorrow it might be an earthquake, a huge flood, a 
landslide, or other natural or manmade crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp; The internet has 
become a powerful way for us to communicate.&nbsp;&nbsp; Let us use it to the 
benefit of supporting each other and responding to exact needs to serve any 
patient needs which might arise.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR>Karim, I do hope that 
I have not overstepped the vision and purposes of this trauma&nbsp; web 
site.&nbsp;&nbsp; Discussions should be focused on how this infrastructure might 
function.&nbsp; Please refrain from any political or military conversation 
regarding this 
opportunity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>k<BR><BR></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>

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