OCCC grad Kenneth Meador gave a presentation on the history of battlefield medicine, including events that took place while he was in the Army as a medic.

“Battlefield medicine is something that isn’t new,”  Meador said. “Since there have been battles, there has been the need for medics to treat those individuals.”

The terminology for “battlefield medicine” has changed over the years and is now referred to as Modern Tactical Combat Casualty Care, or MTCCC, Meador said.

You can’t take what doesn’t fit in your bag, Meador said. You can only pack so many IV bags, fluids and gauze.

Meador let his audience in on what is typically in a medic’s bag.

“It depends on your medic what will be in his or her kit,” he said. “There is usually Motrin, lots and lots of Motrin, and all your basic anti-inflammatories.”

This includes aspirin and Tylenol.

“You’re definitely going to carry Benadryl because you need that if anyone has any allergies or reactions. Medics always have epipens for severe allergic reactions.

“That’s the main stuff. Mostly over the counter. You aren’t supposed to carry narcotics, but again, it’s all based on your medic,” Meador said.

Battlefield medicine isn’t just for the battlefield, Meador said.

“We see signs of it all around us such as vaccinations and first aid kits. He said the knowledge of battlefield medicine is beneficial.

“It’s important to know because the implications (of battlefield medicine) are so relevant to our daily lives. It’s interesting to know why we have vaccinations and the history of medicine itself and it’s implications in normal hospitals.”

The majority of the students who attended the presentation were nursing majors students.

“It’s a very interesting topic (battlefield medicine),” said one student who attended, Traci Reed. “It’s one of those things where you aren’t going in with all of the supplies that you have in a normal situation so it’s interesting to understand how you would do it (procedures) without the usual supplies.

“As nurses, we won’t always be in situations where we are going to be in a well stocked hospital, so it’s nice to always know what your other options are,” she said.

Another nursing major said she attended to hear more than just a story. She hoped to get some credit too.

“I came because I thought it would help me with my nursing classes and I get points for it, so that’s really why I came,” said Melissa Bergeron. “I’ve had thoughts about going into the military as a nurse so it’ll be pretty fascinating to hear what it is like.”