Greetings All,

I just wanted to mention a couple of items in this letter. I'd like to remind apprentices that only events where you do first aid under the supervision of a warranted chirurgeon counts towards the four-event requirement. If you do not do first aid at that event, it does not count.

The summer season is fast approaching. When gathering supplies for an event, please remember to plan for things such as heat-related injuries, insect stings, and other seasonal problems.

I wanted to address a serious issue that crops up every now and then--the issue of the 'overzealous chirurgeon'. In an emergency situation, emotions can run high, both with the patient and patient's family, and with the chirurgeon, and some chirurgeons, in their eagerness to help, may unintentionally appear overzealous. Please know you always have the right to decline help from a chirurgeon. If one of my officers refuses to listen to you, please reiterate that you do not want their help, and ask for their name. Please report their behavior to me as soon as possible--I can't fix a problem if I don't know about it. Truthfully, most chirurgeons are delighted to not see any injuries whatsoever. It means less work at an event for treatment, less money out of our pockets for the supplies we donate for care, less paperwork, and less emotional strain in a serious situation. If Chirurgeons aren't busy doing first aid, it means they get to 'play SCA' to their hearts' content.

I have heard stories of fighters not wanting the help of chirurgeons because they are under the mistaken impression that a chirurgeon can stop them from fighting. Only marshals can prevent a fighter from fighting. Chirurgeons can consult with the injured fighter and the marshal, but only the marshal can pull a fighter off the field. Chirurgeons have not had this authority for about 20 years now. Following are reprints of 2 articles that everyone may find both helpful and amusing. Feel free to keep a copy with you. We are all here to have fun and help each other.

I am always open to discussion on any issues and/or concerns anyone has regarding the Chirurgeonate.

Take care,
Tatiana

The Fighters Bill of Rights
Copyright Baroness Selena D’Ambra

If I refuse care and I am oriented and coherent (even if annoyed,
preoccupied or angry) that is my legal right. It is up to me whether
or not I go back to fighting, I am an adult with a signed waiver. If
you feel I am a danger to other fighters or myself, tell a Marshall
of your concerns. But quietly please, so if either of us is wrong,
neither of us will be embarrassed. If I am injured, ask questions
and listen to me and my friends and family. Like me, they also know
what is normal for me and how my armor goes on and comes off. Before
you do anything, from slapping a cool cloth on my neck to cutting my
armor, ASK ME. Maybe I’ll like it, maybe I’ll club you like a baby
harp seal.


Reasons a Fighter Might Refuse Care
Copyright Baroness Selena D’Ambra

He/She is fine or will be in a minute.
He/She has a personal friend that takes care of his/her personal
   injuries.
He/She is fine or will be in a minute.
You are too intense.
He/She is fine or will be in a minute.
He/She is a First-Aider. EMT. Nurse, Paramedic, MD and will take care
   of it themselves.
He/She is fine or will be in a minute.
They don’t know who or where they are (this is extremely rare).
He/She is fine or will be in a minute.
It’s the same old knee, elbow, shoulder…and they will take care of it
   the same way as the last fifty times.
He/She is fine or will be in a minute.