What Does Rock Medicine Do?
Some liken Rock Medicine to an urgent care center, a
front line station where patients come for minor illnesses,
injury, referral and/or transport when necessary. Its services
range from public health to basic first aid to advanced life support.
We routinely stock such items as bandaids, antacids,
aspirin/acetominophen/ibuprofen, earplugs, sunscreen, condoms, and
tampons, as well as safety pins and rubber bands for those emergencies
which can ruin a good time. Most of our patients come to us due to
over indulgence of some form. Some are simply overcome by the size of the
crowd and the level of energy/excitement, while others have partaken too
strongly and need to sleep "it" off. A small minority may be involved in
a more serious situation and require repair of a cut. Others need
confirmation that they have a possible sprained ankle and should get an
X-ray as soon as possible -- while we provide ice packs and crutches on
the spot. A very small number require transport to a hospital.
Rock Medicine also provides a strong element of emotional support
for its patients. Volunteers are assigned to "talk-down" those who
are overwhelmed or who may have taken consciousness-altering
substances and need to be reminded that they're in a safe space.
Some of these volunteers are professionally trained; other have
learned their craft as part of their journey through life.
Over the years, Rock Medicine's staff have developed specific
treatment modalities. Working an event like a large heavy metal concert
can be good experience for handling the problems that will arise in
the event of a disaster. Other concerts provide an education in public
health. Rock Medicine handles in unique ways situations that are demanding
and unusual, while following the precept of "Do no harm.".
