Amanda, Who might not feel overwhelmed? I'm a nurse (25 yrs). The routine health and first aid issues seem do-able, but the rest...Living in So. Calif., it's likely I'll have to relocate (quickly), cash in my IRA, sell my house, buy food, seed...(posted 9452 days ago)By the way, the biomed dept.in my 210 bed hospital made an inventory last week of the electronic equipment we use that will have to be fixed for y2k. It was done quietly. I'll give them some time to study the problem, then I'll ask if they can fix it in time. Our computer analysts declare we are already complient in that dept.
As an EMT, you already have so many valuable skills - your family is lucky! Bear in mind most first aid can be done well with supplies found in your household, ie dressings and wraps can be made with white cotton cloth (Wash some with bleach to sterilize and dry in the sunshine, wrap in likewise prepared cloth & keep it in a dry clean place.)
NASA research proved air quality can be enhance by house plants (Check out a book called "How to Grow Fresh Air" by Dr. B.C.Wolverton
Unless you need surgery, dialysis, or other hi tech or chemical care, much of healthcare can be provided in practical ways. Natural antibiotics include topical castor, lavendar, and tea tree oils. Add to the diet (and the garden) garlic, echinacea with goldenseal. An herbal reference book with pictures might be useful.
If your family is planning to grow an organic garden, you probably will get quality vitamins and minerals without buying them in bottles. Have you considered keeping rabbits or other vegitarian animals to produce excellent fertilizer for your garden? A raised (wire bottom) rabbit hutch will create hundreds of usefull earthworms in the pile beneath. Heh, then you could keep a trout pond and fish with the worms!
When you think about it, it seems like a huge lifestyle change, but the components work together. It's good you have a team. Good luck! and thanks for sharing..It does feel good to talk about it :), Candice