Documents

Medical SOP

Introduction

1.This SOP serves as the official guide for all medical staff in Shamrock RP, outlining the procedures for patient care, professional conduct, medical uniforms, documentation standards, and the hierarchy within the medical department.
2.The goal is to ensure the delivery of safe, ethical, and effective healthcare in a manner consistent with the year 1899, while meeting the expectations of both the citizens and the medical professionals who serve them.

General Guidelines - Role of Medical Professionals

1.Medical staff are responsible for safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens, providing care in accordance with accepted medical practices and ethical standards of the time.
2.Practitioners must uphold high moral and professional standards, demonstrating compassion, integrity, and respect in all interactions with patients, colleagues, and the wider community.
3.Medical professionals are expected to: Deliver treatment that prioritizes patient safety and dignity; Maintain confidentiality regarding patient conditions and records; Adhere to established medical procedures and ethical codes of conduct; Collaborate respectfully with fellow medical staff and other town officials; Serve as trusted figures within the community, embodying both skill and moral responsibility.

Handling Medical Cases - Classification

1.Minor Conditions (e.g., mild fevers, small cuts, sprains, minor infections): Usually treated with bandaging, herbal tinctures, or short observation. Patients may be released with advice for rest or home care.
2.Serious Conditions (e.g., broken bones, deep wounds, pneumonia, poisoning): May require surgery, extended treatment, or close monitoring. Patients may need to remain in the infirmary or return for follow-up visits.
3.Critical Cases (e.g., life-threatening injuries, epidemics, childbirth complications, head trauma): Often involve specialized procedures such as amputation or long-term care. Recovery may require staged treatments over several days of roleplay.

Handling Medical Cases - Procedures

1.Patient Admission: Medical staff should identify themselves and explain the nature of the treatment before proceeding. Patients must be stabilized on site before transport to the nearest clinic or infirmary.
2.Diagnosis and Documentation: Symptoms, treatments, and outcomes should be recorded in medical logs or RP notes. Consultation is encouraged for unusual or complex cases.
3.Treatment and Support: Risky procedures should not be attempted without proper preparation, as this may endanger patient lives. Treatments should use available in-game mechanics (bandages, tonics, emotes) to simulate realistic care eg. /me or /do.
4.Use of Intervention: Invasive procedures (surgery, amputation) are a last resort when necessary to preserve life. Non-invasive treatments (herbal remedies, bandaging, rest) are preferred when possible.
5.Specialized Cases: Large-scale emergencies (outbreaks, mass injuries, epidemics) should be overseen by senior medical staff. Coordination and staged RP sessions are recommended to reflect the scale of the crisis.

Uniform Requirements - Standard Attire

1.In order to uphold the dignity of the profession and present a unified appearance, all medical staff shall be attired in garments of light grey and green, the chosen colors of healing and purity.
2.A modest grey coat shall serve as the primary garment, signifying cleanliness and professional standing.
3.Green vest and grey or green trousers or skirts are to be worn, in keeping with modesty and propriety.
4.White gloves are required at all times when attending to patients, both as a mark of refinement and as a safeguard of hygiene.
5.Practical boots or shoes suitable for both the infirmary and field work are expected.
6.A protective apron may be worn during surgical or apothecary duties.
7.Green accents (trim, or belt) may be worn to denote vitality and the restorative arts.
8.Accessories may include a medical satchel, writing kit, and other instruments necessary to the practice of medicine.

Uniform Requirements - Distinctions by Role

1.Head Doctors: Wear green coats in place of grey, signifying senior authority and command within the medical department.
2.Nurses & Orderlies: Attired in modest grey tunics or dresses with green trim, with aprons required for bedside and ward duties.
3.Apothecaries & Assistants: Wear grey tunics with green sashes or belts, with aprons for the preparation of remedies and tinctures.

Patient Care and Recovery Protocols - Treatment Duration

1.The length of patient care is determined based on the severity of the condition: (For immersion: 1 day of recovery = 10 minutes in game; 1 week = 1 hour in game; 1 month = 1 day in game).
2.Minor Conditions (e.g., Small cuts, mild fevers, sprains): Recovery Range: Up to 24 hours to 1 week of observation or treatment. May include rest, bandaging, or herbal remedies.
3.Serious Conditions (e.g., Broken bones, severe wounds): Recovery Range: 1–9 weeks of treatment, depending on severity. May require surgery, extended care, or apothecary remedies.
4.Critical Cases (e.g., Epidemics, life-threatening injuries, childbirth complications): Recovery Range: 10+ weeks of treatment or long-term care. In extreme cases, patients may not survive (permadeath must be agreed upon beforehand). These cases are overseen by Head Doctors or Senior Surgeons.

Patient Care and Recovery Protocols - Patient Management

1.Medical staff should ensure patients are housed or treated according to the severity of their condition and any risks they present (e.g., contagion, trauma).
2.Patients should be checked for injuries, infections, or complications before being admitted to wards.
3.Nurses and orderlies should document all patient interactions and keep a detailed log of treatments and progress.

Medical Tools and Treatment Guidelines

1.Standard Tools: The standard tools for all medical staff, whether physicians, surgeons, or apothecaries, include: Medical wagon with necessary equipment for long distance travel; Medical satchel with bandages, herbs, and tinctures; Basic instruments such as stethoscopes, scalpels, and sutures; Writing kit for documentation.
2.Herbal & Restraint Tools: Staff are authorized to carry and use herbal remedies for common ailments. Restraints (cloth ties, splints) may be used to stabilize patients during treatment or surgery.
3.Surgical Instruments (Advanced Use): Surgical tools (bone saws, clamps, needles) are not to be carried or used casually. These are reserved for serious or critical cases such as amputations, major wounds, or epidemics. Instruments should be equipped solely for those situations and stored properly afterward.
4.Guidelines: Advanced tools should not be used for minor conditions or routine care. Medical staff are expected to equip only standard instruments unless the situation calls for more invasive procedures.

Rankings and Chain of Command - Medical Staff

1.Medical staff serve as the healthcare providers within Shamrock RP. Their primary responsibilities include diagnosing illnesses, treating injuries, performing surgeries, preparing remedies, and maintaining the health of the community. They are often the first responders to emergencies and handle a broad range of duties, from tending minor wounds to managing critical cases. Medical departments are typically smaller, with a focus on localized care, though they may collaborate with other practitioners or apothecaries in certain situations.
2.Apprentice: Entry-level rank. Apprentices assist physicians, surgeons, or apothecaries with minor tasks such as preparing remedies, cleaning instruments, and basic patient care. They are not allowed to practice on their own and need to report to a Physician or Senior Nurse for guidance and training.
3.Physician / Nurse: Practicing rank. Physicians and nurses handle minor conditions and general duties, including diagnosis, wound care, and patient monitoring. They are responsible for day-to-day treatment and report to Senior Physicians or Head Nurses.
4.Senior Physician / Senior Nurse: Experienced rank. Senior staff take on leadership in complex treatments and surgeries. Responsible for assisting in larger medical operations, overseeing wards, and training apprentices or junior staff.
5.Head Doctor: Second in command. Assists the Chief Physician in overseeing medical operations. Makes major decisions regarding treatment protocols, manages serious or large-scale medical emergencies, and coordinates with apothecaries for supplies.
6.Chief Physician: Head of the Medical Department. In charge of all medical operations in the county, including overseeing physicians, surgeons, nurses, and apothecaries. Sets standards of care, ensures ethical conduct, and represents the medical staff in coordination with county leadership.

Chain of Command and Jurisdictional Authority

1.It is important to note that Head Doctors and the Chief Physician outrank all other medical staff, regardless of the individual ranks within each role.
2.Although each position has its own duties and responsibilities, senior medical leadership holds overarching authority and is empowered to oversee care across the entire medical department.
3.In contrast, physicians, surgeons, nurses, and apothecaries have authority confined to their specific wards, patients, or areas of practice. In any case where there is overlap, or if Head Doctors or the Chief Physician are called in to oversee or assist in a critical case, their authority supersedes that of other medical staff, regardless of rank.

Conclusion

1.Medical practice in the year 1899 requires the upholding of care with honor and professionalism. All medical staff must abide by this SOP and work together to ensure the health, safety, and dignity of the citizens they serve.
2.This document is subject to review and updates as the needs of the community and medical department evolve in Shamrock RP.

Documents are subject to change. Staff have final say in all situations.