By: Anthony A. Miller, M.Ed., PA-C (Emeritus)
Distinguished Professor
Division of Physician Assistant Studies
Shenandoah University
As Shenandoah University students prepared to embark on clinical rotations this winter, their vigilant professors Tony Miller and & Jennifer Miller shared the following message and list to help them prepare:
As you embark on your clinical rotations, you successfully completed the didactic curriculum that prepared you for the clinical experiences you will encounter. However, you may have not been prepped for what could happen on the road to clinical rotations…especially in the cold weather. So here are some tips to help you survive the unexpected extra shift, 2 feet of snow, or whatever may come your way. These are suggestions, feel free to add, delete or revise based on your own circumstances. We hope you will have some personal comfort knowing you have prepared but never need to use them. Just remember that in early January, hundreds of motorists were stranded for up to 22 hours on I95 in northern Virginia. Find a box and place these in the trunk of your car.
THE LIST
- Flashlight and batteries (don’t depend on your cell phone for illumination)
- Blanket(s) or sleeping bag
- Bottled water
- Snack bars – some with high protein
- Hard candy and gum (won’t melt in the heat)
- Box or packet of tissue paper
- “Wet Ones” or similar product – wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and paste
- Change of clothes
- Winter gloves/mittens, scarf & cap
- Hand warmers
- Extra lab coat (put this on a hangar, not in the trunk box)
- Boots and/or shoe covers
- Snow shovel
- Snow and ice removal brush for windshield
- Phone charger with car adaptor
- Small white towels (for clean up or to place on mirror or window – signals distress)
- Flares or reflective safety triangles (to place behind stranded car to warn oncoming traffic)
- Pen and paper – in case you need to leave your car – put note on dash
Words of caution: Try not to let your gas level go less than ¼ tank (1/2 tank in winter). Never store gasoline in your car. Be sure your windshield fluid is winterized and topped off. If pulled over on the berm of a road, stay on the passenger side of the car.