Well, glad you are able to speak on behalf of the doctors of america. I certainly don't.
I wonder why you asked the question, if you had already made up your mind? In spite of the fact that I tried to *gently* suggest that the scenario you'd suggested is highly unlikely, and has not happened in, what, 50 years of combined experience between Harvey and I.
The more likely, although still not experienced scenario, would be a paramedic, another physician (you know that we generally cannot prescribe meds for ourselves), asked for a prescription for emergency use for themselves or someone they might encounter, I'd give it with no hesitation.
I can't quite fathom your reasoning for bringing up the issue of shortcuts in preparation, in the context of life-saving treatments? Would you come upon a person having a heart attack, and lecture them on inadequate preparation? It's just inappropriate to the situation under discussion, I think.
Your mileage may vary...
I guess I should say my final word on the subject.It is unlikely any doctor would prescribe dex to an asymptomatic patient especially if it were for the possiblity to help a random stanger in the mountains.
I am all about personal resonsibility.There are way too many people who try to take short cuts in preparation and over estimate their ability.From climbing Mt. Hood with a hundred year storm on its way to taking a casual stroll up the Main Whitney Trail.Many don't train enough,acclimate enough or investigate enough their own ability at altitude. This age of a drug to fix everything makes us take chances we really shouldn't.It is really unfortunate that people get into trouble on our local 14ers.Dex,Diamox, Cialis/Viagra should not be thought of short cuts to preparation. No one should ever go expecting that some magical life saving drug is in the pocket of a random stranger passing by.
