Posted: 11/11/2010 7:52:19 AM EDT
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Well guys.... I've been thinking about putting together a medkit for my rangebag and this seems like it'd do the trick and save me the time and hassle of finding everything myself.
What's your guys experience with it? |
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I have one and I carry it with me every day I go on patrol. I cannot give a review because thank God I have not had to use it yet.
But I will say that all of the essentials are there for a first responder. especially since police usually get to scenes faster than fire/paramedics. I think everyone should have some sort of trauma kit or at least a first aid kit put together. Remeber it is just to help for those first few crucial moments before medical staff arrives or they are taken to the ER. |
| I have one and have never opened it. I am trained to use the kit but the entire idea is that if something happens that someone at the scene will have the supplies there at hand. If it is me then I can help until medical personnel can get there. Heaven for bid it was me who was injured then I would have the supplies for someone else to help me. |
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I recommend a Red Cross First Aid or a First Responder class so you will know how to use the contents of the kit.
Until then, the best thing you can do should someone get accidentaly or intentionally ventilated is call for help and apply pressure. I can't count how many times I've seen folks with a "top shelf" IFAK or VOK and have no idea how to use half of what's inside. Like what's been stated above, you could do more harm than good with some of the contents of these kits. I'll jump off my soapbox now, carry on. 
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I have a couple of pretty good FAK's that are always in my gear especially when camping or out in the bush. The problem I have is I cant have my DIL around all the time,she's a ER nurse. 
She's always on me about eating store bought fried chicken and Whoppers... 
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Fortunately I have not had to use it, But it looks good to go.
I think everybody should be proficient with at least basic first aid, especially shooters. How would you like to be the guy sitting there freaking out as someone bleeds out from an AD or ND at your range? |
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If you're buying an IFAK type kit, you need to get 2. One to practice with and one to keep on hand for emergencies.
And yes, get professional training in trauma asap - though having an IFAK without training trumps getting shot and not having an IFAK OR training.... Mike |
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Quoted:
especially since police usually get to scenes faster than fire/paramedics. Maybe by you
Kidding aside, I've been a Paramedic for about 15 years now and done the whole Tactical EMS thing...this kit is great for a first responder. As someone else here stated, take a class on how to use the stuff for when the times comes that you may need it (Hopefully never), you'll be good to go. |
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especially since police usually get to scenes faster than fire/paramedics. Maybe by you
Kidding aside, I've been a Paramedic for about 15 years now and done the whole Tactical EMS thing...this kit is great for a first responder. As someone else here stated, take a class on how to use the stuff for when the times comes that you may need it (Hopefully never), you'll be good to go. Well I only base this on our city. It is because police cars are always out and about on patrol and the fire/paramedics are dispatched from their station and it takes a few minutes for them to get ready and leave on the call. But yes as many have stated above one should be familiar with how to use it first. Even a course at a local community college would be a great idea |
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I recommend a Red Cross First Aid or a First Responder class so you will know how to use the contents of the kit. Until then, the best thing you can do should someone get accidentaly or intentionally ventilated is call for help and apply pressure. I can't count how many times I've seen folks with a "top shelf" IFAK or VOK and have no idea how to use half of what's inside.Like what's been stated above, you could do more harm than good with some of the contents of these kits. I'll jump off my soapbox now, carry on.
Hey, I resemble that remark ... except the top-shelf part. 
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For those of you looking for training on how to properly use your IFAK, I highly recommend Magpul Dynamics' Shooter Aid course. An AAR of Kerry's recent class can be found here: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=9&f=16&t=229104 I know Kerry has some classes coming up in Colorado soon. |
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Thankfully, never had to use mine. I keep it on my MPAC in back of my FJ.
There are some things to temember though: 1. Only use the turnicate as a last resort, chances are if you use it, the limb is gone. 2. The clotter is great stuff but read up on allergic reactions. Its a great kit for moderate/severe trauma. If you shoot, IMHO, its a necessity. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. |
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Thankfully, never had to use mine. I keep it on my MPAC in back of my FJ. There are some things to temember though: 1. Only use the turnicate as a last resort, chances are if you use it, the limb is gone. 2. The clotter is great stuff but read up on allergic reactions. Its a great kit for moderate/severe trauma. If you shoot, IMHO, its a necessity. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. I carry two in my FJ also. 
Things have changed a little. The Army is now teaching that if you even consider useing a turnicate, use it. Modern medicine is able to save the limb. IMHO. I would rather save the life than the limb. Thank God, I have not had to put any of this to the test, but am willing and able to do so. Merry Christmas to all and be safe out there.
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I don't have a kit yet (maybe Mark will send me one to review ) but I can tell you from the listed items that it has everything that you will need and then some for a major issue. I should know, 10 years as a Paramedic and 6 as a instructor for EMT's and 4 for AHA First Aid.
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I think they had been making some changes regarding the cav arms tourniquet.
There was a small pile of them at Range Day –– which had the inner packs opened (assuming tourniquet swap) –– in place was an even better model. I only regret not purchasing a few more kits as Christmas presents at the super special Range Day pricing. And other things. 
Now I did manage to purchase a few empty LT Trauma Kit pouches to fill with my choice of items. Yes, I enjoy being a "fan boy"... ETA –– They also had another line of excellent looking medical kits being shown off in the retail area –– i forget the name –– sounded like they would be carrying those so who knows the future of the current kit... |
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1. Only use the turnicate as a last resort, chances are if you use it, the limb is gone.
That was the old thinking, The training now emphasizes this much less with modern battlefield medicine/evac times and modern EMS. Current trend/training/studies are saying that a tourniquet (even after 1-2 hours) left on will not cause loss of the limb. |
| I am not In the military. If were to ever use a turnicate it would be on a civilian. I hate to say it, but out of fear of being sued, I wouldn't use the turnicate unless it's a LAST resort. Unfortunately, that's just how people have to think like that now days. But were off topic. |
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I am not In the military. If were to ever use a turnicate it would be on a civilian. I hate to say it, but out of fear of being sued, I wouldn't use the turnicate unless it's a LAST resort. Unfortunately, that's just how people have to think like that now days. But were off topic. there have been laws passed that protect you in that case |
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I am not In the military. If were to ever use a turnicate it would be on a civilian. I hate to say it, but out of fear of being sued, I wouldn't use the turnicate unless it's a LAST resort. Unfortunately, that's just how people have to think like that now days. But were off topic. there have been laws passed that protect you in that case Good Samaritan Law protects you.......as long as you are not trying to harm someone you are good to go. |
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1. Only use the turnicate as a last resort, chances are if you use it, the limb is gone. That was the old thinking, The training now emphasizes this much less with modern battlefield medicine/evac times and modern EMS. Current trend/training/studies are saying that a tourniquet (even after 1-2 hours) left on will not cause loss of the limb. Tourniquets can also be used to create a pressure dressing if you need to get it done really quickly. They are a very handy piece of kit, and don't necessarily have to be used to completely occlude distal blood flow. |
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If you want to learn how to use a blow out kit, I recommend the following training aid:
http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2822&osCsid=56610e646b17f33eb762385fa585c3e1 |
| DVD's can not replicate the hands on manipulation need to perform the application of both pressure dressings and TQ's. I would recommend a PHTLS course or NAEMT apporved TCCC course if eligable. Red Cross is way behind the times when it comes to Trauma Managment. TQ's are your first option when it comes to massive hemorage, the more blood that is loss the more complications develop long term. Learn how to use your kit before the blood starts to follow. |