What medical equipment do you have?

[ForgeCorvus]

Is it a good idea to get some training and then gear-up to suit ?

I don't carry any kit I don't know how to use (and I don't know much), is that the best way to go about it rather then make a bad situation worse by blundering in ?

Discuss

[Malthouse]

Is it a good idea to get some training and then gear-up to suit ?

You already know the answer. YES

Always build a kit to suit your skill level. And keep your skills sharp.

There is a temptation to carry stuff "in case you find a doctor" but honestly most experienced medical professional can improvise. If you have it, you will want to use it and that can be deadly.

[Malthouse]

And to answer the title of the thread. I have a couple of first aid kits dotted about, plus my work gives me access to the professional stuff were I called on to need it.

But my main bag has in it:

An LED torch, Tisept sachet, various bandages, glow stick.

Scissors for dressings and a pair of Tuffcut shears, fingertip SPO2 monitor, penlight, saline pods.

Two pouches of dressings etc, BVM, stethoscope and sphyg, blood sugar monitor.

Instant ice packs, large dressings, shrink wrap, Sam splint, velcro strap, mini pack of alcohol wipes, gloves, bin bag.


The small green pouch in the top left of the main section is perhaps the most useful, I have used these (branded Military Firs Aid Kit) for decades and it has all the essentials in it... More Tisept and irripods, tape, small bandages plus my stock of tablets:-

Aspirin, Brufen, Paracetamol, Pyriton and Dioralyte.


The presence of a BVM is debatable, but it is there primarily so that if I am treating an unconscious not breathing collapse then I can get someone to help the breathing without them getting squeamish about the kiss of life. I can then focus on good quality CPR and catch my own breath between rounds.


I do not currently carry a CAT, even though I am trained and experienced in using them. I probably would, but not for SHTF situations.

[mallie99]

I do not currently carry a CAT, even though I am trained and experienced in using them.

I have had several cats through my life, not many of them would be of any use in a SHTF situation.

Joking aside, I have mixed feelings towards what I actually would need in my first aid kits. I'm trained in basic first aid, have been for years, and always try carry some very basic first aid kit with me (car, home, BOB and EDC). Fortunately, the only time I've needed to use any of it is when mini me falls over in the garden or shopping centre.

Since joining this site, however, it has become more apparent to me that I am by no means doing enough to ensure preparedness and as such will need to put my game face on and get my ONE-T together.

[Malthouse]

I'm trained in basic first aid, have been for years, and always try carry some very basic first aid kit with me (car, home, BOB and EDC). Fortunately, the only time I've needed to use any of it is when mini me falls over in the garden or shopping centre.

A key part of First Aid is frequent practice, joining your local Community First Responder Scheme is one (fairly extreme) way to do that. But also as a cordial group of like minded souls, we can help each other out by organising regular First Aid training - not just to get the basics but to add and hone skills.

[madmedic]

Depending on what situation you are prepping for would depend what is worth having.. in a SHTF got to ask your self if you use a CAT where is the further treatment coming from.. i have used them for real a few times now but always knew surgical support was there.. basic wound care and scrupulous wound cleaning.. more people are saved by the basics.. realise limitations of your situation and plan accordingly. If you cant stop a bleed with basic methods you will likely need surgical procedures

[Malthouse]

New thread on the specific subject of CATs here:

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=9252