There is one absolute truth when it comes to traumatic injuries…all bleeding eventually stops. That also happens to be the title of my latest article on Personal Liberty Digest. If time allows, head on over and check it out.
Special Operations Forces-Tourniquet (SOF-T)
There is a new article up on Personal Liberty Digest that I authored about blow out kits. The article covers what a blow out kit (BOK) is, why you need one, and what to put in it. Check it out and if you have any suggestions or remarks please leave a comment. Click on the picture below to go straight to the article.
There is also a great article on the breakdown of justice in America.
Everyone hopes that when they visit the doctor that they leave in a better state then when they arrived or at least have a plan to achieve a condition of better health. This is a reasonable expectation. It is also expected that conversations between a healthcare provider and their patient will be held in confidence as guaranteed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. I understand the medical necessity to inquire about certain social habits. The amount of alcohol that a patient consumes or tobacco that they use can have a direct impact on their health and could even be the exact cause for certain medical problems. No one expects that their physician will be a spy for the government and have an agenda outside of the patients chief complaint.
This is exactly what some of the 23 Executive Actions that President Obama signed into law will see to if the President has his way. Let me be clear, my doctor asking me about whether I own firearms or not is not going to have even the slightest impact on what is causing my chronic cough. This is a separate issue from those suffering from mental illness. If there is a patient that presents with mental illness and verbalizes threats or acts in a threatening manner it presents a different set of circumstances and at that point it seems prudent that the doctor may incur an obligation to report a credible threat. What the recent Executive Actions are encouraging include:
1. Protect the rights of health care providers to talk to their patients about gun safety: Doctors and other health care providers also need to be able to ask about firearms in their patients’ homes and safe storage of those firearms, especially if their patients show signs of certain mental illnesses or if they have a young child or mentally ill family member at home. Some have incorrectly claimed that language in the Affordable Care Act prohibits doctors from asking their patients about guns and gun safety. Medical groups also continue to fight against state laws attempting to ban doctors from asking these questions. The Administration will issue guidance clarifying that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit or otherwise regulate communication between doctors and patients, including about firearms.
2. Address unnecessary legal barriers, particularly relating to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, that may prevent states from making information available to the background check system.
3. Improve incentives for states to share information with the background check system.
4. Direct the Attorney General to review categories of individuals prohibited from having a gun to make sure dangerous people are not slipping through the cracks.
What seems likely to result from this in my opinion:
1. Physicians, Medical Groups, Hospitals, etc. will start to implement gun owner questionnaires into their patient screening processes. Further down the road, ObamaCare funding could even be limited based on inclusion of this questioning during patient visits. This leaves patients in the predicament of either answering questions unwillingly or being forced to lie to their healthcare providers to protect their individual freedoms that are supposed to be guaranteed by the Constitution.
2. There are not currently any “unnecessary legal barriers” in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The President wants your medical information to be disclosed when you want to purchase a firearm. The HIPAA laws state that:
- Health providers and health plans, INCLUDING government programs that pay for health care must comply with HIPAA laws.
- The information protected includes information health care providers put in your medical record, conversations your doctor has about your health care with others, information about you in your health insurer’s computer system, billing information about you at your clinic, and most other health information about you held by those who must follow these laws.
- Covered entities must put in place safeguards to protect your health information and must reasonably limit uses and disclosures to the minimum necessary to accomplish their intended purpose.
- The HIPAA Privacy Rule sets rules and limits on who can look at and receive your health information. To make sure that your health information is protected in a way that does not interfere with your health care, your information can be used and shared:
- For your treatment and care coordination.
- To pay doctors and hospitals for your health care and to help run their businesses.
- With your family, relatives, friends, or others you identify who are involved with your health care or your health care bills, unless you object.
- To make sure doctors give good care and nursing homes are clean and safe.
- To protect the public’s health, such as by reporting when the flu is in your area.
- To make required reports to the police, such as reporting gunshot wounds.
- Your health information cannot be used or shared without your written permission unless this law allows it. For example, without your authorization, your provider generally cannot:
- Give your information to your employer.
- Use or share your information for marketing or advertising purposes.
- Share private notes about your health care.
Seems like a whole bunch of reasons to not share your medical information when you go to purchase a firearm.
3. Uncle Sugar, uh I mean Uncle Sam is going to offer a lot of money to states that are willing to do what he wants!
4. The AG will look at who else might be a good candidate to ban from owning guns. Maybe so that felons and those with convictions for domestic violence don’t feel so alone, military veterans and those who speak out about individual liberty and freedom will likely be added to the list of those who cannot possess a firearm.
I wouldn’t go so far as being paranoid but at the same time I would not make it a habit to tell your life story to the dude that you just met at the bus stop. At least take the time and consider if the questions that your doctor is asking you are actually pertinent to your medical care and if your healthcare provider is on your side.
Don’t worry…now that our doctors are against us, our kids will be next.
Another week has come to an end and that means another round of the latest and greatest survival and disaster preparedness offerings that are available on the web. This week we have insight into the seven packaged foods you won’t have to buy again, choosing where to bug-in, the regular guy strategy, and medical preparations for your family.
The Nickel Pincher: 7 Packaged Foods You Never Need to Buy Again by Jean Nick from Rodale
This is a great article about seven store packaged foods that most families or individuals buy at that store that can also be made easily and affordably at home. The seven foods include crackers, corn tortillas, chips, yogurt, mayo/salad dressings, energy bars, and soda. The article also points out that by making these foods on your own, you can lose weight, save money, reduce the amount of packaging used, and also consume fewer chemicals when eating the same foods.
Bugging-In; Choose Your Location Wisely by Butch C. from Prep-Blog
Butch from the Prep-Blog gives additional thought in this post to his plan to bug-in in the event of a disaster. There is emphasis given to specific areas to consider when planning to stay put versus deciding to leave in a disaster. The specific areas to evaluate include:
- Natural disasters that could occur in the area.
- Man-made disasters that are possible in the area.
- The distance of your location from any major towns or cities.
These are all serious considerations to keep in mind. More in-depth information can be obtained from reading the article.
The Regular Guy Strategy: Escaping Prepper Prison from SurvivalSherpa
The SurvivalSherpa does a great job of outlining the fact that sometimes being a prepper can feel a lot like being in prison. Why you ask? Because if you don’t keep what you are doing quiet you could get labeled a weirdo by your friends or even worse, a “homegrown” terrorist by your government. The Sherpa talks about building community, developing regular guy skills, and to prioritize tasks like a regular guy which allows the reader to look at prepping tasks from a basic perspective.
Medical Prepping in Three Months: A Guide to Safeguarding Your Family — Part 1 of 2 by Dr. Cynthia J. Koelker from SurvivalBlog
While this is only part one of a two-part series, this article is packed with information on how to medically prepare your family, group, community medically over a three-month period. The concepts contained include everything from establishing a means of keeping medical records all the way to identifying different rashes. Medical needs are addressed not only from direct patient care but also from learning the skills needed to treat patients as well as building community, medical resources, and preventive medicine. Because this is part one of two it covers weeks one through six of the three-month plan but will still provide you plenty of “food” for thought to help get you medically prepared for the worst.
What survival or preparedness articles caught your eye around the web this week?
Overuse injuries are a common threat to a great number of people across the globe every year. It is estimated that in athletes alone, approximately 10 percent of participants suffer annually from an overuse injury. Don’t be mistaken either, athletes are not alone in this realm of suffering. Overuse injuries can occur from sports and recreational activities, occupational hazards, household chores, or any tasks that are performed repetitively. So what does this have to do with prepping? There is a fairly widespread feeling amongst preppers to learn new skills, get into better shape, do this thing or that thing better, or make up of what others are not doing. This can lead to overuse injuries!
What Causes Overuse Injuries?
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine provides a very clear and easy to understand definition of the cause of overuse injuries,
The human body has a tremendous capacity to adapt to physical stress. In fact, many positive changes occur as a result of this. With exercise and activity, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments get stronger and more functional. This happens because of an internal process called remodeling. The remodeling process involves both the break down and build up of tissue. There is a fine balance between the two and if break down occurs more rapidly than build up, injury occurs.
When these injuries occur it can be a result of starting a new activity and trying to do too much, too soon. An example would be relocating from an urban environment to a rural location having never split firewood before and deciding to split an entire tree’s worth of wood in one day. This would likely be too much, too soon and could lead to an overuse injury because your body is not used to this activity and your body would not be able to fully recover from this activity. Undertaking a new activity and using a poor technique can also lead to injury.
Other risk factors that can lead to overuse injuries include previous injuries, making up for lost time after taking a break from an activity, poor form, using improper or broken equipment, differences in work surfaces (hard vs. soft), and anatomical factors such as flat feet or unequal leg lengths.
Preventing Overuse Injuries
As the saying goes…an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. With that being said, prevention can come in a number of ways. Someone with experience/expertise that can offer assistance in proper technique will be invaluable in helping prevent injury. Taking the time to stretch and properly warm-up prior to starting any activity is also helpful. Another prevention technique is the ten percent rule which essentially equates to not adding more than 10 percent to any activity or training program per week to avoid injury. An example of the ten percent rule is a runner not adding more than 10% to their total distance as compared to the week before. This can prevent overuse injuries like shin splints for the runner.
Diagnosing Overuse Injuries
There is only one way to get diagnosed with an overuse injury. *See a healthcare provider. There is not any equivalent to this option. Not every overuse injury requires an elaborate set of tests to be diagnosed but there is no substitution for the expertise of a physician. With that being said, there are ways to treat your symptoms if you are not able to immediately seek medical care for some reason.
Treating Overuse Injuries
One of the primary methods of treatment for overuse injuries is either rest or an easy/hard approach where a combination of easy and hard activities are facilitate continued activity and maintenance of overall fitness while individual injuries recover. These practices can be especially useful in treating the early symptoms of overuse injuries. R.I.C.E. is another useful tool in treating overuse injuries to the extremities, especially those that involve swelling. The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for:
- Rest – Rest to prevent further injury.
- Ice – Ice the area to help prevent swelling.
- Compression – Use an ACE wrap to provide compression.
- Elevation – Elevate the injured extremity will also reduce swelling.
Pain can also be a particularly bothersome symptom which be alleviated by aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications. By the way…pain is usually the body’s way of saying slow down a little.
How do you prevent overuse injuries? Leave a comment and let us know how.
*DISCLAIMER – The author is not a physician and the information and opinions expressed in this article are not in any way a substitution for the treatment and advice of a licensed medical provider. The information, views, and opinions expressed in the article are provided for informational purposes only and should be used at the readers risk.
Source: American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Life can be tough. Sometimes at the end of the day I am left feeling like I got hit by a freight train. Other days I go to bed feeling fine but wake up to find that the train came in my sleep. Modern medicine often uses medications to take care of aches, pains, swelling, and other feelings of discomfort that occur in the body. If it all hits the fan and medications are not available how do you plan on treating these same symptoms?
Last week, Dr. Mehmet Oz featured an anti-inflammation diet on his show that was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil who is an innovator in holistic medicine. The development of this specific diet was in support of Dr. Weil’s conviction that many serious and chronic disease processes are caused from inflammation in the body. The following excerpt about inflammation comes from Dr. Oz himself,
Most people are familiar with inflammation that appears on the body’s surface in the form of redness, heat, swelling and pain. Inflammation is how the body heals itself, bringing more immune activity to a site of injury or infection. However, when inflammation persists or gets out of control, it can damage the body.
While stress, lack of exercise, genetics, and toxins can all increase chronic inflammation, the average American diet, overloaded with trans fats and refined sugars, has become a major culprit. That’s because heavily processed foods are difficult for the body to break down, effectively taxing the immune system. Refined carbs raise blood sugar so quickly that the body can become immune to insulin, which also increases inflammation.
Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet promotes internal healing and reduces inflammation systematically. There are five key items in his diet that will have you on the road to optimal health.
Dr. Weil’s five key components to his anti-inflammatory diet are:
- Carotenoid-rich Fruits and Vegetables – Some of the best sources of carotenoid include cantaloupe, apricots, sour red cherries, purple passion-fruit, pink and red grapefruit, plantains, mango, guavas, watermelon, papaya, grape leaves, kale, turnip greens, baby carrots, mustard greens, dandelion greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, parsley, and butternut squash. At least 5 daily servings are recommended.
- Whole and Cracked Grains - These are grains that are completely intact or only cracked into a few smaller pieces in comparison to finely ground flours. Dr. Weil’s recommendation is to eat 3-5 servings daily of brown rice, groats, barley, quinoa, or basmati rice to name a few options.
- Oils Containing Polyphenols - Extra virgin olive oil is the best option for cooking oil in this category but other servings can be made up of nuts or avocados. One teaspoon equals one serving. Consume somewhere from five to seven serving a day.
- Fish and Seafood - One serving of fish and seafood equates to four ounces and servings should be limited to two to four every week. Some of Dr. Weil’s recommendations include black cod, herring, sardines, and wild Alaskan salmon. Keep in mind that certain persons might have special dietary limits on the amount of fish or seafood that can be consumed based on age, sex, or woman who are pregnant.
- Herbs and Spices - Some of the great ingredients in this category include chili peppers, basil, turmeric, and cinnamon. One of the spices that has been relied on by natural healers for a very long time is turmeric which is used to treat many ailments besides inflammation and include things like migraine headaches. The nice thing about these herbs and spices is that is no limit to the amount that can be consumed.
On top of treating inflammation through diet, what you eat can possibly increase your body’s inflammation response. Some of the foods that should be avoided to stay clear of inflammation include foods that include trans-fats, saturated fats, highly processed foods, large quantities of red meats, high-fat processed meats like sausage and bacon, refined white flours, and foods or beverages containing added sugars.
Sources: USDA, Dr. Oz, HealthMad.com
It is impossible to always be ready to react to every situation that may occur. If I had a quarter for every time I had gotten a scrape, cut, abrasion, or laceration when I had no way to take care of it, I would at least be able to take my family out to a very nice dinner. The best way that I have found to deal with this is to have what I call a ‘Pocket Medical Kit.’ This basically equates to a kit that is relatively flat that can treat emergent injuries in the form of lacerations, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, etc. Being flat in design allows it to easily fit in a pocket, wallet, or purse and is minimal in weight to the point where you can almost forget that it is there.
The bottom line with your kit is that it should be designed for you and your medical needs. Each individual may face different risks or dangers in their daily lives that may result in the need to custom tailor the contents of their kit to address these concerns. A ‘Pocket Medical Kit’ is designed to address injuries of inconvenience and is not designed to address life threatening injuries. As always, even the best medical kit is not a substitute for good training. If you have the opportunity to obtain medical training, that can often be more useful than the medical supplies themselves. There is no replacement for quality training by qualified personnel. Here are the contents of my kit:
POCKET MEDICAL KIT
1 – 6 Mil Poly Bag (3″X5″) : The contents of the kit will fit nicely into this bag.
1 – Nonadherant Dressing (3” X 4”)
1 – Medical Tape (1”X24″) : Wrap the tape around the poly bag.
1 – Band-Aid (2″X4.5″)
2 – Band-Aids (1″X3″)
1 – Steri-Strip (1/4″)
______________________________________________________________________
What is in your ultra-portable medical kit?
The Prepared Ninja is going to try again to give away a Special Operations Forces Tactical Tourniquet (SOFT-T)!!! Every reader is eligible to be entered. Here are the two requirements to be entered for your chance to win:
1. Go to The Prepared Ninja Homepage and subscribe to The Prepared Ninja via email (located at the top of the column on the right hand side).
2. Leave a comment on this post below that lists the item that you lack the most in your medical preps. If you completely lack any medical preps at all, than say so! This SOFT-Tourniquet could be the start you need to put together an awesome medical kit.
(If you are an existing subscriber, you have already been entered automatically for this opportunity!)
******IF THIS GOES WELL, THE PRIZE POT MAY GET SWEETENED!!!******
The Fine Print - In order for this giveaway to happen, The Prepared Ninja must reach 100 email subscribers no later than October 17, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST. That is 30 full days from now. On October 18, 2012, a random number generator will be utilized to determine which of our readers is the lucky winner! *Unfortunately, due to a limited amount of resources, the SOFT-T can only be shipped to a mailing address in the 50 United States, District of Columbia, and Military APO addresses.
DISCLAIMER: The winner of this giveaway is completely and solely responsible for ensuring they are properly trained to use and legally able to possess this piece of medical equipment. The Prepared Ninja and its affiliates are not responsible for illegal possession or misuse of the Special Operations Forces Tactical Tourniquet.
About the SOFT-T from Tactical Medical Solutions:
“The SOF® Tactical Tourniquet is one of the top performing tourniquets currently available. It is the tourniquet of choice for many of the world’s most elite and experienced warriors who have selected it for its outstanding ability to control severe bleeding, high level of reliability and ease of application. While some military units have replaced their issue tourniquets with the SOF®TT, others military units have implemented SOP’s stating that the SOF® Tactical Tourniquet is to be used on all lower extremity bleeds. That means the SOF®TT is the tourniquet that trusted to control the most severe extremity hemorrhage on the battlefield.
The key to successful implementation of a device to be used in a high stress environment is training and ease of use. For law enforcement officers, application of the tourniquet is similar to the use of a hobble. This existing level of familiarity reduces training time and aids in the effectiveness of the device.”
Advantages of the SOF® Tactical Tourniquet
- 100% Effective. Proven to be 100% effective during US Army Institute of Surgical Research testing.
- Simple application. The SOF®TT is applied the same to an arm or leg. Unlike other tourniquets that require you to learn two methods of application and implement the proper method when under stress, the SOF®TT is applied the same way to an arm or leg. By accounting for the factors of human performance in combat we have minimized the risk of failure. Applying a tourniquet should not be a multiple choice exam, it should be simple and straight forward. The SOF®TT provides the necessary effectiveness with an unmatched level of simplicity to increase the overall effectiveness of the device.
- Durability. The SOF®TT is constructed of quality, high strength materials. The tourniquet handle is machined from a solid piece of aircraft aluminum and maintains its strength in extreme temperatures. The tri-rings are molded Acetyl, a high impact plastic that will also maintain its strength in extreme operating conditions.
- Reliable. The SOF® Tactical Tourniquet is designed to reduce the chance of accidental release or mechanical failure. Unlike other materials including Velcro®, the fastening system will perform when soiled, muddy, frozen, or wet.
- Safety set screw prevents accidental release of pressure during tactical patient movement. The screw is not required to gain hemorrhage control, but it is recommended if the patient will be moved in a tactical environment.
- Dual locking rings offer a back up locking system.
Made in the USA.
The ability to suture or “stitch” a wound is considered by many to be one of the “sexiest” skills in the arena of medicine. Using that thought process, we can say that sutures are to medicine as Megan Fox is to actresses. While the skills associated with being able to close a wound can be extremely helpful, what many people don’t realize is that suturing a wound can be deadly in some circumstances. A wound that is closed and leaves a pocket on the inside can essentially just seal infection in the body and ultimately lead to death if not treated properly and quickly. If learning to suture is on your wish list of survival training to acquire, it is imperative that you also know the proper circumstances to not only suture a wound, but when not to suture a wound, what materials to use, and the appropriate technique to use. Now the million dollar question…how do you get all this high tech knowledge?
I recently found the mother of all suturing resources, the Ethicon Wound Closure Manual. For those that are not familiar with the name Ethicon, they are a division of Johnson & Johnson and just happen to manufacture sutures. In my opinion, (for whatever that is worth) that adds a lot of weight to the content of this manual and makes it a must add to your survival library. The information will clarify the myriad of questions that undoubtedly accompany a subject like sutures and suturing. I know that in my case, I have received several hours of formal training on how to suture, when to suture, and what materials to use and this manual still introduced several new key pieces of knowledge to my survival skill set.
Some of the contents of this manual include:
Wound Healing & Management – The Wound, Classifications of Wounds, and Types of Wound Healing
The Suture – What is a Suture?, Personal Suture Preference, Suture Characteristics, Specific Suturing Materials, Common Suturing Techniques, Knot Tying, Suture Removal, Suture Handling Tips, and Suture Selection Procedure
The Surgical Needle – Elements of Needle Design, Principles of Choosing a Surgical Needle, Anatomy of a Needle, Types of Needles, Needleholders, and Needle Handling Tips
Packaging & Topical Skin Adhesives – Suture Preparation, Suture Handling Technique, and Dermabond Skin Adhesive
Other Surgical Products – Adhesive Tapes, Surgical Staples, Looped Suture, and Suture Retention Devices
I think the Wound Closure Manual is just awesome and not just because it covers the art of suturing but because it goes into the science behind when and why sutures are used, the construction of sutures, and how sutures interact with different types of tissue. It seems reasonable to me that even a healthcare professional has the potential to obtain new knowledge through the use of this manual.
The bottom line – use it if you find it useful, pass it along, and don’t forget to save a copy and print it our for your survival library.
Don’t be hesitant to leave a comment or share a story that you have, good, bad, or otherwise about sutures and the importance of having the ability to suture in the event that things go south.
DISCLAIMER: The reader/end user of this information is completely and solely responsible for ensuring they are properly trained to perform these procedures and are also legally able to do so. The Prepared Ninja and its affiliates are not responsible for illegal/improper performance or misuse of the skills covered and/or implied in this blog post.
The Prepared Ninja is giving away a Special Operations Forces Tactical Tourniquet (SOFT-T)! Every reader is eligible to be entered. Here are the two requirements to be entered for your chance to win:
1. Go to The Prepared Ninja Homepage and subscribe to The Prepared Ninja via email (located at the top of the column on the right hand side).
2. Leave a comment on this post below that lists the item that you lack the most in your medical preps. If you completely lack any medical preps at all, then say so! This SOFT-Tourniquet could be the start you need to put together an awesome medical kit.
(If you are an existing subscriber, you have already been entered automatically for this opportunity!)
The Fine Print - In order for this giveaway to happen, The Prepared Ninja must reach 100 email subscribers no later than August 5, 2012. On August 6, 2012, a random number generator will be utilized to determine which of our readers is the lucky winner! *Unfortunately, due to a limited amount of resources, the SOFT-T can only be shipped to a mailing address in the 50 United State, District of Columbia, and Military APO addresses.
DISCLAIMER: The winner of this giveaway is completely and solely responsible for ensuring they are properly trained to use and legally able to possess this piece of medical equipment. The Prepared Ninja and its affiliates are not responsible for illegal possession or misuse of the Special Operations Forces Tactical Tourniquet.
About the SOFT-T from Tactical Medical Solutions:
“The SOF® Tactical Tourniquet is one of the top performing tourniquets currently available. It is the tourniquet of choice for many of the world’s most elite and experienced warriors who have selected it for its outstanding ability to control severe bleeding, high level of reliability and ease of application. While some military units have replaced their issue tourniquets with the SOF®TT, others military units have implemented SOP’s stating that the SOF® Tactical Tourniquet is to be used on all lower extremity bleeds. That means the SOF®TT is the tourniquet that trusted to control the most severe extremity hemorrhage on the battlefield.
The key to successful implementation of a device to be used in a high stress environment is training and ease of use. For law enforcement officers, application of the tourniquet is similar to the use of a hobble. This existing level of familiarity reduces training time and aids in the effectiveness of the device.”
Advantages of the SOF® Tactical Tourniquet
- 100% Effective. Proven to be 100% effective during US Army Institute of Surgical Research testing.
- Simple application. The SOF®TT is applied the same to an arm or leg. Unlike other tourniquets that require you to learn two methods of application and implement the proper method when under stress, the SOF®TT is applied the same way to an arm or leg. By accounting for the factors of human performance in combat we have minimized the risk of failure. Applying a tourniquet should not be a multiple choice exam, it should be simple and straight forward. The SOF®TT provides the necessary effectiveness with an unmatched level of simplicity to increase the overall effectiveness of the device.
- Durability. The SOF®TT is constructed of quality, high strength materials. The tourniquet handle is machined from a solid piece of aircraft aluminum and maintains its strength in extreme temperatures. The tri-rings are molded Acetyl, a high impact plastic that will also maintain its strength in extreme operating conditions.
- Reliable. The SOF® Tactical Tourniquet is designed to reduce the chance of accidental release or mechanical failure. Unlike other materials including Velcro®, the fastening system will perform when soiled, muddy, frozen, or wet.
- Safety set screw prevents accidental release of pressure during tactical patient movement. The screw is not required to gain hemorrhage control, but it is recommended if the patient will be moved in a tactical environment.
- Dual locking rings offer a back up locking system.
Made in the USA.
Medical care can be hard to come by at times when infrastructure is running like a well oiled machine and I can only imagine what access to care may be like in the event of a disaster. The single greatest way to combat a lack of available expertise in the event of a disaster is to expand your knowledge base now, supplemented with adequate supplies. Right! It is just too bad that medical training and supplies are supremely expensive. It is possible though to obtain medical knowledge and medical supplies without any cost to you. Here’s how:
1. Employer Programs – Many employers have a need for employees that have some level of medical training. This could be anywhere from a basic American Red Cross first aid or CPR course all the way up to more advanced skills training like EMT or wilderness medicine courses. Find out if your employer has these types of programs so that you can take advantage of them. If your employer does not offer training opportunities like these, it may be something to bring up as a value to the company in being prepared for an emergency or natural disaster. Of course, when you bring it up, you will want to tell your boss that you are more than willing to volunteer to be the first trainee that the company sends. If you are an employer, consider sending some of your employees to additional training opportunities. It will not only enhance the capabilities of your company but show your employees that you are loyal to them, often resulting in employee loyalty in return.
2. Free Giveaways – We live in the age of online giveaways whether it be a contest put on by a podcast or blog, an essay contest, or a company giving away their products, there are several opportunities that can be taken advantage of for those who are willing to look.
3. First Aid Supply Companies – If you happen to work at a location that has a first aid kit that is maintained by a first aid supply company, you have the opportunity to get free medical supplies. Like anything in life there are no guarantees but, depending on company policies you may be able to obtain “out of date” or excess medical supplies from the supply company representative. One of the dirty secrets of medical supplies is that they are often good past their expiration date. *I want to be clear that I am not endorsing the use of expired medical supplies. However, if you are able to obtain excess or expired medical supplies, they are always great items to use for medical training. There is always the thought process that something is better than nothing as well if there was a catastrophic medical emergency or a long-term period without access to medical care.
4. Sales Combined w/ Coupons – There are many coupon websites that will help you match up coupons with the best sales that are going on in stores across the country. One of my favorites is The Krazy Coupon Lady. Armed with this knowledge, you are able to take coupons for first aid items and many times get them for free or dang near it. Some of my scores in the past have included free bandages and individual first aids for less than $0.25.
5. Online Knowledge Sites – There is a wealth of knowledge online for those seeking greater knowledge. Some of the great medical knowledge sites are outlined below:
The following resources are not just available for online expansion of your medical knowledge but are great for adding to your hard copy survival library as well. Enjoy!
Hesperian Health Guides – Books & Resources
Hesperian offer several downloadable medical and health guides. While I have covered ‘Where There Is No Doctor‘ before, many of what I would consider their premium offerings were highlighted by none other than Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy over at the Doom and Bloom Nation.
Open Michigan – UM Medical School
Open source information from the University of Michigan School of Medicine.
Health Sciences Online – Search
A comprehensive website that provides searchable health sciences knowledge from over 50,000 learning resources selected from accredited universities, governments, and professional societies.
Mayo Clinic – First Aid
First aid information to help you during an emergency. Everything from anaphylaxis to toothache.
American Veterinary Medical Association – First Aid Tips For Pet Owners
Pet first aid procedures and medical tips to help you pet at home, on the road, and during a disaster.
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
Reading, reviewing, memorizing, looking at these resources or staying at a Holiday Inn does not qualify you to be a medical professional. The priority here should be to gain the basic knowledge to make life-saving interventions when absolutely necessary without causing further injury or death to your patient. Also, possession of medical supplies and equipment does not equate to having the proper knowledge to use them or legal right to do so. Please consult your local laws and regulations to ensure that you are in compliance with such laws.
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
As always, please make sure to pick up the slack and cover anything that I may have missed or add additional comments, questions, or concerns below!
OK Folks. This is the last installment of the series that I have been running on the military special operation medical kits. Today will focus on the US Army Ranger Med Kits. I think that the Ranger Med Kits are by design, the best in the business. There is a ton of thought that is put into what goes into each of the Rangers kits and I think it shows. As an Army medic, my aid bag was always modeled after the Ranger aid bags because it was always the logical choice. The approach that is used when designing these kits is to be able to treat all likely battlefield injuries while not adding the extra bulk or weight of extra or unnecessary items. My feeling is that the thoroughness and thought that is utilized for just one component of the medical operations of the US Army Rangers is a testimony of what makes the Rangers such an effective fighting force.
DISCLAIMER: This kit contains items that require a prescription to legally obtain and items that require special training to safely and properly use. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as any encouragement to obtain any certain piece of equipment for personal or professional use or to attempt any medical protocols or procedures that you are not properly trained and licensed to perform.
The packing lists below are intended to be minimum stockage lists for the typical Ranger combat mission. Medics are authorized the flexibility to ADD components to their equipment as based on the mission requirements. Medics are not authorized to deviate from the minimum packing list unless approved by the unit medical director.
RANGER MEDIC RBA/RLCS (Ranger Body Armor/Ranger Load Carriage System) MINIMUM STOCKAGE LIST
The RMED RBA/RLCS packing list are items that the medic carries on his body without opening an aid-bag or rucksack. All items are to be carried in a manner that provides ease of access. The intent of this packing list is to provide all immediate initial care for a trauma casualty without opening external bags and equipment.
1 EA – Ranger Load Carriage System
AIRWAY
1 EA – Cricothyroidotomy Kit
1 EA – Nasophayrngeal Airway 28FR w/ Lubricant
BREATHING
1 EA – 14G, 3.5” Needle
2 EA – HyFin Chest Seal, 6”
2 EA – Asherman Chest Seal
CIRCULATION/BLEEDING
2 EA – Combat Applications Tourniquet (CAT)
2 EA – Emergency Trauma Dressing, 6”
2 EA – Hemostatic Dressing (Chitosan)
1 EA – Hemostatic Bandage (Chitoflex)
4 EA – Kerlex, Vacuum Sealed
FLUIDS/IV ACCESS
2 EA – Saline Lock Kit
1 EA – Sharps Shuttle
MONITORING & DIAGNOSTIC
1 EA – Pulseoximeter, Finger
MISCELLANEOUS
1 EA – Exam Light (Tactical Green)
1 EA – Headlamp
6 PR – Gloves, Exam (Black Talon)
1 EA – Trauma Shears, 7.25”
1 EA – Scissor Leash/Gear Keeper
____________________________________________________________
RANGER MEDIC ASSAULT AID-BAG MINIMUM STOCKAGE LIST
1 EA – AidBag, M-9 (TSS-M-9-RG)
AIRWAY
1 EA – Nasopharyngeal Airway, 28FR w/ Lubricant
1 EA – Cricothyroidotomy Kit
1 EA – King LT-D Supralaryngeal Airway Size 4
1 EA – Suction, Hand-Held (Suction Easy or Squid)
BREATHING
1 EA – 14G, 3.5” Needle
2 EA – HyFin Chest Seal, 6”
2 EA – Asherman Chest Seal
1 EA – Bag-Valve-Mask
CIRCULATION/BLEEDING
2 EA – Combat Applications Tourniquet
3 EA – Emergency Trauma Dressing, 6”
1 EA – Emergency Trauma Dressing, Abdominal
2 EA – Hemostatic Dressing (Chitosan)
2 EA – Hemostatic Bandage (Chitoflex)
3 EA – Kerlex, Vacuum Sealed
1 EA – Tactical Compression Wrap
DISABILITY/IMMOBILIZATION
2 EA – Cravat Bandage, Muslin (or ACE Wrap)
1 EA – Traction Splint (KTD or TTS)
2 EA – SAM Splint II
FLUIDS/IV ACCESS
2 EA – Saline Lock Kit
2 EA – Hextend IV, 500cc
1 EA – Sodium Chloride Flush, 50cc
3 EA – IV Kit
1 EA – FAST-1 Sternal Intraosseous
1 EA – BOA Constricting Band
3 EA – Raptor IV Securing Device
1 EA – Sharps Shuttle Container w/Locking Mechanism
MONITORING & DIAGNOSTIC
1 EA – Stethoscope (Mission Dependent)
1 EA – Pulseoximeter, Finger
MEDICATIONS
1 EA – RMED Medications Kit
EVACUATION EQUIPMENT
1 EA – Hypothermia Kit (Mission and Aid Bag Dependent)
MISCELLANEOUS
1 EA – Exam Light (Tactical Green)
6 PR – Gloves, Exam (Black Talon)
2 RO – Tape, 2”
1 EA – Trauma Shears, 7.25”
1 EA – Scissor Leash/Gear Keeper
MISSION DEPENDENT AID BAG ITEMS
1 EA – Chest Tube Kit
1 EA – SAM Pelvic Sling
1 EA – ACE Cervical Collar
1 EA – Field Otoscope/Opthalmoscope Set
1 EA – Minor Wound Care Kit
1 EA – Glucometer
1 EA – Thermometer, Oral
1 EA – Thermometer, Rectal
____________________________________________________________
RANGER MEDIC MEDICATIONS KIT MINIMUM STOCKAGE LIST (Proficient & Always Carried)
1 EA – Drug case (Otter or Armadillo)
2 EA – Combat Wound Pill Pack
1 EA – Diphenhydramine HCL Inj 50mg (Benadryl)
1 EA – Dexamethasone Inj, 4mg/ml (5ml) (Decadron)
1 EA – Epi-Pen Anaphylaxis Auto-Injector
4 EA – Fentanyl Transmuccosal Lozenge, 800 mcg
2 EA – Ertapenem Inj, 1gm (Invanz)
5 EA – Morphine Sulfate Inj, 5mg
5 EA – Nalaxone Inj, 0.4mg (Narcan)
5 EA – Promethazine Inj, 25mg (Phenergan)
2 EA – Ketorolac Inj, 30mg (Toradol)
25 EA – Acetaminophen Tabs, 500mg (Tylenol)
2 EA – Diazepam Inj, 5mg (Valium)
1 EA – Tubex Injector, Cartridge Unit
5 EA – Syringe, 10cc Luer-Lok Tip
5 EA – Needle, Hypothermic 18G/1.5”
____________________________________________________________
COMBAT WOUND PILL PACK (CWPP) – Carried by Every Ranger
2 EA – Acetaminophen Tabs, 500mg (Tylenol)
1 EA – Moxifloxacin HCL Tab, 400mg (Avelox)
1 EA – Meloxicam, 15mg Tab (Mobic)
_______________________________________________________
SALINE LOCK KIT
2 EA – 18G X 1.5” Catheter/Needle
2 EA – Alcohol Pad
1 EA – Constricting Band, Penrose
1 EA – 2X2 Sponge, Sterile
1 EA – Saline Plug, Locking
1 EA – Syringe, 10cc Luer-Lok Tip
1 EA – 18G X 1.5” Needle, Hypodermic
1 EA – Raptor IV Securing Band
1 EA – Tega-Derm
1 EA – Pill Bag
____________________________________________________________
CHEST TUBE KIT
1 EA – Forceps, 9” Peans
1 EA – Scalpel, #10
1 EA – 36FR Chest Tube
1 EA – Heimlich Valve
4 EA – Sponge, Sterile 4X4
1 EA – Asherman Chest Seal
1 EA – Chux
1 EA – Lidocaine Inj, 1%
1 EA – Syringe, 10cc Luer-Lok Tip
1 RO – Tape, 2”
1 PR – Sterile Gloves
2 EA – 1-0 Armed Suture
2 EA – Petrolatum Gauze
1 EA – Betadine Solution 0.5 oz.
____________________________________________________________
CRICOTHYROIDOTOMY KIT
1 EA – Scalpel, #10
2 EA – Gloves, Exam (Black Talon)
1 EA – Syringe, 10cc Luer-Lok Tip
1 EA – Tracheal Hook (North American Rescue Products)
1 EA – Alcohol Prep Pad
1 EA – Povidone-Iodine Pad
1 EA – Tube, 6mm Bore-Cuffed Cricothyroidotomy
____________________________________________________________
IV KIT
1 EA – IV Solution Set, 10 Drops/ml
1 EA – Saline Lock Kit
1 EA – Tegaderm 4.75” X 4”
____________________________________________________________
MINOR WOUND CARE KIT
4 EA – Pad, Non-Adherent (Telfa)
2 EA – Betadine 0.5 oz.
1 EA – Moleskin, 12”
10 EA – Band-Aids 3” X .75”
5 EA – Steri-Strips
5 EA – Sponge, 4X4 Sterile
2 EA – Scalpel, #10
5 EA – Pad, Povidone
5 EA – Pad, Alcohol
5 EA – Compeed Dressing
5 EA – Tincture of Benzoin Ampule 0.6ml
2 EA – Applicator, Povidone-Iodine
This is the second installment on the Pararescue Med Kits for the Air Force. In addition to the primary medical kit that was already covered, PJ’s or Pararescue Jumpers also have Trauma Rucks and Trauma Vests at their disposal. The wide variety of options is no doubt geared to accomodate the many tasks that a PJ could be called to undertake at any time. It seems to me that the trauma vest would obviously be worn while based on the contents of the trauma ruck it seems like something that would be located in a vehicle or aircraft.
DISCLAIMER: This kit contains items that require a prescription to legally obtain and items that require special training to safely and properly use. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as any encouragement to obtain any certain piece of equipment for personal or professional use or to attempt any medical protocols or procedures that you are not properly trained and licensed to perform.
USAF SOF Trauma Ruck Pack List
2 EA – Carabiner
1 PG – Battery Non-Rechargeable AAA
1 PG – Battery Non-Rechargeable AA
1 PG – Lamp Incandescent 2.5 v
1 EA – Lamp Incandescent .280 Amps
1 BX – Light, Chemilluminescent, Red
1 BX – Light, Chemilluminescent, Blue
1 BX – Light, Chemilluminescent, Green
2 EA – Shield Light, Chemillumenescent
1 BX – Light, Chemilluminescent, IR
10 EA – Naloxone HCL Inj.
144 EA – Lubricant Surgical 5gm
10 EA – Epinephrine Inj. 1ml
1 PG – Diphenhydramine HCL
1 BX – Lidocaine 1% 50 ml
25 EA – Cefazolin Sodium f/Inj. 1gm
12 EA – Sodium Chloride Inj. 1000ml
10 EA – Ketorolac Tromethamine
2 EA – Dressing First Aid
12 EA – Bandage 37x37x52 in
2 EA – Dressing Field 11-3/4 in
4 EA – Dressing First Aid 7.75in
1 PG – Sponge Surgical 4x4in
1 PG – Bandage Gauze 6x180in
1 PG – Pad Isopropyl Alcohol
12 EA – Adhesive Tape Surgical White 1in
4 EA – Adhesive Tape Surgical 3”
12 EA – Bandage Elastic 4.5yds x 6in
1 PG – Applicator Povidone-Iodine
12 EA – Gauze Petrolatum 3x36in
2 EA – Sheet Burn-Trauma 66×99
1 PG – Dressing Occlusive Adhesive
10 EA – Tube Tracheal Disposable 28cm
10 EA – Tube Tracheal 7mm Id
10 EA – Tube Tracheal 32cm Lg
1 PG – IV Injector 78in Long
1 PG – Tube Stomach Surgical 16FR
1 EA – Stylet Cath-Tu Copper
1 EA – Forceps Tracheal Tube Adult
2 EA – Forceps Hemo 8.75-9.25 in
1 EA – Saw Finger Ring 6”Lg
2 EA – Tourniquet Non-Pneumatic 41.5IN
12 EA – Suture Non-Absorbable Surgical Size0
2 EA - Infusor Blood Col-Dispn
1 PG – Needle Hypodermic 25ga
1 BX – Airway Pharyngeal 100mm
36 EA – Suture Non-Absorbable 4-0
1 PG – Needle Hypodermic 18ga
1 PG – Needle Hypodermic 21ga
10 EA – Tube Drain 36FR
1 EA – Blade Laryngoscope 158mm
10 EA – Valve Surgical Drain 4.5in
1 EA – Stethoscope Combination Adult Size
2 PG – Scissors Bandage7.25”
1 EA – Blade Laryngoscope 130mm
36 EA – Suture Non-Absorbable 3-0
1 EA – Sphygmomanometer
36 EA – Suture Non-Absorbable 5-0
20 EA – Syringe Hypodermic 60cc
12 EA – Airway Nasopharyngeal 28 FR
1 EA – Blade Laryngoscope Adult Size
10 EA – Airway Nasopharyngeal 32FR
1 PG – Catheter Introducer
2 EA – Tourniquet Adult 14×1”
1 PG – Knife General Size 10
1 PG – Gloves Surgical Size 7-1/2
1 PG – Airway Nasopharyngeal 30 FR
1 EA – Handle Laryngoscope
1 EA – Resuscitator Hand-Powered
12 EA – Splint Universal 36×4.5”
12 EA – Airway Nasopharyngeal 26FR
1 PG – Mask/Rebreather Bag Disposable
1 PG – Catheter/Needle 16ga
1 PG – Catheter/Needle 18ga
1 PG – Catheter & Needle 14ga
1 EA – Injector Tube Plastic Reusable
1 EA – Traction Apparatus
1 PG – Syringe Hypodermic 10ml Luer Lock
1 EA – Suction Unit Airway
6 EA – Detector End-Tidal
1 PG -Tube Drainage
1 EA – Cricothyroidotomy Kit
2 EA – Support Cervical
1 EA – Oximeter Pulse 110/220
1 PG – Container Disposal
1 EA – Litter Poleless Nylon
1 PG – Bag Sterilization
1 EA – Pack Medical Trauma
1 EA – Bag Oxygen Management
1 PG – Goggles Protective
1 SE – Surgical Instrument Set Minor Surgical
2 EA – Snake Bite Kit
1 EA – Test Kit Occult Blood
1 PG – Glove Laboratory
1 EA – Regulator Oxygen Pressure
4 EA – Blanket Casualty OD/Silver
1 BX – Hook Shower Curtain Suspension
1 RO – Tape Pressure Sensitive
1 BX – Bag Plastic Flat 12in
1 EA – Cylinder Oxygen Compressed
USAF SOF Trauma Vest Pack List
1 EA – Black Butt Pack
12 EA – Battery Non-Rechargeable 1.5v
1 EA – Flashlight 3v DC Black
1 BX – Light, Chemilluminescent, Red
1 BX – Light, Chemilluminescent, Blue
1 BX – Light, Chemilluminescent, Green
6 EA – Dressing First Aid
4 EA – Bandage 37x37x52 in
1 EA – Dressing Field 11-3/4 in
4 EA – Dressing First Aid 7.75iN
1 PG – Sponge Surgical 4x4in
1 PG – Bandage Gauze 6x180in
12 RO – Adhesive Tape Surgical White 1in
4 RO – Adhesive Tape Surgical 3”
10 EA – Bandage Elastic 4in x 4.5yd
12 EA – Gauze Petrolatum 3x36in
2 EA – Tourniquet Non-Pneumatic 41.5IN
1 BX – Airway Oropharyngeal 100mm
1 PG – Scissors Bandage7.25”
12 EA – Airway Nasopharyngeal 28FR
10 EA – Airway Nasopharyngeal 32FR
1 BX – Catheter-Needle 14ga
1 PG – Glove Laboratory
1 EA – Blanket Casualty OD/Silver
1 PG – Clips All Purpose
1 EA – Vest Medical Trauma
1 EA – Belt Individual Equipment
THE NEXT AND LAST INSTALLMENT OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS MEDICAL KITS WILL COME FROM THE US ARMY RANGERS AND SHOULD BE POSTED ON MONDAY IF ALL GOES AS PLANNED. THANKS FOR EXPLORING THE WORLD OF MILITARY OPERATIONAL MEDICINE KITS WITH ME!
Today is part three of the military elite medical kit series where I will cover the combat trauma kit that is used by the Navy SEALs. The Navy SEALs are like all of America’s military elite, an outstanding group of warriors. Some of the most heroic accounts that I have read about the war in Afghanistan have revolved around the action of the Navy SEALs. Last year, in cooperation with the best rotary wing pilots in the world, the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment), and other special operations forces, the Navy SEALs of SEAL Team Six KILLED Osama bin Laden. There is no doubt that some of the SEALs that were on the mission that night were trained in the most advanced operational medicine skills available today and were likely carrying a medical bag that contained some of the items contained in the Naval Special Warfare Combat Trauma Med Kit.
DISCLAIMER: This kit contains items that require a prescription to legally obtain and items that require special training to safely and properly use. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as any encouragement to obtain any certain piece of equipment for personal or professional use or to attempt any medical protocols or procedures that you are not properly trained and licensed to perform.
Naval Special Warfare
Combat Trauma Authorized Medical Allowance List
CASE
1 EA – LBT 1468A-Advanced Life Support Combat Medical Bag
PATIENT EXAM/TREATMENT
2 EA – Sets of Exam Gloves
1 EA – Stethoscope
1 EA – Skin Marker
1 EA – Exam Penlight
3 EA – Syringe, Sterile 10cc
2 EA – Syringe, Sterile 5cc
3 EA – Needle, Sterile Disposable 18g
3 EA – Needle, Sterile Disposable 21g
3 EA – Safety Pins, Large
PHARMACEUTICAL
2 EA – Betadine Solution, .5oz Bottle
2 EA – Morphine 10mg/ml, 60mg Injectable
1 EA – Tubex Injector Tube
4 EA – Nalbuphine (Nubain) 20mg/ml, 2ml Injectable
5 EA – Epinephrine 1mg/ml (1:1,000) 1ml
2 EA – Diphenhydramine 50mg/ml, 1ml
5 EA – Water for Injection, 5ml
2 EA – Ceftriaxone (Rocephine) 1g Vial
2 EA – Clindamycin 150mg/ml, 6ml Vial
2 EA – Cefoxitin (Mefoxin) 1g Vial
2 EA – Saline/Heparin Lock Flush Sets*
6 EA – Naloxone (Narcan) .4mg/ml, 1ml
1 EA – Promethazine Injection 25mg/ml, 10ml Vial
INTRAVENOUS AND DRUG THERAPY
1 EA – Hetastarch (Hespan) 500ml
1 EA – Lactated Ringers 500ml (1000ml LR Optional)
2 EA – Macro Drip IV Administration Sets
4 EA – IV Catheter 18g 1 1/4”
2 EA – IV Catheter 16g 1 1/4”
1 EA – IV Catheter 14g 1 1/4”
1 EA – Blood Collection Tourniquet or Penrose Drain
1 EA – Pressure Infuser IV Disposable
2 EA – Luer Lock
2 EA – IV Vein-A-Guard Tape/Opsite
1 EA – IV Stopcock, 3 Way
1 EA – Velcro IV Tourniquet*
AIRWAY
1 EA – Oral Pharyngeal Airway #4
1 EA – Oral Pharyngeal Airway #5
1 EA – Oral Pharyngeal Airway #6
1 EA – Nasopharyngeal Airway # 32 Adult
2 EA – Xylocaine 2% Jelly, 5ml Tube
1 EA – Laryngoscope Handle
1 EA – Laryngoscope Blade Macintosh #3
1 EA – Laryngoscope Blade Macintosh #4
1 EA – Laryngoscope Blade Miller #3
1 EA – Intubation Stylet (14f)*
2 EA – Endotracheal Tube 7.5mm
1 EA – Endotracheal Tube 6.0mm (Cricothyrotomy)*
2 EA – Tongue Blades
TRAUMA
4 EA – Vaseline Gauze 4 x 4”
2 EA – Asherman Chest Dressing
2 EA – Bandage, Cotton, Elastic, Wrap/Ace
4 EA – Bandage 6 Ply x 3 Yds. Kerlix
2 EA – Dressing Field 4” x 7”
1 EA – Dressing Field 7 1/2” x 8”
3 EA – Bandage 37” x 37” x 52” (Cravat)
2 EA – Surgical Blade #10
1 EA – Surgical Blade #11*
2 EA – Gauze Sponges 2” x 2”
4 EA – Gauze Sponges 4” x 4”
1 EA – Adhesive Tape 1”
1 EA – Adhesive Tape 2”
3 EA – Suture 2-0 Nylon Armed With Cutting Needle
8 EA – Alcohol Pads
2 EA – Hemostats, Curved Kelly*
1 EA – 30cc Syringe
1 EA – Trauma Scissors
WATERPROOF BAG
1 EA – LBT1468B-WATERPROOF BAG
COMBAT/JUNGLE LITTER
1 EA – LBT 1681 COMBAT/JUNGLE LITTER 1
(*) Indicates a recommended, but not required to carry item. Note: This is the min. Combat and or Combat training loadout requirements.
CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR EXPANDED COVERAGE OF THE AIR FORCE PARARESCUE MEDICAL KITS.
In a continuation from yesterday’s post I am posting the packing list for the United States Army Special Operations Forces General Purpose Medical Kit. The US Army Special Forces, AKA “Green Berets” are probably the most talked about special operators in the States. I think this is because they are the most well known special forces in the military. Most of them, from my experience, I would say live up to their reputation of quiet professionals and excel in every aspect of ground combat, rebuilding operations, and a plethora of other incredibly useful skills. The Army Special Forces Med Kit is designed to be packed into an M5 aid bag (see picture) which is a great bag. This happens to be a medical platform that has been in use by US ground forces in various capacities since World War II. I happen to own the M5 bag that is manufatured by Tactical Tailor and I think it is the best aid bag that I have owned.
One caveat that I would like to mention is that as a result of the Global War on Terror, some of the items here have been replaced with new technologies that have come out and other items have been added to the medical inventory of USASOC that would likely be found in a Special Forces Medic’s Aid Bag if you were to look today. Some of the new items that you would likely find are:
Emergency Trauma Dressing (Israeli Battle Dressing)
SOF-T Tourniquet (Special Operations Forces-Tactical)
DISCLAIMER: This kit contains items that require a prescription to legally obtain and items that require special training to safely and properly use. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as any encouragement to obtain any certain piece of equipment for personal or professional use or to attempt any medical protocols or procedures that you are not properly trained and licensed to perform.
General Purpose, US Army, Special Operations Forces
Suggested M5 Packing List
Airway/Breathing Management
1 EA – Airway, Nasopharyngeal
1 EA – Airway, Oropharyngeal, Lg.
1 EA – Airway, Oropharyngeal, Med.
1 EA – Ambu-Bag
2 EA – Asherman Device
1 EA – Endotracheal Tube, 7 Fr.
1 EA – Endotracheal Tube, 8 Fr.
4 EA – Gauze, Vaseline
1 EA – Heimlich Valve
1 EA – Laryngoscope Blade, Macintosh, #4
1 EA – Laryngoscope Blade, Miller, #3
1 EA – Laryngoscope Handle, Pediatric
1 EA – Pocket Mask
1 EA – Stethoscope
2 EA – Stopcock, 3 Way
1 EA – Syringe, 50-60cc
2 EA – Thoracotomy Tube, 32 Fr.
1 EA – Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffless
Circulation Management
1 EA – Bandage, Dyna-Flex, Cohesive Compression 2” x 5 Yd.
4 EA – Bandage, Kerlex Gauze, 4” Roll
8 EA – Bandage, Muslin
4 EA – Blade, Surgical, #10
2 EA – Blade, Surgical, #11
1 EA – Case Medical Inst & Supply Set, Complete w/Instruments
2 EA – Catheter, 14 Ga.
4 EA – Catheter, 16 Ga.
6 EA – Catheter, 18 Ga.
Circulation Management
3 EA – Drain, Penrose, 1”, Sterile
2 EA – Dressing, Field 11 3/4” x 11 3/4”
8 EA – Dressing, Field 4” x 7”
2 EA – Dressing, Field 7 1/2” x 8”
4 EA – Infusion Set, IV 10 gtts/ml
2 EA – Normal Saline, 1L
5 EA – Pads, Nonadherent, 4” x 4”
1 EA – Tape, Microfoam, 3”
2 EA – Tape, Nylon, 1”
Disability/Exposure/Vitals Asses/Mgt
1 EA – Otoscope/Ophthalmoscope Set, Heine-Mini
1 PR – Scissors, Bandage
1 EA – Sphygmomanometer
1 EA – Thermometer, Oral
1 EA – Thermometer, Rectal
Surgery
10 EA – Gauze Sponge, 2” x 2”
10 EA – Gauze Sponge, 4” x 4”
2 PR – Gloves, Sterile
1 VL – Marcaine, 0.5%, 50ml
1 BT – Betadine, 2 oz.
3 PK – Betadine Swab Sticks, 3/pk
1 EA – Sponge w/Brush, Surgical, Betadine
2 PK – Steri-Strips, 1/2”
2 PK – Suture Nylon, 3-0 w/ Needle
2 PK – Suture Nylon, 4-0 w/ Needle
2 PK – Suture Silk, Size 0 w/o Needle
2 PK – Suture Vicryl, 3-0 w/ Needle
2 PK – Suture Vicryl, 4-0 w/ Needle
2 PK – Suture Silk, 0-0, w/ Needle
Emergency Medications
2 EA – Benadryl, 50mg/ml, 1ml Vial
1 EA – Epinephrine, 1:1000, 10ml Vial
1 BT – Morphine Sulfate, 15mg/ml, 30ml
60 EA – Naproxen, 500 mg Tablets
4 EA – Narcan, 0.4mg/ml, 1ml Vial
4 EA – Needle, 18 Ga., 1.5”
4 EA – Needle, 25 Ga., 1.5”
6 EA – Phenergan, 25mg/ml Vial
4 EA – Syringe, 10cc
20 EA – Pads, Alcohol
20 EA – Pads, Betadine
Antibiotics/Antifungals
20 EA – Augmentin 875mg Tablets
1 BT – Nitroglycerin Tablets, 0.4mg, 25/bt
40 EA – Erythromycin 500mg Tablets
12 EA – Fluconazole, 150 mg Tablets
20 EA – Levaquin, 500mg Tablets
40 EA – Metronidazole 500mg Tablets
1 EA – Unasyn, 3 gm, Powder Pack
General Medications
12 EA – Bags, Drug Dispensing
24 EA – Imodium, 2mg Capsules
1 EA – Mupirocin Ointment, 15gm Tube
24 EA – Phenergan, 25 mg Tablets
50 EA – Psuedo-Gest, 60mg Tablets
1 EA – Triamcinolone Cream, 15 gm Tube
20 EA – Valium, Tablets
20 EA – Vicodin, Tablets
50 EA – Zantac, 150mg Tablets
50 EA – Zyrtec, 10mg Tablets
Miscellaneous Items
6 EA – Batteries, AA
5 EA – Blade, Tongue
1 EA – Eye Patch Kit
1 EA – Field Medical Cards Book
1 EA – Flashlight, Mini-Mag
6 PR – Gloves, Exam
1 EA – Jackstrap, Mini-Mag Head Strap
1 EA – Moleskin, 20” Square
2 EA – Splint, Flexible, “SAM”
1 EA – Snake Bite Kit, Sawyer, “Extractor”
4 EA – Surgilube, 5 gm Packet
4 PK – Swab, Benzoin Tincture
2 EA – Bandage Elastic, 4” x 4.5 Yds.
10 EA – Bandaids 3/4” x 3”
MAKE SURE TO COME BACK TOMORROW FOR THE NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE MEDICAL KIT PACKING LIST.
I think that one of the best ways to come up with an effective and comprehensive medical kit is to look to professionals that render medical care in the most austere environments in the world. Often this care is given under circumstances that will never even be mentioned to the public because of the sensitive nature of the mission. If a medical kit is good enough to rescue America’s heroes from the toughest situations imaginable then it is likely a good model to develop a medical kit for use in a survival or disaster/emergency preparedness situation. I believe the United States Air Force Pararescuemen are some of the most professional and impressive emergency medical care providers in existence and I choose to use their medical kit as a guide when putting my kits together. Use it if you think it would be beneficial, but I would recommend at least taking a look.
DISCLAIMER: This kit contains items that require a prescription to legally obtain and items that require special training to safely and properly use. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as any encouragement to obtain any certain piece of equipment for personal or professional use or to attempt any medical protocols or procedures that you are not properly trained and licensed to perform.
So…without further ado, here is the packing list for the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Medical Kit:
U.S. Air Force Pararescue
Primary Medical Kit Packing List
FIELD PACK W/FRAME, ALCE, LARGE
(All quantities are minimums./Suitable substitutes may be used upon request.)
UPPER LEFT SMALL PKT
Packing Note: Scissors stored loose in pocket.
1 PG – Band-Aid
1 PG – First Aid Kit, Eye Dressing
2 EA – 4×4 Post Op Sponge
2 EA – Chapstick
1 TU – Bactrocan
2 PR – Ear Plugs
1 EA – Bandage Scissors, Large
UPPER CENTER SMALL PKT
Packing Note: Steri-Strips will need to be added to surgical kit (not a component of kit).
2 EA – Space Blanket
1 EA – Tape, Surgical, 1” Waterproof
1 EA – Surgical Kit:(Following are the components)
1 EA – Case, Minor Surgery, Surgical Instrument Set
2 PG – Blade, Surgial Knife, Detachable, CS no. 10, 6S
2 PG – Blade, Surgial Knife, Detachable, CS no. 11, 6S
1 EA – Holder, Suture, Needle, Hegar-Mayo, 6 inch
1 EA – Forceps, Dressing, Straight, 5 1⁄2 inch
2 EA – Forceps, Hemostatic, Straight, Kelly 5 1/3 inch
1 EA – Handle, Surgical Knife, Detachable Blade
1 PG – Needle, Suture, Surg, Reg, Size 12 3/8 Circle 6S
1 PG – Needle, Suture, Surg, Reg, Size 16 3/8 Circle 6S
1 EA – Probe, General Operating, Straight, 5inch
12 PG – Suture, Nonab, Surg, Silk, Braided, Size 0 12S 6
12 PG – Suture, Nonab, Surg, Silk, Braided, Size 00 12S 6
1 EA – Scissors, Straight 5-1/2 inch
2 EA – Steri-Strip 1/8 inch
LOWER CENTER LRG PKT (BANDAGE POCKET)
Packing Note: Bandage scissors stored loose in pocket.
1 EA – Bandage Scissors, Large
6 EA – Povidine/Iodine 4” Applicator
1 EA – 11” Battle Dressing
4 EA – Battle Packs: (consisting of)
1 EA – Tourniquet
1 EA – Battle Dressing Small
1 EA – Ace Wrap
2 EA – Petrolatum Gauze And/Or Sodium Chloride Gauze
1 EA – Muslin Bandage
1 EA – Kerlix (In Mfg Wrapper)
1 EA – 4×4 Gauze Sponges
1 EA – 8×8 Ziplock Bag
1 PR – Gloves, High Risk Large
LOWER LEFT LRG PKT (AIRWAY POCKET)
Packing Note: Either type laryngoscope blade may be used.
1 EA – Handle, Laryngoscope
1 EA – Blade, Laryngoscope Miller #2
1 EA – Blade, Laryngoscope, Macintosh #3
1 RO – Tape, Surgical, 1” Waterproof
3 EA – Endotracheal Tube 7.5
3 EA – Stylet, ET
3 EA – Berman Airway Adult
1 EA – 18 Ga. Cath
2 PG – Alcohol Pads
1 EA – Kelly Hemo 5 1⁄2 Inch
1 EA – Heimlich Valve
2 EA – Nasopharyngeal Airway (Trumpet)
2 EA – Surgilube Packets
1 EA – Knife, Gen. Surg #10
4 EA – Finger Cot
1 EA – Pocket Mask
1 EA – Syringe Hypo 10cc
1 EA – 12×12 Ziplock Bag
LOWER RIGHT LRG PKT (FLUID POCKET)
Packing Note: 1. Fluid bag will be unwrapped and stored in the infusor cuff. 2. Remaining IV items will be packed in an appropriate sized ziplock bag and stored between the fluid bag and the infusor cuff or taped directly to IV/infusor cuff.
1 EA – IV Infusor Kit (consisting of)
1 EA – Sodium Chloride 1000ML
1 EA – Infusor Cuff
1 EA – IV Admin Set
3 EA – Alcohol Pad
1 EA – 80lb Test Line, 36”
1 EA – Penrose Drain
1 EA – 18 Ga Cath
1 EA – 20 Ga Cath
1 EA – 14 Ga Cath
1 EA – 8×8 Ziplock Bag
BOTTOM ACCESSORY POUCH
1 EA – Poleless Litter
1 EA – Cervical Collar, Reg.
RADIO PKT INSIDE PACK (FLUID/DIAGNOSTIC POCKET)
Packing Note: Battle packs are packed in individual bags.
2 EA – IV Infusor Kit
2 EA – Battle Packs
2 EA – Needle, 21 Ga
1 EA – Normal Saline
1 EA – Diagnostic Kit (consisting of)
1 EA – BP cuff
1 EA – Stethoscope
2 EA – Penlight
1 EA – Subnormal Thermometer
1 EA – Foley Catheter
3 EA – Surgilube Packets
1 EA – Rectal Thermometer
1 EA – 12×12 Ziplock Bag
INSIDE MAIN POCKET
NOTE: 1. Battle packs will be in individual bags. 2. Splints may be wire ladder, SAM, or both. 3. Kerlex and 4×4 sponges may be packed together in one bag or as separate bags.
3 EA – Battle Packs
2 EA – Ice Pack, (As Required)
2 EA – Heat Pack, (As Required)
2 EA – Flexible Splint, Padded or Wire Ladder Splint or SAM Splint
6 EA – Kerlex
6 EA – 4×4 Sponges, Post Op
1 EA – Kendrick Traction Device (KTD)
1 EA – 12×12 Ziplock Bag
1 EA – V-Vac Suction
UPPER FLAP POCKET
A/R – Non-Medical Items
A/R – Batteries, AAA
A/R – Batteries, AA
1 EA – Medication & Procedure Handbook
3 EA – Patient Treatment Cards
4 EA – High Risk Gloves, Med. Or High Risk Gloves, Large
Basic disaster preparedness includes being ready to react to a medical emergency. Every segment of your emergency preps should include a basic medical kit at a minimum. This includes a kit for the house, cars, work, camping equipment, boat, motorhome, cabin, retreat, etc. as they are applicable. The point of writing this post is to outline a list of items that should be in a basic medical kit. I certainly will not be able to think of every possibility but the hope is that the contents of this basic emergency medical kit will assist an injured person until additional help can be received. Your kit will need to be tailored to your individual needs and the number of people that may need to be taken care of with each kit. As a result of these variances the home medical kit is usually the largest while your other kits will be smaller in size and possibly contain a few less items than the larger kits. In addition to the contents of your emergency med kits you should also try to find a good reference book that provides a basic knowledge of first aid and that you can easily understand. Additionally if you have the opportunity to take a training class such as those offered by the American Red Cross, I would encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. There is no replacement for quality training by highly qualified personnel. The following list that I put together is based on what I thought would be suitable numbers for two people.
BASIC EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT (BEMK)
Hemorrhage Control
(1) Emergency Trauma Dressing
(4) 4 X 4 Gauze Pads
(8) 2 X 2 Gauze Pads
(1) Eye Pad
(2) Kerlix (Roller Gauze)
(2) Nonadherant Dressing – 3” X 4”
(1) Ace Bandage – 6”
(1) Medical Tape – 1”
(12) Band-Aids – Assorted
Wound Management
(1) Irrigation Syringe – 60cc or <
(3) Steri-Strips – Assorted
(10) Alcohol Pads
(1) Moleskin – 3” X 6”
(10) Antiseptic Towelettes
(5) Nitrile Exam Gloves – Pair
OTC Meds
(12) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – 325mg
(12) Ibuprofen (Motrin) – 200mg
(12) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – 25mg
(1) Lip Balm – Tube
(1) Antibiotic Ointment (Neosporin) – Tube
Miscellaneous
(1) Trauma Shears
(1) Forceps (Removal of Foreign Objects, Splinters, or Ticks)
(1) SAM Splint
(2) Triangular Bandage & Safety Pins
(1) Space Blanket
(1) Case for BEMK
Prescription Meds – 72 Hour Supply
The LDS Preparedness Manual is a valuable resource that offers a great start for those that are unsure of where to start with your preps. This manual can be downloaded here for free from abysmal.com. Some of the great information contained in the LDS manual includes a sample 96 Hour Kit, Food Storage Information, Basic Foods List, Emergency Shelter, Defensive Needs, Terrorism, and the impressive list just continues. This is not something that I would consider as being a resource that is restricted to members of the LDS community but a tool that can be utilized by anyone that is serious about making steps towards preparedness and independant living. Check it out today and see what a great addition to the prep library it will be!
Here is a reccomendation for those who are always looking to add to your survival library. The book Where There Is No Doctor is a great resource that can be downloaded for free from the Hesperian Foundation here. It is available in English or Spanish. This manual contains information on how to diagnose, treat, and prevent common illnesses and injuries in a user friendly and easy to understand format. It is perfect for those that are looking for a medical reference to use in case there is no access to a health care provider. I would recommend downloading it and printing out a copy for the bookshelf.
