Trauma kit (first aid going beyond what you can get at Wal-Mart)

[JD955SC]

I was working with some of my fellow shooting enthusiasts to get some trauma/blow out kits put together for use when the unimaginable happens- you get shot or otherwise severely injured whether during a day at the range (like when the doofus three benches down who doesn't follow the basic safety rules ends up putting a round in you) or during a home invasion or other self defense scenario. The military issues such advanced first aid kits, and these things save lives.

And then I started thinking of all the stuff we do on a farm (using tractors, powerful tools, chainsaws, and so on) that could result in severe injury (like my grandfather who received a very deep cut while using a side grinder) that goes beyond what the basic first aid kits you can buy at the store cover (those are generally nothing more than boo-boo kits with bandages, gauze, tape, and similar misc items). And many of us, myself included, are far, far away from EMS.

So, basically, we're looking at stopping massive bleeding, deep puncture wounds, and such, and maybe keeping the airway clear. Get a tourniquet that can be applied one handed (such as the Combat Applications Tourniquet or a SOF-T tourniquet) (about $25-30 each), some good pressure bandages (such as the Isreali bandage, about $7 or so each). Applying a tourniquet isn't going to do harm (especially since we are mainly looking at staying alive long enough to reach the nearest hospital or until the EMTs arrive, it takes hours of tourniquet use to cause limb damage, strap it on and leave it for the hospital to deal with). Some good gauze to pack the wound and a good pressure bandage to apply constant pressure. You may opt to add a hemostatic agent like quickclot or celox to the kit. A "nose trumpet" airway device and some lubricating jelly in a pouch is also a cheap ($5 or so) option to add, just in case. Pack the stuff in a dedicated pouch and learn how to use it.

Various medical supply sites offer individual blow out kits for around $45 or so and are well worth a look.


Just something to think about (although I know how unpleasant it is to think about, but staying alive sometimes takes drastic measures). Google blow out kit or trauma kit and read up...

 

[RoyJackson]

Good post!!

I'll add something: There are certain tasks that should require two people. This is work such as operating a chain saw or chipping. That second person should act as the "first responder" in the event of an accident (even if the response is to call in help) as well as a helper to the task at hand.

 

[aczlan]

Hmmm. About time I put something like this together.

Aaron Z

 

[3nickles]

3M vetrap or whatever the human equivalent is.My gotto for big bleeds on animals worked superb on my own chainsaw cut.

 

[forgeblast]

Trauma Kit, Large Tactical First Aid Kit Trauma Kit, Large Tactical First Aid Kit [285501] - $169.00 :: Colemans Military Surplus LLC - Your one-stop surplus store with Army/Navy products for hunting gear, camping gear, emergency products, and surviv

I think a larger tactical trauma kit would have you covered, the only thing missing is a back board.
I also think that getting people to know you are injured is a biggie.
When i cut trees i tell my wife to turn on one of the handheld radios we have (i keep one on me) and i take a really small air horn. I also let her know if she hears 3 blasts, im in trouble.

 

[moored4]

JD955SC, I wounder if there would be enough intrest here to make up something that would be able to be carried on a tractor, atv, horseback, or trunk of a rig. Most units that are prodused are WAY Inadequate. :thumbsup:

 

[JD955SC]

Trauma Kit, Large Tactical First Aid Kit Trauma Kit, Large Tactical First Aid Kit [285501] - $169.00 :: Colemans Military Surplus LLC - Your one-stop surplus store with Army/Navy products for hunting gear, camping gear, emergency products, and surviv

I think a larger tactical trauma kit would have you covered, the only thing missing is a back board.

That's not quite a real trauma kit...that's more of a large first aid kit in a camo pouch. Pretty much the only things in that kit that really apply to this situation are the "3 multi-trauma dressings", airways, medical shears and the "2 blood stopper kits".

Better source is someplace like Chinook Medical or Austere Provisions Company. They have the trauma kits with everything you need (and some more advanced stuff). For the $169 of that kit you showed, you can get one heck of a real trauma kit (with multiple tourniquets and lots of hemostatic agents like quickclot). Let me reemphasize this: forget about regular bandages, splint kits, bug bite medicine, burn medicine, and so on. That's boo-boo stuff you can get at WalMart and not critical to life or death. There is, however, one thing that is not usually included in the military kits you need to consider if you are allergic to bug bites- an epi pen.

The basic kit I have (the IFAK from Chinhook Med) costs about $45 (with out pouch), plus I added a couple more pressure bandages and some more gauze to pack a wound with. I almost forgot, add some trauma shears or a Benchmade Rescue Hook (I prefer the hook) to the kit.

Good post!!

I'll add something: There are certain tasks that should require two people. This is work such as operating a chain saw or chipping. That second person should act as the "first responder" in the event of an accident (even if the response is to call in help) as well as a helper to the task at hand.

I fully agree that you should have help when possible, and if not, then a check-in and comm system with somebody. The idea of a personal trauma kit is that it is for you and you alone, and your buddy (who should have his own) is supposed to use it on you if you cannot and vice versa.

JD955SC, I wounder if there would be enough intrest here to make up something that would be able to be carried on a tractor, atv, horseback, or trunk of a rig. Most units that are prodused are WAY Inadequate

There are kits already available at the sites I listed above, plus you can build your own from supplies available above. A lot of people prefer to put together their own.

I also think that getting people to know you are injured is a biggie.

Very much so. Reliable comms are a biggie. Test your comm setup regularly.

 

[LostInTheWoods]

Always good to be prepared. One extra bit of advice...make sure you understand exactly how to use those lifesaving devices. The "Israeli bandage" is great...when used properly. There's a technique behind wrapping it that even a few soldiers I've trained weren't aware of. Nasal devices are fine, when you know when to use them. The Combat Applications Tourniquet is also great, just familiarize yourself with how it works before you find yourself short an appendage. Hopefully, they don't still make the CAT with a plastic windlass rod...make sure it's metal. Nothing quite the downer as snapping off your windlass while you're bleeding out. Know when to use hemostatic agents, and when not to.

OK, down from the soapbox...sorry.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

You can build your own kit or what I tell my people is go to this website and order one of the Red Cross kits. I am in charge of a Team of people for the 1000 people in my building. We have a Sea container with supplies to help out. In all of my vehicles is a large first aid kit. Shock can kill a person just as much as a blood loss injury.
Store Home - Red Cross Store

 

[dodge man]

I believe there is a product called "Celox" that is a good blood clotter for major injuries. Dillon reloading sells a kit. Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders

I don't have one but should.

 

[schoolsout]

Always good to be prepared. One extra bit of advice...make sure you understand exactly how to use those lifesaving devices. The "Israeli bandage" is great...when used properly. There's a technique behind wrapping it that even a few soldiers I've trained weren't aware of. Nasal devices are fine, when you know when to use them. The Combat Applications Tourniquet is also great, just familiarize yourself with how it works before you find yourself short an appendage. Hopefully, they don't still make the CAT with a plastic windlass rod...make sure it's metal. Nothing quite the downer as snapping off your windlass while you're bleeding out. Know when to use hemostatic agents, and when not to.

OK, down from the soapbox...sorry.

I'll reiterate that you need to be trained on what is in those kits.

Boating kits are pretty good as well. Look for some that are made for extended cruises where help is a day or 3 away

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Great post! First off, let me say that we don't have to worry about not receiving treatment much because we have a very good EMS system. When we call there will be multiple medically trained police officers on scene within seconds. That's right - seconds (I've seen this in action). An ambulance with paramedics will also reach us in a few minutes and we can be at an hospital in 5. Also, if someone is critically injured, they can be at a trauma center within minutes via helicopter. OK, now that I got that out of the way...I do have multiple first aid kits with large amounts of bandages and gauze and the like, but no supplies like you mentioned. I'm planning on eventually getting EMT training at which time I'll buy a trauma kit. I know of some sources where you can get supplies and pre-packaged kits. here are two just to name a few...

Medical Kits - Galls

Trauma Kits

Stay safe!!! :thumbsup:

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Good post!!

I'll add something: There are certain tasks that should require two people. This is work such as operating a chain saw or chipping. That second person should act as the "first responder" in the event of an accident (even if the response is to call in help) as well as a helper to the task at hand.

That is a good idea. We use those practices when using the chipper and chain say. It's also good to have someone with you when you are chipping, so if the worst happens and you get entangled they can shut down the machine. I know how easily that can happen because I once had the chipper jam and I was using the wooden handle of a shovel to clear it. When the jam cleared it took a nice chunk out of the handle. :ashamed: That's why you DO NOT USE HAND/ARM TO CLEAR A CHIPPER JAM!!! :thumbsup:

 

[Lightnsound]

An AED (automatic electronic defribulator) can be had for less than a grand if you have the money to spend. I think it's a nice add to a kit, but I'm fat and have high blood pressure, so I'm probably a little biased.

The most important thing to have with any kit is the know-how to use it. A good class that goes beyond the basics of CPR and the Heimlich maneuver is worth the time spent.

 

[JD955SC]

Always good to be prepared. One extra bit of advice...make sure you understand exactly how to use those lifesaving devices. The "Israeli bandage" is great...when used properly. There's a technique behind wrapping it that even a few soldiers I've trained weren't aware of. Nasal devices are fine, when you know when to use them. The Combat Applications Tourniquet is also great, just familiarize yourself with how it works before you find yourself short an appendage. Hopefully, they don't still make the CAT with a plastic windlass rod...make sure it's metal. Nothing quite the downer as snapping off your windlass while you're bleeding out. Know when to use hemostatic agents, and when not to.

OK, down from the soapbox...sorry.

Of course you need to get training and practice. I wouldn't imply otherwise.

You'll also notice that I did not discuss stuff like a needle for angiocath purposes or chest seal, two items also included in trauma kits by some. The angiocath needle is something I think goes (way) beyond what I'm comfortable with (especially without specific training concerning it) and I just don't know enough about a chest seal. Pressure bandages and TQs can pretty much be learned through reading, videos, and practice.

First off, let me say that we don't have to worry about not receiving treatment much because we have a very good EMS system. When we call there will be multiple medically trained police officers on scene within seconds. That's right - seconds (I've seen this in action). An ambulance with paramedics will also reach us in a few minutes and we can be at an hospital in 5. Also, if someone is critically injured, they can be at a trauma center within minutes via helicopter. OK, now that I got that out of the way...I do have multiple first aid kits with large amounts of bandages and gauze and the like, but no supplies like you mentioned. I'm planning on eventually getting EMT training at which time I'll buy a trauma kit. I know of some sources where you can get supplies and pre-packaged kits. here are two just to name a few...

Even the fastest EMS response time ever isn't good enough. We are talking merely seconds making the difference, you HAVE to staunch the blood flow and ensure breathing to stay alive long enough for the paramedics to matter. 45 minutes is the MINIMUM time I'll have to survive before I ever see an ambulance, If I can crawl into a vehicle, then I can be at the ER in half that time.

You don't need EMT training to use a trauma kit. Let me reemphasize that. It's all about basic but important skills, get the kit ASAP after doing a bit of research on what serves your needs best and learn and practice the skills.

You can build your own kit or what I tell my people is go to this website and order one of the Red Cross kits. I am in charge of a Team of people for the 1000 people in my building. We have a Sea container with supplies to help out. In all of my vehicles is a large first aid kit. Shock can kill a person just as much as a blood loss injury.

Those red cross kits look to be boo-boo type kits...again, that's small cuts and light burn type stuff. That's one of the problems, people here "first aid kit" and think that buy buying one, they've got something that's worth having. Better than nothing, but there is much better stuff out there.

That is a good idea. We use those practices when using the chipper and chain say. It's also good to have someone with you when you are chipping, so if the worst happens and you get entangled they can shut down the machine. I know how easily that can happen because I once had the chipper jam and I was using the wooden handle of a shovel to clear it. When the jam cleared it took a nice chunk out of the handle. That's why you DO NOT USE HAND/ARM TO CLEAR A CHIPPER JAM!!!

I can tell you that I don't like running a chainsaw, and I really, really don't like running a chipper. They often do not get the respect they deserve...wearing the proper safety gear is a an absolute must, too, but should not be substituted for being extremely cautious.

 

[VTFireftr]

This may sound crass, but your best first aid device is a cell phone (provided you have service). Call for help first, get the trained responders headed your way, and then try and treat the injuries. I've been a volunteer FF/EMT for more than 25 years and have seen some really nasty stuff on and off the farm and highway.

Chances are pretty good that working with heavy machinery (even light duty tractors), you will experience crushing and twisting injuries. (rollovers and PTO shaft stuff). There will be very little bleeding, but severe internal injuies and excrutiating pain. These are injuries that will require immediate transport and advanced life support.

For severe bleeding injuries, a good 5 x7 trauma pad and some "kling" bandage can control most bleeding. You can also use sanitary napkins (maxi pads) and an ace bandage.

Remeber keep it simple and do NOT use any creams or other types of treatments, since the professionals will have to clean your injury before stiching or stapling it closed.

 

[Egon]

It has to be very handy, accessible and fast.

Consider a cell phone and keep some silk bandana's in your pocket.

 

[Soundguy]

i've always like milsurp carlisle or other trauma bandages.

you can get blood stop powder in better first aid kits too. that and a 1-had tourny sounds like the bulk of what you want. all very achieveable. at the construction co I work for we use first aid kits with blood stop agents in them.

soundguy

 

[LostInTheWoods]

Of course you need to get training and practice. I wouldn't imply otherwise.

You'll also notice that I did not discuss stuff like a needle for angiocath purposes or chest seal, two items also included in trauma kits by some. The angiocath needle is something I think goes (way) beyond what I'm comfortable with (especially without specific training concerning it) and I just don't know enough about a chest seal. Pressure bandages and TQs can pretty much be learned through reading, videos, and practice.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to snipe you, JD. Your thread brings up good points. I get a little preachy about it because it hits close to home. I've seen the effects of properly used lifesaving equipment. And I've seen the effects of when the equipment wasn't used properly.

And, actually, even chest seals or needle decompressions aren't that difficult once you understand the technique. :thumbsup:

 

[CompactTractorFan]

We are talking merely seconds making the difference, you HAVE to staunch the blood flow and ensure breathing to stay alive long enough for the paramedics to matter.

True...

You don't need EMT training to use a trauma kit. Let me reemphasize that.

Yes, I know...I was planning on getting the training because of my involvement in firefighting...