basic emergency equipment for storm chasers

[Bill Hark]

Instead of chasers vs. EMS, complaints about the TV show Storm Chasers, I thought I'd start a thread about basic emergency equipment for the untrained or the basic CPR trained chasers. Watching the recent Yazoo City episode of Storm Chasers got me thinking about equipment that all chasers should carry in case they are the first to arrive in an emergency. An emergency could be like the Yazoo City tornado or just a car that hydroplaned and flipped into a ditch. I carry most of these items on a chase. Any other suggestions on equipment that could be used aid accident or tornado victims?

Heavy gloves and a pair of sturdy shoes
Safety glasses
Flashlight
CPR mask
Bottled water
Blanket
First aid kit with bandages
Scissors or knife

Bill Hark
http://www.harkphoto.com

 

[Dennis Dennison]

Triplicate waiver of liability................?

 

[Danny Neal]

Triplicate waiver of liability................?

Good Samaritan? If the patient is unconscious there is a thing called "implied consent." Meaning if the person was able minded he would want you to help them, but is unable to make that call due to being knocked out or worse.

 

[Tim Stoecklein]

I second Danny's notion of familiarizing yourself with the Good Samaritan Law, it's applicable in all 50 states. While I doubt it varies much from state to state, it's always good to ask the instructor of your CPR/First Aid class for clarifications as they apply to YOUR level of certification.

Bill, I'd say you've got a good basic list for most folks. I would go so far as to encourage everyone to carry these items in their vehicle for "everyday" travels as well. You just never know...

 

[Andy Jackson]

I'd say something for applying a tourniquet would be important. I'd just like to hear some personal experiences where a chaser had to do something and what level of training you had if any.

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

Communications - both cell and 2m radio . . .

 

[Tim Stoecklein]

I'd say something for applying a tourniquet would be important. I'd just like to hear some personal experiences where a chaser had to do something and what level of training you had if any.

I wouldn't concern yourself with the thoughts of using tourniquets unless you have the proper training, or it's an extreme situation. To be covered by the Good Samaritan Law, it's important to understand your scope of training...and not go beyond it.

I've not encountered injuries while chasing, but my experiences (for not being an EMT or "health care professional") are wide in variety. Most of them have been when you'd least expect it to happen....hence my suggestion to not only get trained/supplied for chasing, but for your everyday interactions.

 

[alicia brown]

search and rescue

I CAN TELL YOU 1ST HAND FROM WORKING MULTIPLE TORNADO SCENES BASIC FIRST AIDE IS KEY TO SAVING LIVES. STORMS FROM LIGHTNING STRIKES, TREES ON CARS, AND THE TORNADOES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPT. ASK WHEN THE NEXT FIRST RESPONDER CLASS IS AND SIGN UP... CLASSES AREN'T HORRIBLY EXPENSIVE AND ARE WORTH JUST ONE LIFE YOU SAVE YOU NEVER KNOW IT MAY BE YOR OWN....ALSO RED CROSS STILL OFFERS SOME FREE CLASSES.. THANKS ALICIA BROWN

 

[David Drummond]

reflective safety vest.

I'd also add...a handheld gps with a MAP on it. You get in a situation where you are helping (or worse your one of the first ones there), what you might not be prepared for is that common landmarks and street signs will be GONE!

 

[Jason Foster]

A credit card with plenty on it and lots of included insurance coverage for rentals, hotel, bail money, etc. for the unexpected.

Cash (for those damaged farm fields , etc.).

 

[alicia brown]

basic first aide

one roll vet wrap[SAME AS COBAN BUT CHEAPER]
KOTEX[Do not make fun, they are individually packaged and sterile makes a great pressure bandage]
bottle of blood stop powder
aspirin for any chest pain patients
splinting material you can usually find magazines etc work well in a pinch a couple of water bottles on either side of fracture will help to stabilize it.
warming blanket they are 1-3 dollars
cold or hot packs put in groin or armpits depending on weather conditions
small bottle of dawn dishwashing detergent. many corosives after tornado watch out for downed transformers they are very toxic and hazardess in general
extra batteries you be suprised how quick a flashlight dies when you need it
watch out for road flares very dangerous especially when you may have breaks in gas lines...also most important is a whistle communications are usually down you can not yell forever but a consistent whistle blow will bring rescuers to where you are..sorry for this being long winded but this is a subject I know too well and is always interesting to get knew ideas for ems bag. Alicia Brown

 

[Dennis Dennison]

I'd say something for applying a tourniquet would be important. I'd just like to hear some personal experiences where a chaser had to do something and what level of training you had if any.

a tourniquet is something you really wouldnt want to fool with, unless an arm or leg is severed or nearly severed, if you apply one it basically will more than not result in amputation-and if you were proven wrong-prepare to be sued.
good Sam law really is there for the average person coming across a car wreck or other event, whereby the actions taken to assist are given some immunity from damages caused due to the person helping trying to save a life. If you roll up and rip out all sorts of first aid equipment, pop pills and attempt anything much more than basic help-OR-if you have had training and do something deemed incorrect-then you could be sued.

I stop and render aid at accidents, but one must be prepared to accept whatever is thrown at you, from a simple broken arm, to someone in massive pain and bleeding like a sieve-if you stop-you then must give it 100%, but only 100% of what you are capable of doing.

 

[Andy Jackson]

a tourniquet is something you really wouldnt want to fool with, unless an arm or leg is severed or nearly severed, if you apply one it basically will more than not result in amputation-and if you were proven wrong-prepare to be sued.
good Sam law really is there for the average person coming across a car wreck or other event, whereby the actions taken to assist are given some immunity from damages caused due to the person helping trying to save a life. If you roll up and rip out all sorts of first aid equipment, pop pills and attempt anything much more than basic help-OR-if you have had training and do something deemed incorrect-then you could be sued.

I stop and render aid at accidents, but one must be prepared to accept whatever is thrown at you, from a simple broken arm, to someone in massive pain and bleeding like a sieve-if you stop-you then must give it 100%, but only 100% of what you are capable of doing.

To be clear, I was just adding to the list of the original thread starter I do believe most will make the right decision if a disaster scenario does unfold.

 

[Aaron Estman]

I have a first aid kit in my car. Complete with bandages, gloves, etc. Just your primary First Aid stuff.

And a fire extinguisher.

 

[Bryan Draper]

I'd say fire extinguisher along with a decent pair of shoes (unlike Reed's flip-flops) I personally carry a advanced first aid bag but then again i've had the CPR/AED CERT, and some fire fighter training but a basic knowledge of first aid and even advanced first aid can make a huge difference. I'm sure many others have this same mind set but with me I tell anyone that is chasing with me that if we come across damage at that moment chasing is over and helping others is top priority