First aid kits/training

[Josh VandenTop]

I was wondering if there is anything above and beyond a standard first aid kit that anyone would recoment having along, also I was wondering if anyone else gets any kind of special training or anything like that. I was going to take an EMT course myself this year but missed the sign up, I've always felt that I wan't to konw as much as possible since there are dangers involved with storm chasing and I would feel pretty bad if someone got hurt and I couldn't help them, especially when the reason I'm there is the storm that hurt them. I was just wondering what other peoples thoughts on this were?

 

[Chris Sokol]

LOL...well, it might be a bit of overkill, but when I am out in the van, I carry my trauma kit w/oxygen/airway kit (including ambu bags), c-collar set, a set of vacu-splints, KED, Backboard with pediatric adaptor (this is a weird device with a million velcro pieces), and immobilization kit. I also carry a few disposable blankets and a mega-mover. And believe it or not this takes up a lot less room than you would imagine.

In the car I only carry the trauma kit and O2 kit, c-collar kit, blankets and mega mover.

And yes, I have used all of these items at some point during my chase career.

 

[D. Hayes]

I take it you're an EMT Chris.

I would like to improve my kit. Any good/cheap places to get some recommended equipment for someone like myself who has military first aid buddy care training? I'm not EMT level trained but battle trauma first aid on a annual basis.

 

[rdale]

EMT training might be (well, likely is) overkill. However a Red Cross first-aid class and kit is a good idea, or even just CERT training if that's over your head.

 

[Elinor McLennon]

I also keep a first aid kit with me. Mine has the standards plus I have a c-collar, splints, blood sugar kit, stethoscope/cuff and a list of phone numbers and addresses for hospitals, electric companies, gas companies, etc. in the area that I will be chasing in that day. I also keep my CERT kit with me which includes a hard hat, a wrench to turn off the gas meter at someones home, flashlights, duct tape, etc. The CERT training i received was excellent and I followed that up with a National Registry First Responder course.

 

[Benjamin Rock]

Trauma kit, flood light equipment, various other rescue items. I used to be a Paramedic until i retired from the field and joined several EMA, Red Cross, Medical Reserve Corps agencies.. I keep the training up and certs valid. I used the equipment at least once per year while chasing.

 

[brandongreen]

IMO everyone should take emt basic.

 

[rdale]

IMO everyone should take emt basic.

That's 110 hours as I recall.. I find it extremely difficult to consider that a requirement for chasing. That's more than a first-responder firefighter needs...

 

[Danny Neal]

That's 110 hours as I recall.. I find it extremely difficult to consider that a requirement for chasing. That's more than a first-responder firefighter needs...

True if you go through it on a civilian level (at a college or university) like the majority are on here. If you are associated with a department/ambulance service it is a whole different story. The amount of work others I know had to do compared to what I had to was a complete 180. Showed up every Thurs from 6 pm to 830 pm, went over a chapter did some practicals and were done. Never had to do homework, never had to take midterms or finals, never had to do a final graded practical. Basically you show up every Thurs as a test prep for your state exam. Out of the 16 firefighters we had in that class all but 3 passed. So I agree with Rob here. It wasn't an EASY thing to learn even with the lack of requirements I had. It was GOOD training but it was the type of training only someone with knowledge can give you on the one on one level. Working at the fire house, everyone is a B or a P. The dept. picked up the tab on all the costs so the class, test, everything was free. I wouldn't recommend wasting resources on EMT awareness because odds are you will never need it. I would recommend looking into First-responder courses over EMT-B and P.

 

[Tim Stoecklein]

As a Red Cross instructor of several years, I encourage EVERYONE to keep current certifications in a minimum of basic first aid and CPR-Adult/Child/Infant. You owe it to yourself, and those around you, to be prepared to provide care. There are very few feelings worse than freezing up not knowing what to do while life is fading in front of you......Yes, perhaps a bit overdramatic, but do you want to know the feeling to find out? Take a class, get prepared......not just for chasing!

Each vehicle has a basic first aid kit and face shield/mask, and I carry a small face shield on each of my key rings as well. No need to go crazy with equipment and supplies unless you're trained to use it. Some things I'd suggest for a SIMPLE kit for your vehicle:

- Gloves (protect YOURSELF)
- Face shield/mask
- Variety of BandAids
- Numerous guaze pads (I carry 4"x4", they can be trimmed down)
- Guaze rolls
- Athletic/First Aid tape, couple rolls
- Triple Antibiotic creme
- Bottle of water (for flushing wounds)
- Roller or Triangle bandage

I'm sure there is more in my kit, but these are the basics I'd suggest. I'm sure others could throw in a few more items.

 

[Elinor McLennon]

People laugh at my kit because I have so many things. But, when we are at soccer tournaments, church outings, etc., everyone always looks for me when they need to be patched I just like being prepared because I have been in situations where myself and those around me didn't even have a band aid and I felt like a moron!
I highly recommend the CERT class and the CPR classes as a first step.

 

[Jay McCoy]

You dont havwe to be an EMT or medic to have use of a good kit. I know the Red Cross offeres a 40hr advanced 1st aid course and even a basic 4hr 1st iad course can be very valuable. That said

I think everybody should carry a BLS (Basic life support) kit. They have most the bandages, creams, gauze, tape, etc.. you would need until more advanced help arrived and anybody with minimul training can use most of the stuff in it. You can buy them online at many LEO/fire/medic supply sites.

Here is a nice DynaMed kit from Galls for under $200. I have this kit and love it and have used it numerous times. I did add a BVM air bag and extra blood clot kits. I dont like the CPR masks. Otherwise this kit has all you need and can use until you are an EMT. I dont advise anybody to use an airway kit until trained and certified. It opens up many legal issues. The BVM and mask is your safest course.
http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=TK082

If you want something as bit smaller without things like a BP/stethascope kit etc.. this is good for basic medical needs and runs $120
http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=TK079

 

[david diehl]

I recomend the CERT program training, you are trained in Triage, building search, command, and how to handle each incident. I have been Cert trained for 5 years, and the only times that I have had to use the training was at car accidents, so far.

 

[Chris Sokol]

I have had firefighter 1&2, confined space rescue, high angle rope rescue, EMT (actually held paramedic at one time before dropping down to EMT), collapse rescue, hazmat-technician level, plus numerous other certs over the years. I am also a BLS Instructor. Firefighting certs are a bit addicting, but I have been doing this for 25 years LOL.

What is kinda funny is that I was required to take the CERT class for my Emergency Management group...even with all of my experience and certifications.

 

[rdale]

That's because you can't do about 90% of those things while operating with a CERT group