I've been in the military for almost 17 years and have been through countless self aid and buddy care medical classes and honestly you have explained stuff in more detail in this 12 minute video than I've learned in the 2-3 hrs classes. Keep the videos coming.
Ross Currie I agree 💯💯% and he knows his stuff!! I’m a ER veterinary icu techn with 25 years in specialty medicine and have seen my fair share of gsw, hit by cars deglobing wounds, you name it and I’ve seen it and have saved many of LE k9s with gsw during operations. Our hospital was the contracted one. The wound care and trauma on a person vs an animal is just a matter of anatomy of the head. The volume on a large dog is basically the same as an adult person. I love trauma work and wound care bc it takes a special person to be able work under duress and be able to think logically.
A small notepad and sharpie can also be useful for many things in your basic trauma kit. Watching this video reminded me that I don’t have a emergency space blanket in any of my kits! Thanks for all your videos- really great and important information and solid presentation
I'm only basic CPR and first aid certified, but am trying to expand to cover more traumatic situations. So I appreciate your vids greatly - demystifies a lot of blah-blah, and answers my basic questions. I'm glad you take a position and don't leave it all up "choose, based on your training and preference". (Lots of conflicting opinions out there, even among the trainers. Keep up the great work. You are probably saving more lives than you'll ever hear about.
I have everything in my trauma kit he mentioned but I also wound about 8 ft. of 550 paracord around a small flat piece of cardboard. Takes up very little space and has numerous uses. I like the Black Talon gloves sold by North American Rescue. They have longer cuffs and texture on fingers which offer better grip when covered in blood.
My wife and I were first on the scene to a terrible car accident two days ago. It's been more than twenty years since my last trauma training and I had no gear in my truck. Took an hour for the fire and ambulances to arrive. We stopped some bleeding, kept them warm and awake, but I was helpless otherwise. the brother will probably be okay but if his sister lives she will never walk or look the same again.I don't ever want to let anyone down like that ever again. Thank you for the information you share. I will use it to improve myself and my preparedness.
A good way to train with gloves (as we did in one of my EMT classes i took) to simulate working with blood, is to use shaving cream, apply it to your gloves, spread around and do whatever is needed to stop the bleeding.
I really need to amp up my medical. I haven't even seen bright red blood or burns in years. I'll probably have to treat myself for shock first and then see about the patient.
"I'll probably have to treat myself for shock first " - so don't forget to pack a little flask of vodka into your MediBag. It's often the most valuable item there :D
I carry safety glasses in my trauma kit. They're right on top with gloves directly under them. They're cheap as dirt at the Dollar Tree. Harbor Freight also has very inexpensive ones as well.
So I'm building two separate IFAK kits and I heard about decompression needles. I'm a computer guy and I've never really had much experience with first aid except for the bare minimums. I'm so thankful you explained decompression needles the way you did, I have 5 between my 2 kits and now I know, unless the swelling is on the top right(theirs), I'll have to be extreeeeeemely careful administering this product, and I'd only do so of that's the only option I had. This video was great, thank you bro. If anyone has anymore info on decompression needles I'd love to learn more, thank you and stay safe!
Use of a decompression needle is an advanced medical skill that requires not only the medical knowledge but also the physical skill to administer it. It’s not like Pulp Fiction, you don’t just stab someone in the chest. You need to be able to identify correct position using anatomical features, how would you even know that a tension pneumothorax is present? Seriously, don’t even think about getting one, leave it to the professionals. I don’t know what the law is where you are but I highly doubt you would be covered by any Good Samaritan laws if you used it. You are far more likely to do harm than good.
Great video. Just want to put this out there and ask people to share. I ride motorcycles and always have a trauma kit in my saddle bag. If you ride, ride with a group or know someone who does, please make sure that someone has a kit like this on them. Thanks
@DoubleA: Great advice. Same for going to the gun range. I am surprised by the number of people who go to the range and have no trauma kits. I CC everyday and I carry a trauma kit as well.
Very old video, but your work has been tremendously valuable. One humble hint from a NON-expert. If you have access to a vacuum sealer, one or two microfiber cloths (~12"x12") can be invaluable for many things . . . general cleanup, extra dressing material, etc. Another option is the small compressed "camping" cloths, only drawback (at least in some cases) is that these need to be wetted.
Would you be able to make a list in the description of each item? I'll probably have this memorized soon but it would be useful. Great video, I appreciate it.
Love the realness of the Light Saber comment... Love the safe too!! Great, concise info... Not too much detail (that's in other videos). Thanks for the info! Lauri
Finally put together and got my truck toolbox trauma kit together out of my dad’s USMC issued gear and some tournequettes quik-clot and chest seals i got online. Really feeling a lot better now and your channel has helped me to feel pretty confident in my skills with this stuff! Hoping to get better trained in the coast guard later this year :)
I like that this kit matches your other videos in the sense that you demonstrate how to use these same items to deal with the various conditions or injuries that they can help with. Officially I have not had any medical training, but I know how to give shots, use blood sugar meters, oxygen saturation meter, dress a wound (Have to explain exactly what kind), use a stethescope, take blood pressure, administer oxygen, take temperatures and operate a peritoneal dialysis machine and administer the treatment. I also had to monitor and cook for others with special dietetic requirements. Sometimes I felt scared and anxious, but I tried to be calm. The more I learned the better I felt about my abilities and less fearful for the person I was helping. Despite several scary life and death moments I know anybody who at least tries and has the desire to learn, can learn to do quite a lot to help someone. And there are people willing to teach you if you ask. I would never over step my own capabilities, but I'd say to anybody that's interested, from personal experience, don't hesitate to learn and get training. It's not irresponsible to provide aid within your abilities. Love your videos and appreciate the information.
I like to keep more advanced item in my kit for someone more advanced than myself. I’m a former EMT (long expired, looong expired), You never know who might be standing next to you at any given time.
Before the Gen7 Cat, I liked the SOF-T Wide better but I have since changed sides and now love the Gen7 Cat. They addressed all the issues of the previous gens so imo makes it the superior choice.
Good video. I’m not sure why a few gave this a thumbs down. I like the NPA and thermal blanket option bc you never know how far out an ambulance is. As for chest needles you better know how to use one.
As far as buying a tourniquet goes, the black ones are for professional first responders, the orange are for civilians, and the blue are for training purposes. The color is to let the trauma surgeon know what kind of care to expect the patient to have received before entering the hospital/surgery. The orange and black variety are exactly in terms of durability and quality, only difference is the color and what it signifies. Learned that in the Stop the Bleed class, highly recommended to learn first responder bleeding control.
Good info! I usually keep a 4" and/or a 6" IBD in my kit as well, and I have a decompression needle in my kit, but it's not for me to use. I have been in a situation where there was both a doctor & a nurse present, but they didn't have a kit with them. Fortunately in that case there was a kit nearby, and the wound wasn't severe enough to be life threatening either way, but I tend to keep important tools like a decompression needle in my kit now just in case I ever find myself in a similar situation again. The hard thing for me is an EpiPen. I don't have severe allergies, don't need it and don't have the proper training to use it, but, for someone who needs it but doesn't have it, it's pretty darn important.
You've helped quite a lot over the past few years of watching your videos and have taught me quite a bit. I have decided to become an EMT myself and I start my training this summer, I want the training to help someone if the need arises I don't want to just sit there and be useless. I carry a trauma kit all the time but I am looking to make it a more complete first responder kit but I need training. I wanna add NPA's OPA's and other airway management items. Keep up the great vids.
well done. Your talking from experience. I have been working on building my own trauma kit, and first aid kit. But I think the best info you can give right at the start of a video on this stuff, is the need for training. Encourage your viewers to sign up for a Basic Life Support class at their local Red Cross. Tools are great but if you don't have the basics ie CPR, clearing an air way, etc. The tools only look good. My wife bought me a tee shirt that says "Don't confuse your Google, with my nursing degree." keep getting the info out there.
i dont miss a vid of yours. you are so complete, focused, direct to the point...i really love your videos. your advices are so usefull and i'm so sorry se cant share our passion for prehospital care by person. greets, Dave from italy, CCRN.
I carry ARS needles regardless because in emergency situations just because you might be inexperienced doesn't mean everyone in the room is. The other thing to keep in mind is that in car accidents and high impact trauma the lungs collapsing is always the first thing that will kill someone. They are the most important thing in a kit, but acknowledge if you don't know how to use it to other people. I live in Alaska and they have saved a lot of lives out in the Wilderness to falls and other impact trauma.
great video working on making a trauma kit for under my truck seat so its always available if i witness an accident or something. I am also planning on adding a resq tool for cutting seat belts and breaking windows in case the door can not be opened as you say you never know when you will be the first responder.. I also like your pipe collection
Great video. Bear in mind that carrying something in your kit that you are not qualified to use is not a terrible idea as long as you know your limitations. There may be a 'doctor in the house' who could use it if you have it and save a life. I also recommend a little water based lube in case the NPT is needed. It sure makes it easier and you can easily make a little Mylar pack of your own that takes up almost no room in your kit. Regular expiration date checks and rotation is a good time to make sure the checklist is complete 👌👌👌
I've thought about getting a decompression needle just in case I run into an off duty EMT or doctor happens to be around but they don't have anything on them. If I can get the training on them in the meantime that's great. Great video. Take Care and Be Aware
In some states if you give that to someone who claims to be am EMT or Dr and they kill someone with it you can find yourself in a lawsuit. Just a word of warning.
ChiefPrepper if your an emt and use a needle decompression, you risk losing your liensce. most doc and medic dont carry a bunch of crap on them. also civilian shouldnt be using needle decompression, what happen if u fuck up and some family member sue because a civilian think it a sucking chest wound and it not.
I’m a random office suit person, yet I still have Israeli bandages etc in my car :) I hope I will never need them but for that little investment I would rather have it. At home I have half a field hospital lol. My idea is that when things go really bad it is easier to find someone with the skill than it is to find the gear. That said I did test some items to see if you could use them if needed. I did a little test suture on myself and found out I was using way to big ones. The ones that worked well felt so tiny :) and I have a whole new respect for the way surgeons tie knots like that with pliers..
Good video thanks. Building out trauma kits for my car and my wife's car and the house based on your previous videos. This one fits in timing wise perfectly. Thank you.
I shrink/ vacuum wrap stuff like the gloves 2-3x and notch the plastic for easy tear and open. I also shrink wrap a teaspoon of ground coffee which I tear quickly and shove up my nose if someone vomits. Many people are useless from that smell. (I was on a bus trip with young scouts and a kid got carsick and puked. Nobody could help him but me. I learned that trick from a policewoman in Fontana, CA. Comes from perfume shops).
I am the type to faint during trauma events but.... I still see the value in having the supplies on hand and having the knowledge about each piece in the kit. Thanks for the videos. Preparedness = peace of mind.
My son recently finished a 3 day combat trauma medical class taught by a NAVY corpsman instructor before deployment in Africa. Part of the training was the use of the decompression needle. If the military feels confident in supplying & training solders & sailors in the use of decompression needle, in a 3 day class, I don't understand the huge amount of fear expressed in this video.
The difference between the military and bystanders doing a decompression is the availability of definitive care. In the case with soldiers and sailors, they have to do what they have to do in order for their bud to make it. They don't get to head to definitive care immediately, or even necessarily after the firefight. If a civilian has something like a spontaneous pneumothorax and a bystander gets there they can dial 911. All they have to do is basic bls until they get there and the patient will usually be at definitive care within the hour. If a bystander tries to do a decompression that they aren't trained to do they can do more harm than good and complicate things for the patient. That's why the military is more willing to expand the scope of practice for medicine of an individual. It's a matter of definitive care. If youre in the backwoods and someone has a pneumothorax then youd probably have a case to do it because you're much further from definitive care
These videos help bring me up to date on a lot of stuff I haven't used in a long time since I "retired" from the volunteer fire department. fifteen years ago. I would consider myself an "old school" EMT-A from Nebraska (81-hours, 1983) Since then, I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol and have taken a first aid, CPR, AED class. Like I said, a lot of this is a refresher for me, but also, "teaching an old dog new tricks". Thank you.
SkinnyMedic, my thinking on the decompression needle is if you are the first one on scene and at least have it ( but no training on using it) someone may show up (off duty emt or doctor) that does know how to use it but doesn't have a needle on them. I know its unlikely but I would like to hear your thoughts on it.
Suggestion/Request for a vid topic: Regarding trauma supplies; yes, you mention about having more than one tourniquet, etc. however; regarding other less traumatic supplies one should possibly carry...how much is realistically required? Does one only need two 5x9 or do they need twenty as a hypothetical example? What i'm getting at is you can have someone who stuffs their bag right full (overkill) when realistically the vast mass majority of trauma situations (exclude an MCI) you would only use a few items. Tapping into your paramedic experience could produce a discussion vid on this subject? Thanks Skinny!
My opinion of a decompression needle is that it may get you in a lot of trouble. I know in our EMS system if I were to practice ALS skills outside of my employment they could yank your license/ if the patient dies they will take your license. I personally wouldn't want to carry them as a civilian just like I am not going to be intubating when I am not on duty. BLS skills will almost always suffice in a trauma call, key word there is almost always.
I like to have burn gel dressings in my kit. In addition to their primary intended use as cooling, sterile burn dressings, they can be used as sterile dressings on other types of wounds, and I expect that a gel dressing would also make a good chest seal, although I have never used one as such or talked to anyone who has. I like the NPA, also, but as with most medical devices, it's a good idea to get proper training and to practice with it before using for real. That might require an intubation mannequin, for those not lucky enough to know someone who will let you stick one in their nose, unless of course you want to stick it in your own. :-) AFAIK, an NPA is still contraindicated in patients with head trauma, which I think is worth mentioning. I keep trauma sheers, a pocket mask and gloves in my regular backpack that I have with me most of the time. Many other first aid materials can be improvised from common household articles. A gloved hand, cling wrap from the kitchen, or even the cellophane wrapping from a pack of cigarettes can be used as an improvised chest seal. If you have nothing at all, positioning the patient with the sucking chest wound against the ground can help to keep it sealed. A towel, washcloth, or a piece of clothing can be used as a dressing. A long, heavy sock, the long sleeve of a shirt or jacket, or a strip of cloth cut from clothing can be used to make a bandage or tourniquet. A rolled up or folded magazine or newspaper makes a great splint, as, of course, does a wooden stick, baseball bat, tennis racket, skateboard, etc. A pillow and duct tape can be used to splint an ankle. As long as the item is only going to be used on the outside of the patient and is not going to injure the patient, it can help to be creative when proper equipment is not available.
Thank you for this very informative presentation. Do you have a checklist posted somewhere, along with recommended products, so I can print it and bring it with me to a store? Thanks again.
You should point out that even if you don't have all the training for each item someone else may have been trained but doesn't have the materials needed to help. You can provide these to them and they may save others or yourself !!
On Amazon I found a 2 pack of tourniquet for 25 dollars, best deal I've found. I'm putting one in my trauma kit and one in my EDC. Also SWAT T tourniquets are cheap and sometimes better than the cats, soft t, etc. They are larger and a bit easier to use
Population Control Airsoft then you got fake tourniquets that I hope you never use on someone. If you think a SWAT tq is easier and better than CATS and SOFT, then you don’t have legitimate training with them. Especially in self use.
I will chime in with some training i was given via us army medics in CLS class. NPA's should NEVER be used on unconscious persons with a possible head/brain injury. All for the fear of the roof of the nasal cavity being broken and possible brain hemorrhaging through the nasal roof. Otherwise good ifak setup to carry.
I keep hearing that hemostatic agents should be a last resort because they require more wound debridement later. Is there any validity to that? Should you use Celox/Combat Gauze right off the bat, or try to stop the bleeding with standard gauze first?
Coal Creek Defense not him but I am a medic. Surgeons will hate you for using the granulated shit. It can require a lot of debridement like you said and it’s hard to get it all sometimes. I would get the hemostatic impregnated gauze like combat gauze.
Hi I just found your website and I got to say thank you so much I have built two bags 1 EDC kit for my pick up and one big at home bag but what I need is training like a stop to bleed class but there is nothing up here in Northeast Washington so I don't know what to do I don't want to kill somebody I'm in a real pickle here so if you have any ideas I would be greatly appreciative and once again thank you so much
Questions regarding NPAs: I know that 28 Fr is the standard NPA diameter for an IFAK. However, different people have different sized nares. I know when I was in the Air Force that AMDS (Aeromedical Deployment Squadron) knew how to measure military personnel for what Fr diameter their NPA was supposed to be. Online information only talks about how to measure for the correct NPA length, nothing about diameter. My concern is in selecting the correct NPA to stock for my wife and children. 1) How do you know what is the right Fr diameter for a person? or; 2) Do the NPA diameters decrease with the length of the NPA? or; 3) In an extreme emergency, can a NPA that isn't the optimal size be made to work, and if so, how?
Great video as always mate, when it comes to the question of using some supplies your not sure of i guess it boils down to if the person will die if you do nothing or maybe live if you do. But i would suggest some training, even brief on those items because it takes little time and could be very beneficial. Always love to see your videos dude, i am rebuilding my medical kit and will take much into account :) All the best, Robert
Can a latex physical therapy band work as a tourniquet because I'm trying to build tourniquet slowly over time and have 8 foot of black 4 inch wide therapy band I was wonduring if I could temporarily add for a make shift tourniquet till I can afford a good better quality set of two tourniquets?
Your awsome in everyform thank you 🤗love your communication skills your perfect crisp- clear verbal & time lot & your videos keep me interested & tuned in holding my attention 💯wish Id known of you years ago I can definitely benefit like so many others with your skills & knowledge truely appreciate you keep it going thank you😎
As an EMT - B in Massachusetts I would never attempt to relieve a tension pneumo/hemo thorax. I don't even know a medic who would. That is to say when acting as a civilian. Our good Samaritan laws only apply to civilians acting as lay persons in an emergency situation. Meaning even though you may save someone's life with that needle if they wanted to they could still sue you for assault/negligence and they'd probably win.
People should also know how to turn packaging into a chest seal by taping a piece of plastic to the patient on the top and sides. It was what we learned in the army before hyfins came along. I never seen anyone talk about it though. I still carry hyfins but it's a good backup for a cheat seal.
I agree with Daniel. As an RAF Firefighter we were trained to improvise. It was always"You are first on scene (always the case) the medics misread the map and are 20 mins out. ( often the case!lol!) Now deal with the trauma casualties. Winch them up a cliff etc.com. The point is we were given the basic first aid training them trained to improvise. I carried on as a first aider after leaving the service. My ex wife was a nurse and she always said nurses make the worst first aiders as they not generally trained for the emergency environment. In all the situations I dealt with while we were together I was the hands on guy. She had a bit more medical knowledge than me and certainly when it came to any medication the casualty might have. I need to get my cert renewed!
I prefer white non-latex gloves. I disagree that if you don't have the training that you shouldn't carry a needle for the tension pneumothorax but some other bystander could have the training but not have the needle. Then, u could give it to them
The needle you talked about can you spell it out for me? Want to put together a detailed kit because I have a lake house in middle of nowhere and although I may not know how to use it someone may and having it is better than not
I just ordered the Halo chest seals - the packaging is huge!!! I am using the condor rip away Lite... can I fold the chest seals to make them fit?? and not damage the seal?
ITS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE IN YOUR TRAUMA KIT A DESCOMPRESSION NEDDLE EVEN IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO USE IT - MAY SOME ONE AROUND KNOWS HOW -BETTER TO HAVE AND DONT NEED IT THAN NEED IT AND DONT HAVE IT - GREAT VIDEO SkinnyMedic
Fun tid-bit with duct tape. When I was in my mid teens on Christmas Day opening a present with a pocket knife I somehow managed to slit the back/top of my wrist. One of my relatives their was a nurse and figured out if I bent my wrist backward the wound would close and stop bleeding so they made me a splint out of cardboard (from open boxes) and duct tape ripped thin like steri strips to help hold the skin together. It worked! Later on we also used super glue for extra holding power. Never did go to the ER or get stitches. Nice scar now for proof.😂 I still honestly don't remember how I exactly cut myself while doing it. Duct tape really has 100s of uses😁 cardboard is also helpful in A FEW emergencies.
Can you tell me why standard gauze has an expiration date? I understand that combat gauze will expire when the hemostatic agent is no longer good but standard gauze should be good as long as it is sealed right?
I've been in the military for almost 17 years and have been through countless self aid and buddy care medical classes and honestly you have explained stuff in more detail in this 12 minute video than I've learned in the 2-3 hrs classes. Keep the videos coming.
Ross Currie I agree 💯💯% and he knows his stuff!! I’m a ER veterinary icu techn with 25 years in specialty medicine and have seen my fair share of gsw, hit by cars deglobing wounds, you name it and I’ve seen it and have saved many of LE k9s with gsw during operations. Our hospital was the contracted one. The wound care and trauma on a person vs an animal is just a matter of anatomy of the head. The volume on a large dog is basically the same as an adult person.
I love trauma work and wound care bc it takes a special person to be able work under duress and be able to think logically.
Another trick with chem lights if you don't want to blind yourself cut a slit on the package it comes in and crack it.
5 years in & I agree!
A great comment.
A small notepad and sharpie can also be useful for many things in your basic trauma kit. Watching this video reminded me that I don’t have a emergency space blanket in any of my kits! Thanks for all your videos- really great and important information and solid presentation
I'm only basic CPR and first aid certified, but am trying to expand to cover more traumatic situations. So I appreciate your vids greatly - demystifies a lot of blah-blah, and answers my basic questions. I'm glad you take a position and don't leave it all up "choose, based on your training and preference". (Lots of conflicting opinions out there, even among the trainers. Keep up the great work. You are probably saving more lives than you'll ever hear about.
Thank you for the kind words
I have everything in my trauma kit he mentioned but I also wound about 8 ft. of 550 paracord around a small flat piece of cardboard. Takes up very little space and has numerous uses. I like the Black Talon gloves sold by North American Rescue. They have longer cuffs and texture on fingers which offer better grip when covered in blood.
My wife and I were first on the scene to a terrible car accident two days ago. It's been more than twenty years since my last trauma training and I had no gear in my truck. Took an hour for the fire and ambulances to arrive. We stopped some bleeding, kept them warm and awake, but I was helpless otherwise. the brother will probably be okay but if his sister lives she will never walk or look the same again.I don't ever want to let anyone down like that ever again.
Thank you for the information you share. I will use it to improve myself and my preparedness.
Ive been an EMT-B (once a Va EMT-Instructor) since 1973 and wanted to say I am very impressed with your informative videos ...... God Bless
Thank you!
A good way to train with gloves (as we did in one of my EMT classes i took) to simulate working with blood, is to use shaving cream, apply it to your gloves, spread around and do whatever is needed to stop the bleeding.
I really need to amp up my medical. I haven't even seen bright red blood or burns in years. I'll probably have to treat myself for shock first and then see about the patient.
haha
cavtroopermunoz -- i recommend shock tarts.
I totally feel that same way hahaha
"I'll probably have to treat myself for shock first " - so don't forget to pack a little flask of vodka into your MediBag. It's often the most valuable item there :D
I carry safety glasses in my trauma kit. They're right on top with gloves directly under them. They're cheap as dirt at the Dollar Tree. Harbor Freight also has very inexpensive ones as well.
So I'm building two separate IFAK kits and I heard about decompression needles. I'm a computer guy and I've never really had much experience with first aid except for the bare minimums. I'm so thankful you explained decompression needles the way you did, I have 5 between my 2 kits and now I know, unless the swelling is on the top right(theirs), I'll have to be extreeeeeemely careful administering this product, and I'd only do so of that's the only option I had. This video was great, thank you bro. If anyone has anymore info on decompression needles I'd love to learn more, thank you and stay safe!
Use of a decompression needle is an advanced medical skill that requires not only the medical knowledge but also the physical skill to administer it. It’s not like Pulp Fiction, you don’t just stab someone in the chest. You need to be able to identify correct position using anatomical features, how would you even know that a tension pneumothorax is present? Seriously, don’t even think about getting one, leave it to the professionals. I don’t know what the law is where you are but I highly doubt you would be covered by any Good Samaritan laws if you used it. You are far more likely to do harm than good.
Great video. Just want to put this out there and ask people to share. I ride motorcycles and always have a trauma kit in my saddle bag. If you ride, ride with a group or know someone who does, please make sure that someone has a kit like this on them. Thanks
@DoubleA: Great advice. Same for going to the gun range. I am surprised by the number of people who go to the range and have no trauma kits. I CC everyday and I carry a trauma kit as well.
A drop leg or ankle kit is much wiser. How do you apply a tourniquet to yourself if you're 30 ft from your bike saddle bag and unable to run?
Former paramedic. Love your video. Agree with all you put in it. Headed to your page to shop. Thanks.
Thank you sir!
Very old video, but your work has been tremendously valuable. One humble hint from a NON-expert. If you have access to a vacuum sealer, one or two microfiber cloths (~12"x12") can be invaluable for many things . . . general cleanup, extra dressing material, etc. Another option is the small compressed "camping" cloths, only drawback (at least in some cases) is that these need to be wetted.
Would you be able to make a list in the description of each item? I'll probably have this memorized soon but it would be useful. Great video, I appreciate it.
Love the realness of the Light Saber comment... Love the safe too!! Great, concise info... Not too much detail (that's in other videos). Thanks for the info!
Lauri
+Windkisssed hehe.....same here.....he totally owned that Momment , 8:28 !!
+Windkisssed haha Thank you
Finally put together and got my truck toolbox trauma kit together out of my dad’s USMC issued gear and some tournequettes quik-clot and chest seals i got online. Really feeling a lot better now and your channel has helped me to feel pretty confident in my skills with this stuff! Hoping to get better trained in the coast guard later this year :)
I like that this kit matches your other videos in the sense that you demonstrate how to use these same items to deal with the various conditions or injuries that they can help with. Officially I have not had any medical training, but I know how to give shots, use blood sugar meters, oxygen saturation meter, dress a wound (Have to explain exactly what kind), use a stethescope, take blood pressure, administer oxygen, take temperatures and operate a peritoneal dialysis machine and administer the treatment. I also had to monitor and cook for others with special dietetic requirements.
Sometimes I felt scared and anxious, but I tried to be calm. The more I learned the better I felt about my abilities and less fearful for the person I was helping.
Despite several scary life and death moments I know anybody who at least tries and has the desire to learn, can learn to do quite a lot to help someone. And there are people willing to teach you if you ask. I would never over step my own capabilities, but I'd say to anybody that's interested, from personal experience, don't hesitate to learn and get training. It's not irresponsible to provide aid within your abilities. Love your videos and appreciate the information.
I like to keep more advanced item in my kit for someone more advanced than myself. I’m a former EMT (long expired, looong expired), You never know who might be standing next to you at any given time.
Poppy 926 just keep the stuff meant to be inside the person, inside the person! Lol
Been slowly working on upgrading my trauma kit and fleshing out my first aide kit for my car. I've gotten quite a few of my items from you guys!
Before the Gen7 Cat, I liked the SOF-T Wide better but I have since changed sides and now love the Gen7 Cat. They addressed all the issues of the previous gens so imo makes it the superior choice.
Flashlight/Chem light is a brilliant idea!!! Hadn’t even considered a light source in my med kit. Awesome point.
Yeah. It's a great idea. I carry a headlamp, chem light, and a (very) well-concealed-but-accessible, kydexed. 380 in my personal kit-just in case.
Good video. I’m not sure why a few gave this a thumbs down.
I like the NPA and thermal blanket option bc you never know how far out an ambulance is.
As for chest needles you better know how to use one.
Great info !No rambling and very clear explainations.Absorbed alot.Prior service and former basic 1st aid instructor.Great job hooaah!!!
As far as buying a tourniquet goes, the black ones are for professional first responders, the orange are for civilians, and the blue are for training purposes. The color is to let the trauma surgeon know what kind of care to expect the patient to have received before entering the hospital/surgery. The orange and black variety are exactly in terms of durability and quality, only difference is the color and what it signifies. Learned that in the Stop the Bleed class, highly recommended to learn first responder bleeding control.
The blue is for training, but orange is not specifically for civilians lol. My local ems service uses, exclusively, orange CATs.
Good info! I usually keep a 4" and/or a 6" IBD in my kit as well, and I have a decompression needle in my kit, but it's not for me to use. I have been in a situation where there was both a doctor & a nurse present, but they didn't have a kit with them. Fortunately in that case there was a kit nearby, and the wound wasn't severe enough to be life threatening either way, but I tend to keep important tools like a decompression needle in my kit now just in case I ever find myself in a similar situation again. The hard thing for me is an EpiPen. I don't have severe allergies, don't need it and don't have the proper training to use it, but, for someone who needs it but doesn't have it, it's pretty darn important.
+Gunslinger454 Not a bad kit
Good point!
God bless and thank you guy's for what y'all do for our country 🇺🇲♥️🇺🇸
You've helped quite a lot over the past few years of watching your videos and have taught me quite a bit. I have decided to become an EMT myself and I start my training this summer, I want the training to help someone if the need arises I don't want to just sit there and be useless. I carry a trauma kit all the time but I am looking to make it a more complete first responder kit but I need training. I wanna add NPA's OPA's and other airway management items. Keep up the great vids.
+Victor Smith Awesome! Good luck with EMT
well done. Your talking from experience. I have been working on building my own trauma kit, and first aid kit. But I think the best info you can give right at the start of a video on this stuff, is the need for training. Encourage your viewers to sign up for a Basic Life Support class at their local Red Cross. Tools are great but if you don't have the basics ie CPR, clearing an air way, etc. The tools only look good. My wife bought me a tee shirt that says "Don't confuse your Google, with my nursing degree." keep getting the info out there.
i dont miss a vid of yours. you are so complete, focused, direct to the point...i really love your videos. your advices are so usefull and i'm so sorry se cant share our passion for prehospital care by person. greets, Dave from italy, CCRN.
Thank you
I carry ARS needles regardless because in emergency situations just because you might be inexperienced doesn't mean everyone in the room is. The other thing to keep in mind is that in car accidents and high impact trauma the lungs collapsing is always the first thing that will kill someone. They are the most important thing in a kit, but acknowledge if you don't know how to use it to other people. I live in Alaska and they have saved a lot of lives out in the Wilderness to falls and other impact trauma.
great video working on making a trauma kit for under my truck seat so its always available if i witness an accident or something. I am also planning on adding a resq tool for cutting seat belts and breaking windows in case the door can not be opened as you say you never know when you will be the first responder.. I also like your pipe collection
Great video. Bear in mind that carrying something in your kit that you are not qualified to use is not a terrible idea as long as you know your limitations. There may be a 'doctor in the house' who could use it if you have it and save a life. I also recommend a little water based lube in case the NPT is needed. It sure makes it easier and you can easily make a little Mylar pack of your own that takes up almost no room in your kit. Regular expiration date checks and rotation is a good time to make sure the checklist is complete 👌👌👌
I had a little kit that had stuff from bug bites to burns to cuts and i had it in a ds carrier this is definitely something ill be looking into
I've thought about getting a decompression needle just in case I run into an off duty EMT or doctor happens to be around but they don't have anything on them. If I can get the training on them in the meantime that's great. Great video. Take Care and Be Aware
+ChiefPrepper Not a bad idea
In some states if you give that to someone who claims to be am EMT or Dr and they kill someone with it you can find yourself in a lawsuit. Just a word of warning.
Prison
ChiefPrepper if your an emt and use a needle decompression, you risk losing your liensce. most doc and medic dont carry a bunch of crap on them. also civilian shouldnt be using needle decompression, what happen if u fuck up and some family member sue because a civilian think it a sucking chest wound and it not.
Good samaritan laws would apply in most States.
I’m a random office suit person, yet I still have Israeli bandages etc in my car :)
I hope I will never need them but for that little investment I would rather have it.
At home I have half a field hospital lol. My idea is that when things go really bad it is easier to find someone with the skill than it is to find the gear.
That said I did test some items to see if you could use them if needed. I did a little test suture on myself and found out I was using way to big ones.
The ones that worked well felt so tiny :) and I have a whole new respect for the way surgeons tie knots like that with pliers..
Love all your videos. I've watched several and forgot to give a thumbs up so I will go back and do that LOL.
thank you for all the information and knowledge you share brother you are out here making a difference.
Good video thanks. Building out trauma kits for my car and my wife's car and the house based on your previous videos. This one fits in timing wise perfectly. Thank you.
I shrink/ vacuum wrap stuff like the gloves 2-3x and notch the plastic for easy tear and open. I also shrink wrap a teaspoon of ground coffee which I tear quickly and shove up my nose if someone vomits. Many people are useless from that smell. (I was on a bus trip with young scouts and a kid got carsick and puked. Nobody could help him but me. I learned that trick from a policewoman in Fontana, CA. Comes from perfume shops).
BP Cuff can also be used as a tournequet
Packaging of a chest seal can be used as a 3 sided occlusive dressing to act as a flutter valve
+Daniel Rhude Yes you could
A lot of useful and well explained ideas here. Thanks from the UK.
Well done as a medic I was impressed as to the content and you saying opion of an item vs need for the kit. That is hard to do sometimes as a medic.
+1johnmthompson Thank you
I am the type to faint during trauma events but.... I still see the value in having the supplies on hand and having the knowledge about each piece in the kit. Thanks for the videos. Preparedness = peace of mind.
great advice here these aren't close to the first aid kit that I use to keep in my trunk wen I was an EMT. Thanks for the video!
My son recently finished a 3 day combat trauma medical class taught by a NAVY corpsman instructor before deployment in Africa.
Part of the training was the use of the decompression needle.
If the military feels confident in supplying & training solders & sailors in the use of decompression needle, in a 3 day class, I don't understand the huge amount of fear
expressed in this video.
If u do it wrong u can seriously impact the person negatively
The difference between the military and bystanders doing a decompression is the availability of definitive care. In the case with soldiers and sailors, they have to do what they have to do in order for their bud to make it. They don't get to head to definitive care immediately, or even necessarily after the firefight. If a civilian has something like a spontaneous pneumothorax and a bystander gets there they can dial 911. All they have to do is basic bls until they get there and the patient will usually be at definitive care within the hour. If a bystander tries to do a decompression that they aren't trained to do they can do more harm than good and complicate things for the patient. That's why the military is more willing to expand the scope of practice for medicine of an individual. It's a matter of definitive care. If youre in the backwoods and someone has a pneumothorax then youd probably have a case to do it because you're much further from definitive care
The military can do what it wants...in the civilian world there are legalities involved
Love the video! I'm a RN and my two best friends since high school are paramedics we all carry a pretty good kit in our car!
+The Tech Man Thank you!
These videos help bring me up to date on a lot of stuff I haven't used in a long time since I "retired" from the volunteer fire department. fifteen years ago. I would consider myself an "old school" EMT-A from Nebraska (81-hours, 1983) Since then, I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol and have taken a first aid, CPR, AED class. Like I said, a lot of this is a refresher for me, but also, "teaching an old dog new tricks". Thank you.
SkinnyMedic, my thinking on the decompression needle is if you are the first one on scene and at least have it ( but no training on using it) someone may show up (off duty emt or doctor) that does know how to use it but doesn't have a needle on them. I know its unlikely but I would like to hear your thoughts on it.
+LB I wouldn't use it off duty because I am not sure I would be covered in SC.
Suggestion/Request for a vid topic: Regarding trauma supplies; yes, you mention about having more than one tourniquet, etc. however; regarding other less traumatic supplies one should possibly carry...how much is realistically required? Does one only need two 5x9 or do they need twenty as a hypothetical example? What i'm getting at is you can have someone who stuffs their bag right full (overkill) when realistically the vast mass majority of trauma situations (exclude an MCI) you would only use a few items.
Tapping into your paramedic experience could produce a discussion vid on this subject? Thanks Skinny!
Thank you!! I'm trying to put a *good* medical kit for my truck and bug-out bag. Great information, new sub.
I prefer more gauze and wraps over dressings. More versatile and usually easier to pack.
+USpatriot741776 Not a bad idea
My opinion of a decompression needle is that it may get you in a lot of trouble. I know in our EMS system if I were to practice ALS skills outside of my employment they could yank your license/ if the patient dies they will take your license. I personally wouldn't want to carry them as a civilian just like I am not going to be intubating when I am not on duty. BLS skills will almost always suffice in a trauma call, key word there is almost always.
Thanks for the info I found it interesting and factual. I spoke to a trama nurse showed her your list and she said right on! Again thanks Steve
Sweet!
Great vid, thanks SM!
+Canadian Prepper Thank you!
Love The pipe collection
I like to have burn gel dressings in my kit. In addition to their primary intended use as cooling, sterile burn dressings, they can be used as sterile dressings on other types of wounds, and I expect that a gel dressing would also make a good chest seal, although I have never used one as such or talked to anyone who has.
I like the NPA, also, but as with most medical devices, it's a good idea to get proper training and to practice with it before using for real. That might require an intubation mannequin, for those not lucky enough to know someone who will let you stick one in their nose, unless of course you want to stick it in your own. :-) AFAIK, an NPA is still contraindicated in patients with head trauma, which I think is worth mentioning.
I keep trauma sheers, a pocket mask and gloves in my regular backpack that I have with me most of the time. Many other first aid materials can be improvised from common household articles. A gloved hand, cling wrap from the kitchen, or even the cellophane wrapping from a pack of cigarettes can be used as an improvised chest seal. If you have nothing at all, positioning the patient with the sucking chest wound against the ground can help to keep it sealed.
A towel, washcloth, or a piece of clothing can be used as a dressing. A long, heavy sock, the long sleeve of a shirt or jacket, or a strip of cloth cut from clothing can be used to make a bandage or tourniquet.
A rolled up or folded magazine or newspaper makes a great splint, as, of course, does a wooden stick, baseball bat, tennis racket, skateboard, etc. A pillow and duct tape can be used to splint an ankle.
As long as the item is only going to be used on the outside of the patient and is not going to injure the patient, it can help to be creative when proper equipment is not available.
Thank you for this very informative presentation. Do you have a checklist posted somewhere, along with recommended products, so I can print it and bring it with me to a store? Thanks again.
I don't but that is a good idea
I also have a couple of EpiPen's in my kit. Good information. Thanks
Yep good thinking. Best
+TheMan4547 Awesome
You should point out that even if you don't have all the training for each item someone else may have been trained but doesn't have the materials needed to help. You can provide these to them and they may save others or yourself !!
On Amazon I found a 2 pack of tourniquet for 25 dollars, best deal I've found. I'm putting one in my trauma kit and one in my EDC. Also SWAT T tourniquets are cheap and sometimes better than the cats, soft t, etc. They are larger and a bit easier to use
Population Control Airsoft then you got fake tourniquets that I hope you never use on someone. If you think a SWAT tq is easier and better than CATS and SOFT, then you don’t have legitimate training with them. Especially in self use.
You've pointed out some good options, thanks.
+wyattoneable Thank you
witch do you prefer the combat gauze or the celox?
I will chime in with some training i was given via us army medics in CLS class. NPA's should NEVER be used on unconscious persons with a possible head/brain injury. All for the fear of the roof of the nasal cavity being broken and possible brain hemorrhaging through the nasal roof. Otherwise good ifak setup to carry.
I keep hearing that hemostatic agents should be a last resort because they require more wound debridement later. Is there any validity to that? Should you use Celox/Combat Gauze right off the bat, or try to stop the bleeding with standard gauze first?
Coal Creek Defense not him but I am a medic. Surgeons will hate you for using the granulated shit. It can require a lot of debridement like you said and it’s hard to get it all sometimes. I would get the hemostatic impregnated gauze like combat gauze.
are purple nitrile gloves better to use to handle bleeding
Awesome video man! I laughed at the light saber part haha
I just ordered two Halo chest seals from your site. Thanks!
Exactly the information I was looking for. Great video. Thanks.
Really great information and presentation, keep up the good work.
Good Video!! I like the chem light idea!
who makes that drop leg pouch and where can one purchase one? that's the perfect size I am looking for
Great video. There's a few things I need to add to my med kits.
+metaltrooper62 Awesome I am glad this video helped
Hi I just found your website and I got to say thank you so much I have built two bags 1 EDC kit for my pick up and one big at home bag but what I need is training like a stop to bleed class but there is nothing up here in Northeast Washington so I don't know what to do I don't want to kill somebody I'm in a real pickle here so if you have any ideas I would be greatly appreciative and once again thank you so much
Questions regarding NPAs:
I know that 28 Fr is the standard NPA diameter for an IFAK. However, different people have different sized nares. I know when I was in the Air Force that AMDS (Aeromedical Deployment Squadron) knew how to measure military personnel for what Fr diameter their NPA was supposed to be. Online information only talks about how to measure for the correct NPA length, nothing about diameter. My concern is in selecting the correct NPA to stock for my wife and children.
1) How do you know what is the right Fr diameter for a person? or;
2) Do the NPA diameters decrease with the length of the NPA? or;
3) In an extreme emergency, can a NPA that isn't the optimal size be made to work, and if so, how?
+Richard Sabo Yes they make different size NPAs for this reason. I have done a video if you search my channel for NPA explaining how to measure.
SkinnyMedic I see it now, that answers it. Thanks!
Great video as always mate, when it comes to the question of using some supplies your not sure of i guess it boils down to if the person will die if you do nothing or maybe live if you do. But i would suggest some training, even brief on those items because it takes little time and could be very beneficial. Always love to see your videos dude, i am rebuilding my medical kit and will take much into account :) All the best, Robert
+NordicBritPrepper Training is super important
Can a latex physical therapy band work as a tourniquet because I'm trying to build tourniquet slowly over time and have 8 foot of black 4 inch wide therapy band I was wonduring if I could temporarily add for a make shift tourniquet till I can afford a good better quality set of two tourniquets?
This is great...thank you. Perfect timing for me as I'm currently in the blow out kit research phase. Excellent information.
+zoodidwa Awesome check out my website for ideas shop.skinnymedic.com
good luck on your first aid kit.
Your awsome in everyform thank you 🤗love your communication skills your perfect crisp- clear verbal & time lot & your videos keep me interested & tuned in holding my attention 💯wish Id known of you years ago I can definitely benefit like so many others with your skills & knowledge truely appreciate you keep it going thank you😎
Great Content! Thank you for your work! Just built mine.
As an EMT - B in Massachusetts I would never attempt to relieve a tension pneumo/hemo thorax. I don't even know a medic who would. That is to say when acting as a civilian. Our good Samaritan laws only apply to civilians acting as lay persons in an emergency situation. Meaning even though you may save someone's life with that needle if they wanted to they could still sue you for assault/negligence and they'd probably win.
Great video btw, very informative and couldn't agree more with the essentials of a personal jump kit.
Use that decomp needle as an EMT and you're screwed for going beyond your scope of practice.
People should also know how to turn packaging into a chest seal by taping a piece of plastic to the patient on the top and sides. It was what we learned in the army before hyfins came along. I never seen anyone talk about it though. I still carry hyfins but it's a good backup for a cheat seal.
+Daniel Frakes Yes
I agree with Daniel. As an RAF Firefighter we were trained to improvise. It was always"You are first on scene (always the case) the medics misread the map and are 20 mins out. ( often the case!lol!) Now deal with the trauma casualties. Winch them up a cliff etc.com.
The point is we were given the basic first aid training them trained to improvise.
I carried on as a first aider after leaving the service. My ex wife was a nurse and she always said nurses make the worst first aiders as they not generally trained for the emergency environment. In all the situations I dealt with while we were together I was the hands on guy.
She had a bit more medical knowledge than me and certainly when it came to any medication the casualty might have.
I need to get my cert renewed!
Your videos have inspired me to go get first aid training.
Buy supplies here: medicalgearoutfitters.com/
I prefer white non-latex gloves. I disagree that if you don't have the training that you shouldn't carry a needle for the tension pneumothorax but some other bystander could have the training but not have the needle. Then, u could give it to them
Good thought!
The needle you talked about can you spell it out for me? Want to put together a detailed kit because I have a lake house in middle of nowhere and although I may not know how to use it someone may and having it is better than not
Thank you for posting the trauma and medical safety information.
+inversionlayer Thank you for the support
What about using tampons in place of gauze and maxis for bandages? I heard a lot of vets telling similiar type of combat of experiences.
No there is better products that are the same price if not cheaper. Get compress gauze or rolls of kling
"Oh my gosh, trauma!" Made laugh so hard😂😂😂😂
I just ordered the Halo chest seals - the packaging is huge!!! I am using the condor rip away Lite... can I fold the chest seals to make them fit?? and not damage the seal?
ITS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE IN YOUR TRAUMA KIT A DESCOMPRESSION NEDDLE EVEN IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO USE IT - MAY SOME ONE AROUND KNOWS HOW -BETTER TO HAVE AND DONT NEED IT THAN NEED IT AND DONT HAVE IT - GREAT VIDEO SkinnyMedic
Does the current EMR course include Airway? I would think most bystanders wouldn't know how to use an npa
I really enjoyed this video thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.
+Prepper Rabbit Thank you
Where did you get that drop leg pouch at
I can't thumbs up this enough! GREAT information.
+Mark Fadden Thanks!
Fun tid-bit with duct tape. When I was in my mid teens on Christmas Day opening a present with a pocket knife I somehow managed to slit the back/top of my wrist. One of my relatives their was a nurse and figured out if I bent my wrist backward the wound would close and stop bleeding so they made me a splint out of cardboard (from open boxes) and duct tape ripped thin like steri strips to help hold the skin together. It worked!
Later on we also used super glue for extra holding power. Never did go to the ER or get stitches. Nice scar now for proof.😂
I still honestly don't remember how I exactly cut myself while doing it.
Duct tape really has 100s of uses😁 cardboard is also helpful in A FEW emergencies.
Can you tell me why standard gauze has an expiration date? I understand that combat gauze will expire when the hemostatic agent is no longer good but standard gauze should be good as long as it is sealed right?
Because it is sterile
SM. Excellent Instructional video. Nice pipes on that very impressive safe. Had to use my glass on the wall hangers...Awful fuzzy. Best
+Tom M Thank you
How much gauze do I need in my IFAK? I mean there are different sizes of gauze like 5m x 7cm or 10-20m x 14cm.
Any thoughts on a budget "Range Kit"?? I've got a fair idea but would really like your input..
Great video. I would consider two (2) nasopharyngeal airways and a small pocket mask.