After taking a pretty substantial bite last week that caused a 1.5 inch long and 1/4-inch-deep laceration on my right inner arm, I posted pictures and explained how I treated it. Many readers seemed interested in this topic. Makes sense based on current events, but the truth is that citizens should be of the mindset that nobody is coming to help them and that they are responsible for themselves.
Some are aware that in previous life I was a patrol/SWAT officer as well as a DOD Combat Skills Instructor for the US Air Force Expeditionary Command’s Air Advisor Program. Tactical medicine has always been part one of my skill sets.
Over the years, I have put together many different first aid kits for different people and environments based on their skill level and the emergencies they will most likely encounter. Like all training, what you carry should be based on your needs and what is probable instead of possible.
Taking into consideration every incident I have been involved in, I have put together many of these TIMS (Traumatic Injury Skills) Kit. It is what I use to teach a class by the same name, TIMS. The one picture is of ones I just packed and sent to my daughter Elizabeth and son in law DJ who are stationed with the Navy in San Diego. They contain what is needed to treat heavy bleeding as a result of penetrating injuries, like gun shots or stab wounds. Also included are some of what I would refer to as “morale” items to deal with little Boo Boo’s especially for pediatric patients. Here is the list and source.
MOLLE Pouch – something to put it all in and keep it organized, has one pocket inside to keep morale items separated from more lifesaving items. Piece of red paracord tied to the top for easy identification. You can also get red cross patches to put where the flag patch is. This pouch can be worn on a belt, pack, or hung on a carabiner.
12-hour Hi-Viz Light sticks (4)- great for directing traffic at night around an accident scene. Can be used to mark a location such as a road to turn down to accident scene. Very helpful with pediatric patients to take their focus off the situation at hand.
Nitrile gloves (2 pr)- I only go hand on with family members and close friends when things get sticky. If you are the sole care provider, use both. If there is someone there to help but does not have gloves, give them the other pair.
CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) Gen 7 (1)- this is the nuclear option for stopping uncontrollable bleeding in the extremities. In the care of a major arterial bleed, you will have a minute or so to put it on to save yours or someone else’s life. They are expensive but not as the cost of not having one.
Israeli Bandage – (1) great blood stopper that is used to control heavy bleeding that does not require a tourniquet. Works for any area of the body. Basically, an ace bandage with a big stack of gauze.
Chest Seals- (pack of 2) most often used for gun shots that cause a collapsed lung. One for the entrance wound and one for the exit wound if there is one. As with the previous two items, instructions for use can be found online.
Steri Strips / Butterfly bandages- love these things. This is what I used to close up my bite. These are great wound closers. Do some research on their use and always be sure to irrigate wound before using. This is why I always carry a few bottles of water with me. Not sterile but better than nothing.
Roll of gauze (1) – wrapping wounds
Alcohol Wipes (4) – small wound cleaning
Pain / Fever reducer (3 packs)
Diatame (3 packs)- used to treat upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea, as well as treating diarrhea.
Sting Relief (3) – for treating insect bites
Burn Gel (3) – for treating small burns. This stuff is amazing.
Heavy fabric band aides (6) – the most used item in your kit. Do not got cheap here. Get the heavy duty ones that stay on even when wet.
This kit can be scaled up with more trauma items or scaled down with more morale / Boo Boo items. Another good addition is QuickClot gauze for packing deep wounds to stop bleeding.
Spend the money and put several of these together. We have kits on the motorcycle, in the vehicles, in the house, and one for each person in the family. Immediately replace anything you use. Feel free to add anything you wish. In the future, I will do an article on some additional stuff I have in my personal kit based on needs and level of training.