What to put in a med kit
June 2019
We thought we’d post a blog article answering the most common question we get asked on a daily basis. Funny thing is, we’ve never had anyone that has taken at least a one-day class with us, ask this question (that’s called a hint). “WHAT SHOULD I PUT IN MY MED KIT?” They do ask where do they go get this or that.
Let us answer that by asking you four simple questions. If you can answer these questions and have already taken one of our classes or similar; then you’ll come up with your own answer to the original question. (This is when we whisper in your ear, real sarcastically, “Get your butt in a class so you’ll know how to use that stuff in the first place.”) Don’t forget that the old military phrase still holds truth today… Mission Dictates Gear! That is a pretty good guide to follow, but let’s break it down even further.
Question #1
What activity or mission are you going to be conducting?
Are you hunting down violent criminals on a SWAT team or driving the kids to school on your way to work downtown? Two totally different activities that require totally different equipment. Just because some ninja-delta-frog deployed to some battle zone like Syria or Detroit carries one type of IFAK; doesn’t mean it is the best option while grocery shopping with the kids.
Question #2
What type of environment will you be conducting said activity or mission in?
We’re not only talking about what the weather is going to be like, we’re talking about available resources, rural or urban, first-world or third-world, etc. Available resources include specifics like hospitals, public safety officials (Police/Fire/EMS) and each of the response times (and transport times), equipment supply and resupply contingencies, and bystanders or other members of your team that may assist are just some examples of what we mean when we say “environment.”
Question #3
How many people are you immediately responsible for?
Are you outfitting your personal EDC kit or the vehicle med kit for the family road trip coming up? I got a news flash, that sexy little EDC med kit ain’t gonna cut it for a car wreck with multiple people injured with multiple injuries per person. Not saying you have to have a 50lbs aid bag, packed with thousands of dollars of med gear. But if every individual in your family already as their EDC med kit with them in the car then you’re already off to a good start. By adding that vehicle med kit, you’ve just thrown a cherry on top. If you’ve got a congregation of a couple hundred people, you can’t expect everyone to have an EDC med kit. However, having one or two public access kits from Tramedic (https://www.tramedicresponse.com/) staged in the building is a great idea!
Question #4
What training or credentials do you have?
Anyone can purchase surgical equipment on the internet; but that doesn’t mean you know how to use any of it. Let’s not even get into the legal problems of practicing medicine without a license. The good news is that most states have some sort of “Good Samaritan Law” that protects the layperson who is rendering aid to someone… as long as you’re not attempting to perform any advanced skills, you should be good to go. But also make sure you know how to maximize your medical gear too. That is part of your training and should be a focus following your first class. Practice those skills and practice with a buddy while you’re at it.
In closing, make sure you have the right Mindset, Education, and Tools to accomplish your goals.If you have to ask what to pack in your med kit, you might need to invest in education first.That way you don’t waste your hard earned money on a bunch of junk, counterfeit products, or gear that isn’t really helpful for your specific activity.
Drink Water,
-Caleb