PSA - You need a first aid kit

[wildmed]

Really appreciate the advice here! Question: what are you guys thoughts on the Swat-T?

SWAT-T Tourniquet

The SWAT-Tourniquet allows a more rapid means to control extremity bleeding and allows application higher into the groin and axilla than other tourniquets. Its ease of application is one of its greatest benefits; individuals can apply it in seconds.

www.rescue-essentials.com

I have no experience with that one, so I am not sure. The CAT was designed for the military and is specifically designed to be easy to apply to yourself. Some tourniquets are effective once applied, but in the field they are not always easy to apply to yourself unless they were specifically designed for self-application. I’m sure with practice and research you can learn how to effectively make many different tourniquets work for you, I just cannot comment on that particular one because I haven’t used it. All I can say is that, in my experience, you cannot go wrong with the CAT or the SOF-T.


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[slonstdy]

This thread is a real eye opener!
I am one of "those guys" who doesn't carry any form of medical emergency supplies at all because "I'm only a mile or so in the woods and can get back to the truck to get medical attention if I really need it and besides I can always hobble something together to stop the bleeding or if I have to gut it out and drag myself to the truck if I bust up a limb then that's what I"ll do".
That WAS my thinking before reading this and seeing one of my favorites, Tim Wells almost bleed out.
Planning on making up an emergency kit with a tourniquet and hope it winds up being additional weight carried that I never need to use.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[bigjoe]

I keep a first aid kit with me in both trucks, ATV, and pack. Call me a little anal, but they have all been used once or twice. Not for anything serious, thank the lord. Knicks, cuts, scratches. I patched up a guy this year with a dog bite.

I think a lot of gents think it unmanly to wear a bandaid. If you have a cut, IMO you ought to cover and protect it.

 

[Red Beard]

Really appreciate the advice here! Question: what are you guys thoughts on the Swat-T?

The SWAT-T is a very effective tool to combat blood loss. While they can be applied with one hand, I personally believe they should be used in buddy-aid situations only due to the associated fiddle factor. Self application on an arm, for instance, may require the use of your third hand (mouth) to properly get it started.

As a side note that may be pertinent to us hunters only... adding a SWAT-T to your kit could possibly negate whatever type of scent control regimen you choose to partake in. The compound used in the material has a special smell that you won't find anywhere else.

 

[wildmed]

This is a good video for reference. I've seen this guys stuff a lot and it seems like good info. Just keep in mind he sells this stuff, so he could be a little biased, so take it with a grain of salt I guess.

@Aaronpaul14 and @Red Beard he mentions the SWAT-T that you talked about. I just didn't want to recommend anything I haven't used personally. I have put both the CAT and the SOF-T onto myself numerous times, and the CAT is the easiest to self-apply and remove if needed.

I also think a climbing helmet is not a bad idea guys. Somebody mentioned it in another thread and everyone gave him crap for it, but the way we climb with ropes, we are not likely to fall all the way to the ground, but a short fall could swing your head into the tree when your rope runs out of slack and cause head trauma. There is not really anything in your medical kit that you can carry to stop internal bleeding from a head injury, so it is better to prevent it in the first place. Nobody is going to see you looking like a dork wearing a helmet anyways since we all are hunting in those unpressured spots away from other people most of the time anyways. Let's be honest, 99% of the time we can use good climbing techniques and rope management to avoid slack, but that one time you get a little slack in your ropes and slip...

Case Study: A Blow to the Head

Test your knowledge about caring for patients who may have head injuries with this wilderness medicine case study.

blog.nols.edu

Here is another link for people that want to learn more about different medical situations and how to recognize when a medical emergency is taking place and how to react. It is a NOLS blog post. This one is about head trauma, but they have lots of other ones on their site under wilderness medicine blog. Admittedly there is some medical jargon; but if you skip over that, the signs and symptoms and steps to treat are pretty easy to understand and are the most important anyways. Having a first aid kit is a great first step, but you don't want to be sitting there reading the directions on the back of the package in an emergency.

Sorry for the long posts guys, if you couldn't tell, I am a total geek for this stuff. My username is wildmed short for wilderness medicine, that says it all right there!!! There are other guys on SH that are actual paramedics and physicians, and I'm sure a lot of the veterans know a lot more about this stuff than me too. I'm just a student still, not an expert yet, I just really like this stuff and think more hunters should be talking about it.

 

[5Oh12]

Really appreciate the advice here! Question: what are you guys thoughts on the Swat-T?

SWAT-T Tourniquet

The SWAT-Tourniquet allows a more rapid means to control extremity bleeding and allows application higher into the groin and axilla than other tourniquets. Its ease of application is one of its greatest benefits; individuals can apply it in seconds.

www.rescue-essentials.com

I don’t have any experience with it personally. I know several guys that run one and prefer it over the CAT or SOF-T. The multifunction of it does intrigue me, though. Could serve several purposes and cut down on the need for additional supplies.

I have always used a CAT tourniquet, though. It has worked every time I have used it. Hard for me to stray from it.

 

[DanO]

Keep in mind, if your climbing gear is wrapped in vet wrap or Camoform, that can be removed and used to create a makeshift bandaid along with your TP. I've been looking into a couple different kits to stock on my site - one for the truck and one for your pack. Lots of options, but I'll be watching the thread - good read.

 

[Vtbow]

Keep in mind, if your climbing gear is wrapped in vet wrap or Camoform, that can be removed and used to create a makeshift bandaid along with your TP. I've been looking into a couple different kits to stock on my site - one for the truck and one for your pack. Lots of options, but I'll be watching the thread - good read.

Great Idea dan. If its easy for someone to add onto an order, they might actually buy and carry one!
AMK makes a great vairiety of options. Their ultralight series is pretty nice. Being and Ex, WEMT I prefer to build my own, but these have quite a good "base" to then add to as needed with a small footprint and really nice bags.

 

[Aaronpaul14]

The main thing that jumped out to me was the multi use factor of it like @5Oh12 mentioned and the ability to get higher on the thigh from the description.

I hadn’t thought about the smell @Red Beard that’s definitely something to think about.

Thanks for the video @wildmed and the the info. I have definitely not had any medical training like many on here probably.

This thread has made me stop and think more about how easy s*** can hit the fan while hunting.

I for one will be buying some type of trauma kit or making my own.. hopefully from @DanO!

 

[Red Beard]

If you're thinking about making a SWAT-T part of your kit... purchase two and PLEASE PRACTICE with one of them before taking afield.

 

[outdoorsbound]

Really appreciate the advice here! Question: what are you guys thoughts on the Swat-T?

SWAT-T Tourniquet

The SWAT-Tourniquet allows a more rapid means to control extremity bleeding and allows application higher into the groin and axilla than other tourniquets. Its ease of application is one of its greatest benefits; individuals can apply it in seconds.

www.rescue-essentials.com

The Gov agency that issues guidance on tourniquet types and use is the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care which is a collaborative effort between the DOD, SOCOM, and the civilian trauma med community. They are the result of an effort to collect data and lessons learned from as many valuable sources as possible, but primarily from combat related injuries. Their protocols have revolutionized trauma medicine and dramatically changed the fatality rates for combat injuries.
In regards to tourniquets, they publish a list of approved devices that should be the first stop for anyone trying to find out what works. The devices they recommend have all been vigorously vetted and have proven themselves in real world application. For something that you would literally be betting your life on, that list should be the definitive answer. Below are a couple of links to point you at the latest guidance.

UPDATED list of CoTCCC-Recommended Limb Tourniquets as of 06 MAY 2019. Over the past year, the Committee on TCCC has conducted a comprehensive review of commercial limb tourniquets. After careful review using specific criteria, the recommended list

UPDATED list of CoTCCC-Recommended Limb Tourniquets as of 06 MAY 2019. Over the past year, the Committee on TCCC has conducted a comprehensive review of...

www.facebook.com

https://jts.amedd.army.mil/index.cfm/committees/cotccc

For devices not on that list, weigh their size / weight / cost savings against the criticality of the circumstances in which they will be used.
There are multiple quality devices not on the list. Some are worth while, some are not.
For average Joe citizen who lives in a city / suburb where, in the event of a traumatic injury medical care (ambulance / EMT's / OR) will be at most 15-20 minutes away, a TQ that dramatically slows the flow of blood may suffice to save the person.
But in austere envirnments where surgical remediation of the injury is hours or more away, the blood loss must be stopped completely and remain that way until in the presence of appropriate care. And the device being used must work EVERY SINGLE time. Even after sitting in or on a pack or belt in less than coddling conditions.
A quality TQ from the approved list can usually be had for $30 or a little less.

This is entirely anecdotal, but I have heard from a few sources that the TQ's like the SWAT and RATS can be very effective in K9 or pediatric applications. Do your own diligent research on that though.

I used to fish offshore alot. I always knew a small life raft was the smart buy but the lack of space and the considerable expense allowed me to always mentally wiggle my way out of it. I did, however, always have the knowledge (whether I chose to acknowledge it or not) that if I ever found myself swimming and "in the food chain" 100+ miles offshore, the money saved would instantly be worthless.
I never had to face that consequence thank God, but the principle applies in many other places.

Please forgive the preachy nature of this. I've had the very, very good fortune to rub elbows with some truly amazing medics and they beat me about the head and shoulders with this until I "got it". Just trying to share the wealth.


Alibi:

Deployed Medicine

deployedmedicine.com

 

[wildmed]

If you're thinking about making a SWAT-T part of your kit... purchase two and PLEASE PRACTICE with one of them before taking afield.

Good point. I think that applies to any tourniquet.

 

[Bigterp]

So here is another can of worms, but now that we’re here. (Full disclosure this is pre-research, looking for input) I have some basic skills from my time in the service, but if I wanted to brush up on field trauma in applying to contents of my kit for self rescue........ is there a course or some general overview training I could take for infield emergencies?? Was thinking it’s something my daughter & I could take together, she’s studying to be a nurse & might be informative for both.

 

[wildmed]

So here is another can of worms, but now that we’re here. (Full disclosure this is pre-research, looking for input) I have some basic skills from my time in the service, but if I wanted to brush up on field trauma in applying to contents of my kit for self rescue........ is there a course or some general overview training I could take for infield emergencies?? Was thinking it’s something my daughter & I could take together, she’s studying to be a nurse & might be informative for both.

Look at NOLS. Their courses are top notch.

Also local technical colleges sometimes have offerings.


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[Aaronpaul14]

The Gov agency that issues guidance on tourniquet types and use is the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care which is a collaborative effort between the DOD, SOCOM, and the civilian trauma med community. They are the result of an effort to collect data and lessons learned from as many valuable sources as possible, but primarily from combat related injuries. Their protocols have revolutionized trauma medicine and dramatically changed the fatality rates for combat injuries.
In regards to tourniquets, they publish a list of approved devices that should be the first stop for anyone trying to find out what works. The devices they recommend have all been vigorously vetted and have proven themselves in real world application. For something that you would literally be betting your life on, that list should be the definitive answer. Below are a couple of links to point you at the latest guidance.

UPDATED list of CoTCCC-Recommended Limb Tourniquets as of 06 MAY 2019. Over the past year, the Committee on TCCC has conducted a comprehensive review of commercial limb tourniquets. After careful review using specific criteria, the recommended list

UPDATED list of CoTCCC-Recommended Limb Tourniquets as of 06 MAY 2019. Over the past year, the Committee on TCCC has conducted a comprehensive review of...

www.facebook.com

https://jts.amedd.army.mil/index.cfm/committees/cotccc

For devices not on that list, weigh their size / weight / cost savings against the criticality of the circumstances in which they will be used.
There are multiple quality devices not on the list. Some are worth while, some are not.
For average Joe citizen who lives in a city / suburb where, in the event of a traumatic injury medical care (ambulance / EMT's / OR) will be at most 15-20 minutes away, a TQ that dramatically slows the flow of blood may suffice to save the person.
But in austere envirnments where surgical remediation of the injury is hours or more away, the blood loss must be stopped completely and remain that way until in the presence of appropriate care. And the device being used must work EVERY SINGLE time. Even after sitting in or on a pack or belt in less than coddling conditions.
A quality TQ from the approved list can usually be had for $30 or a little less.

This is entirely anecdotal, but I have heard from a few sources that the TQ's like the SWAT and RATS can be very effective in K9 or pediatric applications. Do your own diligent research on that though.

I used to fish offshore alot. I always knew a small life raft was the smart buy but the lack of space and the considerable expense allowed me to always mentally wiggle my way out of it. I did, however, always have the knowledge (whether I chose to acknowledge it or not) that if I ever found myself swimming and "in the food chain" 100+ miles offshore, the money saved would instantly be worthless.
I never had to face that consequence thank God, but the principle applies in many other places.

Please forgive the preachy nature of this. I've had the very, very good fortune to rub elbows with some truly amazing medics and they beat me about the head and shoulders with this until I "got it". Just trying to share the wealth.


Alibi:

Deployed Medicine

deployedmedicine.com

Because of your “sermon” I know I am thinking more about this and I hope others are too. So thank you! Who knows this thread could save a life and not just in hunting situations. I’m thinking of multiple kits now. Hunting, my car, wife’s car and in the house.

 

[cmbetke]

I value this forum and its community immensely. And I came here to listen and learn. But I can't hold my tongue on this one.
With all due respect (and I SERIOUSLY mean that)...
You only get one you. Sounds goofy but ponder it for a moment. The corollary to that is that your family only gets one you.
S**t happens. Refuse to acknowledge that at your own risk.
Approach first aid / trauma care as a descending scale from "you go home in a bag" to "ouch, that hurts!".
Do your own risk assessment looking at the probability and severity of such an event. An arterial bleed is not likely but the severity is profound. I personally choose to acknowledge that severity. For things lower on the severity scale, I weigh the weight/bulk of my response to how much I am likely to snivel if it happens. Case in point: I have sissy feet. So I suck up the couple of ounces to carry a blister kit so I don't have that convenient excuse not to hump that extra mile or two.

So here goes my sermon:
At the very absolute minimum carry the items necessary to address a traumatic bleeding event. For me that is a tourniquet and a pressure bandage.

Man I appreciate this response. I will be sure to have a kit with me this up coming turkey and deer season. I was never blind to the opportunity of **** happening, but I see this more clearly now.

 

[Bigterp]

Because of your “sermon” I know I am thinking more about this and I hope others are too. So thank you! Who knows this thread could save a life and not just in hunting situations. I’m thinking of multiple kits now. Hunting, my car, wife’s car and in the house.

Agreed!! I know we can all discuss to no end about best practices & specs of saddles & climbing gear. But there are plenty of other scenarios that present equal danger!

 

[dlist777]

ROFLOL. This is such a classic SH thread. A guy basically posts "Remember to bring band-aids with you" and the thread turns into the conclusion that you need a full tourniquet and maybe a defibrillator with you every time you hunt.

I'm not saying any of this is wrong....it just made me laugh.

 

[Bigterp]

ROFLOL. This is such a classic SH thread. A guy basically posts "Remember to bring band-aids with you" and the thread turns into the conclusion that you need a full tourniquet and maybe a defibrillator with you every time you hunt.

I'm not saying any of this is wrong....it just made me laugh.

I agree it morphed into a classic! But honestly once I started down the rabbit hole of what are some things to take with me as first aid or not, figured it might be nice to know how to use them....... totally agree I’m not a field medic & will not be equipped as such. But rather have too much information that not enough ( that’s kind of OUR thing right?!?)

 

[Weldabeast]

If your putting a first aid kit in your or your significant others vehicle include a small fire extinguisher...... another simple thing that you really, really need on the rare occasion you need it.