Thoughts on mixing boo-boo and trauma kits [Archive]

rob_s

12-01-09, 08:17

I'm talking about for a car or a range kit. Obviously on the one hand it's easier to have it all in one bag, but on the other hand you're more likely to be going into the bag for things like burn gel from brass burns and moleskin for blisters and band aids for paper cuts.

Are there kits/bags on the market that adequately separate the two? Maybe into halves or something? And which side should be the more readily accessible, the trauma stuff or the booboo? I can see an argument for making the booboo stuff more accessible so that the trauma supplies don't get disturbed, but then you have to take that extra second or two to get to them when it really matters while someone could easily wait for a band aid.

One thought I had was a tool box with a removable tool tray on top. Put the sissy stuff on top and the serious stuff on the bottom. That way there's no reason for someone to go digging around and disturbing the serious stuff since they'll see the sissy stuff right on top.

Are there bags out there that have two sides and that can be clearly labeled "trauma only" on one side and "sissy" on the other?

Iraq Ninja

12-01-09, 08:49

Rob,

I really like the military first responder med bags for range use. You can buy them used on ebay for cheap, or new copies for around 20 bucks.

You can use the top section for your boo boo kit.

When I go to the range, I hang it up high behind me and let anyone near me know what it is. I really should mark the outside of it with a red cross. If I get shot, I don't want my last images of life being some guy admiring my nice bug out bag.

http://www.specopstactical.com/shop/catalog/images/store/Condor/MA-20_IMPROVED.gif

rob_s

12-01-09, 09:11

I like the concept, and see lots of copies online. I would kind of prefer a more "open" series of pouches so that things can be more easily found without digging.

That's one thing I like about the tool box idea. Everything on the top shelf should be immediately visible and obvious as to what it is. I'd leave everything in it's boxes/packaging. Obviously this solution weighs more than a nylon bag and is less easily moved around.

Gutshot John

12-01-09, 09:19

The design is of the old "Unit 1" from the Vietnam Era and is a very efficient setup.

If you're interested you can get a fully stocked one here...
http://www.qm-supply.com/zenstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12_16&products_id=66

BobM

12-01-09, 09:36

I have a red plastic tool box I'm using to build a home kit. It has some storage built into each end of the lid with clear plastic covers. One one side I put some commonly used items like band-aids and a thermometer. On the other side for the time being I've put a bloodstopper dressing.

I also have two of the 5.11 Tactical medical bags. It is about 6x6" and can be attached to molle gear if you want. It unzips to show two sides, covered by zippered mesh panels. You could put the serious stuff on one side and the everyday stuff on the other. They come in black, OD, and tan: I think they should also offer them in red. I've got one attached to a rifle case and the other rides in my car.

ST911

12-01-09, 09:40

I use several TT FRBs. The zipper pouch on the top of the bag is excellent for boo-boo items. The lid to the main compartment unzips and folds back allowing full access to the inside. Large enough to be really useful, small enough to go anywhere. The newest version is also covered in PALS on the outside, allowing attachement of accessory pouches to expand capacity if needed.

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/firstresponderbag.aspx

Recommended.

Having boo-boo items separate, or readily separable, is handy.

rob_s

12-01-09, 10:07

Something like the BattleLab LLMO – Low Level Medical Operator Bag (http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/BattleLab-LLMO-Low-Level-Medical-Operator-Bag-P1379C110.aspx)seems like it might be a good solution, although I'm not exactly sure if this is too big, and it's certainly pretty pricey.

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/images/prodimages/LLMO.jpg

Or even something like a smaller (and hopefully much less expensive) version of the Blackhawk S.T.O.M.P. 2 Medical Coverage Bag (Jumpable) (http://www.blackhawk.com/product/STOMP-II-Medical-Pack,876,44.htm) where you could put sissy stuff in the outer pouch, trauma stuff in the inner.

http://www.blackhawk.com//CatalogImages/18-876-IMG2.jpeg

http://www.blackhawk.com//CatalogImages/18-876-IMG3.jpeg

Gutshot John

12-01-09, 10:39

Disregard.

rob_s

12-01-09, 10:51

I agree completely that both of those appear to be overkill, however I like the way that they are accessed and the way they separate the contents. What I think I'm looking for is a bag of similar style with easy access to everything and with everything visible but in a smaller size.

Best way to think of what I'm trying to achieve is a single bag that contains sissy kit items in one easy-to-view compartment, and trauma kit items in another easy-to-view compartment. I want to be able to access one without accessing the other.

This will largely be a range/car kit, so the sissy section will conceivably be accessed several times a month, or at least once a week. People are always getting burned by brass, splinters from wood props, tagged with ricochets off steel, etc. Band aids of various sizes, moleskin, regular medical tape to hold the band aids on in weird spots, burn gel for the brass burns, and maybe some other light first-aid type things like an ace bandage. Basically anything for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. If it winds up being the car kit then chances are good I'll wind up patching up the kid and his friends (or me and my friends) in various ill-advised off-range adventures as well. :D In other words, the sissy section will need to have a variety of types and sizes, will probably be accessed and need re-stocking frequently, and will potentially be accessed a lot.

The trauma section should have the usual GSW items that I have in my BOK (see the other thread) in doubles or triple quantities and in larger sizes (4" Oales in the BOK, 6" in this kit, plus an abdominal pad), at least two TQs inside and one on the exterior of the bag, hemostatic agents, etc. This section could also conceivably contain items that are beyond my current level of training in case someone that knows more than me has to use the kit. This section would be accessed potentially (hopefully!) never other than once a year to check contents & restock as needed due to expiration and/or wear of contents. I'd like to have enough in this section to treat at least two GSW victims, or two car-crash survivors, but not attempting to carry everything but the kitchen sink (I'm not planning on anything like this thing (http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/products/product_detail.php?prod_id=40) for example).

That's why I initially asked if maybe I should just keep them separate. I prefer the idea of one bag, but with the totally opposite needs (weekly access vs. never access) I'm not sure if it's a good idea to combine them or not.

Iraq Ninja

12-01-09, 11:00

Rob,

Those bags are really big for your intended use and experience. Big bags mean you tend to put more stuff in them to fill them up. That makes them a bit more complex and thus harder to find stuff at times. Less is more for average Joes like us.

I prefer to have a shoulder strap on my med kits, so you can carry the kit and the patient if need be.

Gutshot John

12-01-09, 11:06

I suddenly realized where you were going which is why I withdrew.

In my experience bags with too many panels, and fancy "johnny gage" inserts get too complicated and invariably you're limited to stocking it in exactly one way. I think your concept of keeping them together in some way is sound in fact I think it probably should be extrapolated further. In terms of an organized setup you can achieve the same thing with a single compartment bag and various "modules" that can be stacked accordingly. So you have a "booboo" module, a "meds" module, a "hemorrhage" module, an "airway" module etc. There are a lot of ways to skin that cat.

If you're looking for a small boo boo type kit that can be inserted into the above bags, check here. They might also be good sources of other modules that you can insert into your car bag.

http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/

ST911

12-01-09, 11:18

You'd think that choosing a med bag would be relatively simple. Not so much. There are so many options. I have boxes of unused bags I've acquired over the years. How they work depends on what I need them to do.

Have you looked at these, too?...

TT M5 is a flexible, size efficient med pack: http://www.tacticaltailor.com/m5medicpack.aspx

Not med specific, but also capable, TT MPB: http://www.tacticaltailor.com/rangemulti-purposebagmedium.aspx

EI Version: http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=194&cat=62&page=1

Also size efficient and useful, EI E&E Pack: http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=488&cat=60&page=1

I picked up an LBT EOD bag (LBT-0996A) not long ago. Not an EOD guy, but it's a great med bag too. Expensive, but built like a tank. Nice layout. Add a drug pouch and airway roll for ALS expansion: http://www.londonbridgetrading.com/m1webgear/ProductDetails.aspx?PartUniqueID=BFFD8285-5373-4063-9AA9-739ABF90D7DD

Danny Boy

12-01-09, 11:25

My boo boo kit has always just been a small GP pouch. It's gotten myself (and a lot of my battles) through lots of ruck marches, lying exposed skin on hot 240 brass and good old fashioned scrapes and cuts. If anything got used I'd just refit it when I got back.

We had two of those CLS bags pictured above with an abundance of band aids and other stuff in there to go with IV kits and fluids. I didn't like mixing the two as it made it prone to being opened by every Tom, Dick and Harry looking for something to patch up a blister or cut. I'm sure it's been mentioned previously that having people nose through the important gear only increases the chances of it either falling out, getting lost or going missing.

The furthest I'd probably go is having a MOLLE pouch on the front of a trauma bag with a velcro tab that had BOO BOO KIT clearly marked on it.

rob_s

12-01-09, 11:29

MI didn't like mixing the two as it made it prone to being opened by every Tom, Dick and Harry looking for something to patch up a blister or cut. I'm sure it's been mentioned previously that having people nose through the important gear only increases the chances of it either falling out, getting lost or going missing.

That's part of the reason I like the versions where things are easily visible. Open it up and look in and you can clearly see all the ingredients. My concern with bags where everything is kind of dumped in is that people will be more likely to give up looking and move on to the trauma section where they don't need to be.

I can already hear myself "why the **** are you digging through the section marked 'trauma' when all you have is a splinter in your pinkie finger?!"

Danny Boy

12-01-09, 13:13

As we're throwing up some different designs of aid bags, I might as well add this one.

I recently inquired with Tac Med Solutions about their R-AID bag, especially as it comes pretty well stocked and I was looking for something small-ish that covered most trauma eventualities. They helpfully informed me to wait until the end of the year as they've now redesigned the pack with a few updates. They also sent me over a few pics. It used to be an open top design and they've now made it a clam shell so that everything is easier to get to. It also has that small MOLLE rack on the front where I can put my boo boo kit.

The bag:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x51/coltm733/R-AID_Bag.jpg

The clam shell design, also stocked up on Olaes bandages:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x51/coltm733/new_clamshell_design.jpg

Hanging straps for vehicle or static mounting:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x51/coltm733/built_in_hanging_loops.jpg

Hung!
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x51/coltm733/bag_hanging_as_a_pannel.jpg

Sorry if these have been posted before.

ST911

12-01-09, 13:17

rob_s

12-01-09, 13:30

SeriousStudent

12-01-09, 13:44

Danny Boy - Thanks very much for the heads up. That is just about the right size, and has a good layout.

Danny Boy

12-01-09, 13:54

What's in the top zippered compartment?

Looks like they put some SOF-T's in there.

I like the pack. Seems to be well thought out and you can get to everything very easily.

rob_s

12-01-09, 13:56

Looks like they put some SOF-T's in there.

Think it might work for boo boos?

Iraq Ninja

12-01-09, 14:12

I agree, that is a great bag. I was just on their site and was wondering if Rob would like that bag.

I will get one when they are available...

Danny Boy

12-01-09, 14:15

Think it might work for boo boos?

I don't see why not.

I just emptied out my boo boo kit which I found now just consists of a sandwich bag of mixed band aids and blister thingies, a sandwich bag of pre-cut Moleskin strips and some gauze sponge, a small field dressing, some tape, Tylenol, small bug spray, Neosporin, Oragel, mini Squirt Gerber, tweezers, hand sanitizer, a couple of antiseptic wipes and for some reason a small sewing kit from the PX with fold up scissors in it.

Reckon that would all fit easy. I'm guessing others Boo Boo kits are more comprehensive than mine though!

Gutshot John

12-01-09, 14:54

Think it might work for boo boos?

It looks like it would be on the bottom if it was hanging from something. It would work but you might just want to keep tourniquets there if it's going to be a full on trauma kit when necessary.

What about something like this to molly to the front. Can keep the kit closed/dirt free/dry even if you get to the boo boo kit.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=428&idcategory=7

vaspence

12-01-09, 15:17

I have a couple of the old unit 1's but use them mainly for a weekend trip with scouts, etc. For classes/range/hunting I tend to use an Eagle active shooter bag with a gallon ziplock in each side full of pressure dressings, gauze, combat gauze and a tourniquet. Trauma shears are dummy corded to the bag but easily removed. Easy for anyone to access and not hard to figure out how to use it.

For a booboo kit I use the Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Medic. They cost $7.50, I keep them in every vehicle and GSW kits. At the price you can't beat them and they cover most if not all booboo needs. I slip one in each kit and there is no trouble with anyone tearing your shit up looking for a bandaid, etc. I haven't had a major booboo situation that couldn't be solved with it.

Spence

Gutshot John

12-01-09, 15:40

For classes/range/hunting I tend to use an Eagle active shooter bag with a gallon ziplock in each side full of pressure dressings, gauze, combat gauze and a tourniquet. Trauma shears are dummy corded to the bag but easily removed. Easy for anyone to access and not hard to figure out how to use it.

Is it setup as a dedicated medic bag? or do you use it as an active shooter bag?

Could you post pics when you get around to it? I'd be especially curious about the inside since Eagle's website doesn't seem to have a lot of good ones.

rob_s

12-02-09, 04:46

It looks like it would be on the bottom if it was hanging from something. It would work but you might just want to keep tourniquets there if it's going to be a full on trauma kit when necessary.

What about something like this to molly to the front. Can keep the kit closed/dirt free/dry even if you get to the boo boo kit.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=428&idcategory=7

I'd like it better if it opened up flat the way the main bag does.

I'm going to poke around the web today and see what I stumble on.

ra2bach

12-06-09, 23:15

I'd like it better if it opened up flat the way the main bag does.

how do you think this would work for attaching to a larger kit?

http://www.falcontactical.net/511-58715.html

it's 6"x6"x about 2".

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-87385516830474_2067_82683458

Danny Boy

12-07-09, 04:54

Should be more than adequate. I don't really see too much of a problem not having instant access to a boo boo kit if your trauma kit is open. I think if you're messing with NPA's and pressure dressings then events have probably overtaken the need for a Band Aid.

ETA on the new Tac Med Solutions R-AID bag is Jan 25th apparently. Can't wait.

rob_s

12-07-09, 05:27

ra2bach

12-07-09, 10:04

ra2 I think that has a lot of potential, but your link doesn't work for some reason.

My goal here would be to keep someone with a brass burn or a scratch from a ricochet from digging around in Oales bandages and chest seals. Although with the way some people act when they get "hurt" I'm sure they think they need those things. :p

huh. it worked when I just clicked on it now :confused:

anyway, it's the 5.11/Vtac 6.6 Med Pouch that you can get anywhere 5.11 stuff is sold. it's about $15...

rob_s

12-07-09, 10:11

huh. it worked when I just clicked on it now :confused:

anyway, it's the 5.11/Vtac 6.6 Med Pouch that you can get anywhere 5.11 stuff is sold. it's about $15...

Yep, works for me now. I think I'll order one from there or elsewhere. Thanks.

Do wish that they, and Tac Med Sol made these bags in a high-vis orange or similar.

Danny Boy

12-07-09, 10:55

Do wish that they, and Tac Med Sol made these bags in a high-vis orange or similar.

Behold! In ultra hi viz technicolor!

http://www.narescue.com/Mariner-Kit-P97C4.aspx

http://www.narescue.com/Products/ProductImages/80-0107c.jpg

Available bag only also.

vaspence

12-09-09, 18:27

Pics. It is a dedicated first aid bag.

Bag Closed

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o30/spenceinva/EagleFirstAid1.jpg

Bag Opened
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o30/spenceinva/EagleFirstAid4.jpg

Gallon ziplocks pulled out, bandage on top of bag is an izzy, it sits outside of the ziplocks. I forgot to include the pocket medic kit that sits on top of the ziplock on the other side.
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o30/spenceinva/EagleFirstAid5.jpg

Contents of gallon ziplock, both sides are identical.
3 pairs of glove in ez dose baggies
Army bandage/dressing (what we had when I was in, had a bunch laying around)
Gauze 6" x 6 yards
Thin cinch
4x4
SOF-T tourniquet
More gauze- 2 4.5" x 4.1 yard compressed
Combat gauze
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o30/spenceinva/EagleFirstAid6.jpg

I like it and it suits my needs. Am going to add NPA's to each side and a CPR mask to one side and call it done for now.

Spence

CharlieKilo

12-10-09, 11:28

Here is a couple I found that might work. I personally like the second one.

http://www.opsgear.com/MOLLE-Fold-Out-Medical-Bag-p/cn-ma20.htm

http://www.opsgear.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CN-MA41&CartID=0

I think this one is the same as above.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE803-1.html

Gutshot John

12-10-09, 18:02

I like it and it suits my needs. Am going to add NPA's to each side and a CPR mask to one side and call it done for now.

Spence

I like the efficiency of that setup. Basically two complete treatment kits in a grab-go bag.

Thanks for posting that.

cqbdriver

12-14-09, 07:35

I spend a lot time outdoors a long way from medical care. I wanted a kit for covering the boo-boo’s out in the field & also a trauma kit.

I got the Outfitter from Adventure Medical.
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/popup-product-image.php?product=102&image=
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?catname=Sportsman&prodname=Outfitter&product=102#

It wasn’t perfect. So, I altered it for my needs. Their trauma kit was weak. I pretty much rebuilt it completely. I did like the layout. It unfolds into 3 sections with clear plastic to see into each section plus a removable Trauma Kit. I also like hivz orange for easy locating in vehicle. The construction quality of the bag isn’t great, but ok for vehicle use.

rob_s

12-14-09, 07:56

CQB that's an interesting bag. I wish it came without the contents as I bet it would be much cheaper.

HES

12-14-09, 09:49

Ditto about the contents. All of the pre filled kits are hard to restock. For example, they may include Tylenol, but its in the little blister packs that contain just two pills. Try finding them when you have to restock. At best you will find them at your local stop and rob or you have to order them online. Either way you will have to pay out the wazoo. I have ~ 95% of my kit stocked with items that I can get at Walmart. You save money and can eaisly restock it. The kit is a bit bigger than one of the kits you can buy online, but the cost savings are there.

ST911

12-14-09, 10:27

Use EZ Dose bags (or something similar) to make your own dose-packs of pills, tylenol, motrin, loparamide, etc.

Alternatively, you can order individual dose packs rather inexpensively from med supply houses. It's not as cheap as a 1000-pill bottle of tylenol, but cheaper than doing it at the gas station. Try www.buyemp.com. There are others as well.

rob_s

12-14-09, 16:00

Thinking about maybe this (http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=11&prod_id=157) plus this (http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=11&prod_id=176), but while I think it would be a great solution I'm very wary of the $328 total price tag. :eek:

http://www.blueforcegear.com/prodImg/medi_combo_in_pack@800.jpg

ST911

12-14-09, 16:06

Sideline: For those running the DAP med configuration, is there enough room for a C-collar and a BVM?

SeriousStudent

12-14-09, 19:19

CQB that's an interesting bag. I wish it came without the contents as I bet it would be much cheaper.

Rob, if you contact the manufacturer, they will sell you just the bag. I have purchased a Mountain Medic and Expedition bag directly from them, and also through Chinook.

http://www.chinookmed.com/cgi-bin/category/c-adventure_travel

Von Rheydt

12-27-09, 15:48

I like a bag that compartmentalises for the treatment priorities of: Breathing; bleeding; breaks; burns; and, has an extra compartment for everyday non-prescription meds mainly for pain and allergy relief.

I have seen many commercially available overfilled bags that contain articles that are beyond the capabilities of the user.

Danny Boy

01-07-10, 14:55

I really have very little to do where I am so I thought I'd throw up a picture of my CLS bag with it's Boo Boo Kit in a hopefully very obvious place to anyone who needs a band aid.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x51/coltm733/CLSBag.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x51/coltm733/clsbag2.jpg

It's a SOTech Mission Go Bag which I've had knocking around for a few years, mostly as a bag for my lappy. I was surprised, as I managed to get a rather large amount of gear in there and can get to all of it with minimal fuss, especially with being able to arrange some items on the outside. Not as full on as one of the bigger aid bags, but it'll happily store everything I need for most bleeds, airway and fluid resus. Not that I especially need them at the moment....but you never know.

The new Tac Med Solutions bag is still looking mighty nice though.

rob_s

02-08-10, 07:32

Also size efficient and useful, EI E&E Pack: http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=488&cat=60&page=1

I glossed right over this last time I read through this, but recently saw a video that made me stop and take a look again. Other than the $160 price tag I'm thinking this has a lot of possibilities.

link to Milspec Monkey video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONLJ-rGj63o) with improvements (GTHB)

http://www.eagleindustries.com/images/D/488_Alt_3.jpg?1265635395386

http://www.eagleindustries.com/images/D/488_Alt_2.jpg?1265635414669

http://www.eagleindustries.com/images/D/488_Alt_6.jpg?1265635430954

Dimensions:
HS-EE-160: 13.5” x 9” x 5” = 607.5 cu in $162
HS-EE-160-L: 18” x 9” x 5” = 810 cu in $192 :eek:

Iraq Ninja

02-08-10, 08:07

Rob,

Tacmedsolutions finally got their new model in.

http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/products/product_detail.php?pic_id=1850&prod_id=31&pageNum_get_pics=0&totalRows_get_pics=3

Re-designed for 2010 the Tac Med Solutions™ R-AID Bag is now more versatile and user friendly than ever. Its new clamshell design allows the bag to be opened completely or to be used in the same satchel configuration as the original design.

Other features include the ability to hang the bag so it functions as a medical panel in tactical vehicles or aircraft, keeping the bag off of the floor and out of your work space. The shoulder straps now allow for rapid adjustment and can also function as a waist strap if the bag is mounted directly to the body armor.

http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/gallery/raid_m2_01.jpg

rob_s

02-08-10, 08:16

Rob,

Tacmedsolutions finally got their new model in.

http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/products/product_detail.php?pic_id=1850&prod_id=31&pageNum_get_pics=0&totalRows_get_pics=3

http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/gallery/raid_m2_01.jpg

Thanks for the heads up. That looks about perfect to me, unfortunately I don't think I can justify the price tag right now. Could strap a booboo kit on the outside on the MOLLE, especially a clam-shell design, and it would be perfect.

Iraq Ninja

02-08-10, 09:50

Gutshot John

02-08-10, 10:29

Rob, I bet if you sold your visor on ebay, you could get enough to buy a bag, or maybe an ACR!

Not sure if I mentioned it before, but we are getting issued Maxpedition Sitka bags for our medical walk about bags. Something we can carry on the ground besides the large packs we have now.

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/catalog/Sitka_200.gif

Are they being redesigned specifically for the medical role or are you just adapting existing sitkas?

Do you have pics and maybe an inventory list? Thanks in advance. :D

Iraq Ninja

02-08-10, 11:12

Gutshot,

It will be just the standard bag with no modifications. We have yet to be issued them and they still working on the packing list. Besides the basic trauma items, it will have a FAST1, an I-Gel, which is a British supraglottic airway, epi pens, and our pain meds (lollipops). It is not designed to replace our standard med bags, just something we can walk around and use inside a vehicle while someone else sorts out the big bag.

Previously, we had tried out the Maxpedition butt packs, but people didn't like sitting in a vehicle with them on.

rob_s

03-13-10, 07:49

Thought I would bump this for two reasons.

First is that the Tacmedsol bag appears to be just a hair over $100 for the bag alone! Great solution at that price-point. Be sure to watch the video at the original link
http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/products/product_detail.php?pic_id=1849&prod_id=31&pageNum_get_pics=0&totalRows_get_pics=3

Second is that the Eagle GTHB in the milspec monkey video doesn't appear to have made it to release yet.

AZwildcat

06-03-10, 08:44

that Clamshell design is what I'm after. I imagine I could add a clamshell booboo on the MOLLE on the front.

What's in the top zippered compartment?

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/R-AID_Bag.jpg

I really like the looks of that bag! It has both the boo-boo and major injury stuff covered and separated. I agree with some of the other comments that express concern with guys rifling through your gear on the range. I have had that happen a couple of times and it is aggravating to have something taken for a use that it's not meant for. I had a guy who cut his finger take a Quikclot pad to bandage the cut when a regular boo-boo gauze pad would have done the job. The cost difference of a couple of cents versus the $7 Quikclot pad was not a necessary expense. In addition, they make a mess of the bag when they go through it.

This bag looks like it has a clear separation of use and I think that I will label mine when I buy it. The bag I use now has a clamshell design, but I even open the wrong side on occasion. Thanks for the posting and the pictures.

Mitch

06-17-10, 22:12

I know this thread has died a little but I thought I'd bump it to see if you've found anything suitable and give a couple of suggestions.

My dept. has been using the "Backpack Plus" bags from Iron Duck (http://www.ironduck.com/) for a couple of years now with good success. They have small pouches velcroed to the inside that can be organized by BLS equipment, Bandages, I.V. setups, etc. We have two bags, one for airway and one for everything else (we call it the trauma bag although it has a lot of equipment used for medical patients). They may be a little big for range use but I.D. has other bags too. Here's a link for Statpacks (http://www.statpacks.com/products.php) (great gear, my bro uses these on the Ambo and loves'em) and Galls (http://www.galls.com/easearchresult.html?question=Medical%20Kits&searchaction=1&path=All%20Products%2F%2F%2F%2FUserSearch%3DAll%20Products%20%3B%3B%20Venture%5Fid%3D503185%2F%2F%2F%2FMedical%20Supplies&resultsperpage=20) too, who have various packs as well.

My general thoughts on the subject are to make trauma items easily accessible vs. boo boo items, and categorize the contents by task then put them in a colored bag in a way that is easy for you to remember (red for bandages, blue for airway). This also makes it easy to tell a stranger/bystander to grab the "blue pouch" instead of an item they may not be familiar with, like an OPA. Trauma items are the items that you'll need in a pinch and under pressure, you don't want to have to do any digging to find what you need when someone's bleeding out or not breathing. Boo boo stuff can be stashed in its own pouch and ripped out when needed as these medical needs are generally not life threatening. Just my .02.

rob_s

06-18-10, 05:03

Mitch, I agree with you that the trauma items would be RIGHT NOW while a band-aid for a splinter can stand to take a little longer. The issue I have, and the reason I initially started this thread, is that thee band-aid is something that will be dug out hundreds of times before I ever need a trauma dressing, and I won't be the only one digging. Kid(s), woman, dufi (plural of dufus :D) at the range, etc. This, plus other reasons, is why I like the Tacmedsol bag. I just need to get off my ass and order it. Thanks for reminding me. I never seem to have my wallet on hand when this thread gets bumped up.

Those statpacks look interesting, and I like that they are easily identifiable as medical supplies by others, but none of the designs seems to quite do what I'd want it to.

I may wind up finding that the Tacmedsol bag doesn't work for my needs either, but it also has the added benefit of the molle front to which I can attach a sissy kit if I need to for easy, frequent, access.

MechEng

07-29-10, 09:52

chriskc04

07-30-10, 09:20

For a FAK that you're not strapping to your person, I've heard very good things about the blackhawk (! :rolleyes:) medic roll.
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Emergency-Medic-Roll,237,42.htm

There's also the BFG trauma kit now:
http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=6&prod_id=119

A quick video demo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HdQXUgzYz0

And boo-boo pouch:
http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=6&prod_id=140

Hope it helps. I'd be interested to know what you end up with and your thoughts on it.

sniperbusch@hotmail.com

07-30-10, 15:36

This is one of my favorite subjects and I finally convinced a good friend to take an active interest by sending him a modified USGI IFAK. I personally maintain several kits but one of my first pouches from SO Tech (CIMP-OD) is what I carry with my range gear. It is set up for general first aid as the injuries that I have encountered on a shooting range are minor cuts, insect bites and minor burns. This kit also has a readily accessible 6-inch Emergency Bandage (ETD) w/ mobile pad and SOFTT for gunshot wounds. I also try to have a Medevac plan in place with planned routes to the nearest medical center or hospital, when 911 is not feasible. For these rural shooting ranges, I tend to bring more gear such as a dedicated trauma kit. For Second Line Gear, I only carry a small HSGI Bleeder Pouch (blowout) that only contains a 6-inch ETD, CAT and Shears. I carry a trauma kit on my Third Line Gear along with a separate small GP first aid kit. In my layman opinion, the Emergency Bandage is the single best medical gear to have (KISS).

motorwerks

07-30-10, 16:04

my med stuff is in a couple stages.

Small bag.

This one stays in the map pocket of my truck it started out as a first aid kit from an Audi that I bought from a wrecking yard for like $10.00 and its the best pre-made small kit I have ever seen, I added some extra gloves and 4x4's and its good to go for most little stuff.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AUDI-A4-A6-OEM-FIRST-AID-KIT-UNUSED-8DO-860-281-C-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2ea9376defQQitemZ200407477743QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Medium bag.

This ones my bug out bag. It sits next to my nightstand with an MRE, water bottles, Ammo Ear plugs and my 1911. Along with this it has a ziplock with sissy stuff, and a larger Ziplock with enough that I could take care of a GWS till an ambulance or fire got there. This always goes to the range with me so I can rotate the ammo and water, but the First aid stuff is not to be touched unless someones dying.
http://www.countycomm.com/DESERTBAILOUT.htm

Big bag.

This bag started out as a bag that I picked up from Cheaper then dirt STOCKED FULL of goodness. I actually had to down stock it because there were a few things that are out of my scope of practice and a few things that there were to many of. Again I added some things mostly cardboard for splints, a better stethoscope and traded the C-collar for one that wasn't OD green (mostly because I wanted to keep it around) this things broken into basically 4 pockets.

I have the main pocket stuffed with Trauma gear, the cardboard, Collar, Larger gauze stuff, extra gauze for splints, stuff that i dont use day to day.

The next largest pocket is split up into some pouches I bought from Homedepo and one from an army navy store. These all have some sort of mesh and I have labeled them all with a sharpie and 2 inch med tape with whats in them. The main one holds the sissy stuff and stays up on top It has bandages some gauze and such. The others hold stuff I am more likely to use day to day like BP cuff, stethoscope, 4x4's etc.

The bottom outside pocket on the outside holds admin stuff, I have a note pad, pens, hand cleaner, flashlight, a kind of generic run sheet, that I can refer to if I get stuck on something and keep track of stuff in case back up is going to be a while out.

The top outside pocket holds my airway stuff. I put it here because if I need airway now I don't want to have to look for it, I have a good selection of OPA's and NPA's and a mask.

So back to the original question. Yeah I keep boo boo stuff with trauma stuff, but in a different place in the same bag. I also keep a box of stock in the garage so if I use something out on the street I ether hit up the ambulance I hand care to for a replacement (and they bill out for it) or I replace it at home. I do it this way because I just never know whats going to happen. I always have a ton of crap staged around my house or when I go shooting, or driving around or whatever.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MHR333-1.html

This system works for me and since I have been running this system I haven't had to many times that I have REALLY needed it. I feel Murphy's law is working to keep people safe since I will be around to help out. :D