tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49088658545894662242024-03-13T19:14:23.739-05:00The Aid BagDiscussions on modern military medical gear and where to find the coolest toys and the best resources.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-53832707008656612012009-10-05T13:29:00.001-05:002009-10-05T13:31:25.706-05:00R&R is overLeaving always sucks. Having to leave agains sucks even harder. But, I enjoyed myself. Ot felt good to be with my wife and kids again. It was very Zen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-14692896947902581152009-09-04T09:11:00.002-05:002009-09-04T09:48:03.796-05:00SKEDCO, KIT, COMBAT CASEVAC, SOF MOBILITY vs. Warrior Aid and Litter Kit™ by NARPAs promised here is a product review for both. I have not had the luxury of getting my hands on the <a href="http://www.skedco.com/detail.aspx?categoryID=2&productID=293">SKEDCO set</a>. Quite possibly, it is due to the price difference. MSRP for the <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Warrior-Aid-and-Litter-Kit---WALK--P42C4.aspx">WALK</a> is $1,500.49, while the SKEDCO (the cheapest one) comes in at $2,106.82. So cost effectiveness dictates that the WALK be in the Army system.<br /><br />Reviewing the contents and packing side by side, I'd say both are equal. They come packed with <a href="http://www.skedco.com/documents/SK-1200-OPUSEGUIDE%28AUG09%29_1391455846.pdf">trauma</a> <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Warrior-Aid-and-Litter-Kit---WALK--P42C4.aspx">supplies</a> (click on specifications), for multiple casualty management. Although, both are basic equipment with recommendations for additional supplies. They both also have configurations that carry a litter, with the the WALK coming in at 29 lb 15 oz, and the SKEDCO a beefy 38 and 50 for it's two respective variants.<br /><br />For casevac purposes, the SKEDCO has more variation for sure, while the WALK is specifically designed around the Talon II litter. The SKEDCO carries both a Ranger SKED and a "quad-fold litter". Also, the SKED brings with it a great deal more flexibility by including the carabiners and various straps. While I'm sure this is what contributes to the significant weight difference, if it isn't being carried on the ground, then the flexibility is a plus.<br /><br />The SKED also comes with more Medic goodies, like the <a href="http://www.skedco.com/detail.aspx?categoryID=2&productID=9">Knife, Extreme Medicine®/Rescue</a> , which I own and will review later, as well as an LED Headlight, etc.<br /><br />It wouldn't be fair for me to pass judgement on the SKEDCO, since I haven't actually used it. As noted above, it's bigger and beefier, with more flexibility in evac configurations, although the size may hamper its deployability. OTOH, the Talon II is notorious for being stiff and a pain in the ass right out of the bag, and unfortunately, if we're honest, we don't take them out and exercise them enough. One thing I like about the SKEDCO, just from it's packing list, is it has a more signal marking equipment included, while the WALK only comes with an aviation panel. The SKEDCO looks like a nice piece of equipment and I'm sure it would do the job.<br /><br />The Army chose the WALK as the one to put in it's supply system; and it does it's job. I only had to include some extra equipment to feel happy about it. I took out the hypothermia blankets and replaced it with a marking kit (smoke, signal flare, and the aviation panel). I placed an IV set with both ringers and Hextend in an outside pocket. On the front pockets, I added a few Hyfins and some Combat Gauze. The big thing is that I took a red permanent marker and marked what was each pocket. I treat each WALK as a comprehensive kit for one patient, and as a secondary go to bag. If the WALK comes out of the vehicle, then we've made a deliberate decision for Air Medevac and the configuration is based on managing that one casualty.<br /><br />Overall, I like the WALK. It's simple with more than enough room to carry what you need. By no means is this a dismount bag and should not be carried on a foot patrol. But, don't make the mistake of packing it to the gills either. It completes the task it was designed to do and needs very little modification. The Army made a good choice on this one.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-80311665798280812022009-08-19T05:50:00.002-05:002009-08-19T06:05:56.257-05:00SKEDCOI mentioned earlier that I would be highlighting some gear from <a href="http://www.skedco.com/default.aspx?categoryID=2&subID=13">SKEDCO</a> that I felt was worthy of a more in depth look. FYI, the link takes you directly to the SKEDCO military sales page, not just the generic home page.<br /><br />The items that have caught my attention are:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skedco.com/detail.aspx?categoryID=2&productID=3">The Field Expedient Bleeding Simulation System (FEBSS)</a><br /><a href="http://www.skedco.com/detail.aspx?categoryID=2&productID=9">Knife, Extreme Medicine®/Rescue</a><br /><a href="http://www.skedco.com/detail.aspx?categoryID=2&productID=183">Combat I.V. Pak™ 500cc</a><br /><a href="http://www.skedco.com/detail.aspx?categoryID=2&productID=293">SKEDCO, KIT, COMBAT CASEVAC, SOF MOBILITY</a><br /><a href="http://www.skedco.com/detail.aspx?categoryID=2&productID=313">SKEDCO WarFighter Utility Knife</a><br /><br />The knives I plan on discussing in a larger post about the various knives and rescue hooks that a Combat Medic should probably focus on. The evac kit requires a little more investigation. I'd like to be able to compare it to the <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Warrior-Aid-and-Litter-Kit---WALK--P42C4.aspx">WALK from NARP. </a><br /><br />The FEBSS looks interesting and definately is in need of it's own post. And the Combat IV Pak looks like and overpriced infuser. But I'm willing to try anything that makes my job easier.<br /><br />So all that aside, Basically I'm saying that I'm not going to discuss these particular pieces of equipment in any detail right now. What I do want to talk about is the classic <a href="http://www.skedco.com/detail.aspx?categoryID=2&productID=438">SKED</a>. I mentioned in the earlier post that everyone hates it. It's versatile, it's somewhat easy to put together, and it's easy to move. But, it's a pain to carry around and makes you curse God trying to put it away. Well, throughout the course of my career, I've grown to actually appreciate what it can be used for. For one, it is easily the most versatile litter in the Army's inventory. Also, it gives one man the capability to evac a Soldier. I guess what I'm saying is that next time you're preparing for a CLS Class, take a minute and actually break out the instructions on the SKED and learn how to use it in its various incarnations. It really is a good learning experience.<br /><br />If anyone has any experience with the aforementioned equipment, please leave a comment. Also, in the future, I plan on writing a post on my personal TTP's and whatnot, so if you have anything to add in that vein, leave a comment. Like I said, I'm always looking for new ways to do stuff.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-12328194708338364802009-08-19T03:54:00.002-05:002009-08-19T04:06:09.059-05:00I'm BackMostly I've been lazy, but also I haven't had a whole lot of new equipment to talk about. I am still in Iraq, with a MTT Team, and find myself with more time so I can stop neglecting this project.<br /><br />As has been noticed, I'm sure, I really like North American Rescue Products. It's good quality stuff, and packaged well to make them easy to use, and a lifesaver when speed is essential. Plus, they have a lot of NSN's making it east to order them. One company we overlook, though, is <a href="http://www.skedco.com/default.aspx?categoryID=2&subID=13">SKEDCO</a>. We all hate the SKED. Yeah it works and it's versatile, but carrying it is a bitch. Recently, I've started visiting the site though and looking at their other gear. So hopefully, in the next few days, I can provide some product reviews.<br /><br />Also, I've worked out a good dismount rig for a medic. I posted a few months ago about the awesomeness of the M9 Aid Aid Bag. Unfortunately, it's not an easy piece of equipment to get ahold of. Then it hit me one day: an <a href="http://www.armyproperty.com/Resources/NSN-Listings/IFAK.htm">IFAK</a> has everything I need to treat one casualty. So how do I get a few of those on me, with all the ammo and other stuff.<br /><br />I acquired a drop leg panel, usually used for more ammo or a dump pouch. I attached 2 IFAKs to it and modified those a bit. The normal IFAK doesn't come with a 14g needle for Needle Decompression. I added that and replaced the compressed gauze with <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Combat-Gauze-P254C3.aspx">QuikClot's Combat Gauze</a>, and added a <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Hyfin-Chest-Seal-P93C196.aspx">Hyfin</a> Chest Dressing. So that's two on my body (not including mine) and then I threw 2 more in my <a href="http://www.camelbak.com/government-military/hydration-packs/mule.aspx">MULE Camelbak</a> and there you go. A lightweight way to carry enough gear to treat 4 casualties on the ground.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-71627145093064032522009-04-06T07:07:00.002-05:002009-04-06T07:09:24.849-05:00KuwaitI see that I have a follower, which is really cool, so I didn't want anyone to think I had abandoned this project. I am currently in Kuwait, getting ready to go to Iraq as part of a MiTT Team. Hopefully, I'll get settled in the next few weeks and can start posting again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-20910605158027470882009-02-02T21:52:00.002-06:002009-02-03T22:10:41.193-06:00Hemostatic AgentsBefore I start, if there is anyone who checks this out with any kind of regularity, I apologize. I am currently training for another deployment and just haven't been in the mood to post.<br /><br />Hemostatic agents have truly become a battlefield force multiplier by themselves. In the hands of a good Combat Medic, the use of hemostatic agents can literally mean the difference between life and death.<br /><br />So, the problems with Quikclot are well documented; it caused 2nd degree burns and would harden to the point that the surgeons had to literally chip it out of the wound cavity, causing more damage to the patient. So, now we've moved well beyond that. We have the HemCon bandage. I've never had an opportunity to use it, thankfully. I'm not sure I'd care for it to much, as I don't want to take the time to cut it down to size to fit over the wound.<br /><br />The two agents I've used and really liked are <a href="http://www.traumacure.com/">Wound Stat</a> and <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Combat-Gauze-P254C3.aspx">Combat Gauze. </a><br /><br />The Wound Stat is a mineral based formula that looks a lot like kitty litter. When you start pouring it into the wound, it takes the consistency of wet kitty litter. But, the stuff molds like play doh. You just keep pouring onto the wound and molding, with pressure, and it will stop the bleeding. Now recently, the Army has decided to stop using it and pull it from the Medics. Supposedly, someone is concerned that some of the granules can make its way into the blood stream and cause an embolism. Personally, I think it's crap. If that is the reason it was pulled, I have not heard a single documented instance where that happenned. The stuff works. I like it and hopefully the Army will start using it again.<br /><br />Quikclot's Combat Gauze is another product that is a must have. One of the things we tend to do is stuff a wound cavity full of kerlex and wrap it tight, so why not build on that with a hemostatic agent? That's what Quikclot did and it is bad ass. You just shove it into the wound and hold pressure for 3-4 minutes and then wrap it up tight with your emergency bandage or an ace wrap. This stuff works. I swear by it and have used it. An aid bag without it is incomplete.<br /><br />In the end, whether you prefer to use the emergency bandage or or ace wraps or whatever, hemostatic agents are a must have on today's battlefield. Learn to use them and apply them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-15736607409084358472009-01-11T13:02:00.001-06:002009-01-11T13:03:17.280-06:00I apologizeI've been doing some training lately and just been busy. I will start posting again soon. If you have something you want me to research, leave it in the comments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-57268439586040767292008-12-21T13:40:00.000-06:002008-12-21T13:41:25.548-06:00Quick FavorWhatever reason you came to this site, drop a line in the comments so that I can know what's being looked at, how you're getting here, etc.<br /><br />If you have anything you want me to post about, put it in the comments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-68856758169998269442008-12-18T18:14:00.004-06:002008-12-18T18:39:19.928-06:00HIgh Threat ExtractionIn this day and age, we are still using the same archaic methods of extracting the wounded from an exposed position to safety. Unfortunately, it's a real good way to lose medics, as we typically will run out into the middle of the most dangerous situation. As they say, their is a fine line between stupid and brave. Once I find it, I'll embed a video of an attempted extraction during Fallujah, that resulted in 2 additional casualties, as well as the original.<br /><br />So, what do we do. Well, several companies have begun to answer this problem. From North American Rescue, we have the <a href="http://www.narescue.com/High-Threat-Extraction-Kit--P160C140.aspx">High Threat Extraction Kit</a>, which includes the <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Dragon-Handle-System-P145C140.aspx">Dragon™ Handle System</a>, <a href="http://www.narescue.com/RAT-Strap-Rescue-Assault-Tether-P176C140.aspx">RAT Strap [Rescue Assault Tether]</a>, and the <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Hasty-Harness-P147C140.aspx">Hasty Harness</a>, as well as some other carabiners, etc. The links will go directly a picture of the item. You'll also find the <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Dragon-Harness-P149C140.aspx">Dragon Harness</a> seems to be a useful item. You wear it under your armor and your buddies can just come and grab you. Bear in mind, the strap on the body armor is not meant to be used for extraction. It will most likely break.<br /><br />You can also go with the tried and true <a href="http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/products/product_detail.php?prod_id=33">Poleless Litter</a>, which is one of my personal favorite pieces of gear. I never went on patrol without one. Also, if your supply system sucks, you can always purchase <a href="http://www.info-central.org/recovery_cordinfo.shtml">tubular nylon</a> and fabricate all this high speed stuff yourself. You can find training videos <a href="http://www.narescue.com/Videos-Product-Demonstration-C151.aspx">here</a><br /><br />Just remember, whatever your extraction plan is, it needs to flexible and easy to implement. The battlefield is fluid and can change at a moments notice. Also, the plan needs to cover from point of injury to CASEVAC. And lastly, it needs to be realistic.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LJT0MayIrkQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LJT0MayIrkQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-21600443080773446052008-12-16T10:37:00.002-06:002008-12-16T10:47:48.992-06:00Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)I keep mentioning the <a href="http://www.opm.gov/CFC/">CFC</a>, as well as Intrepid, and I wanted to put a link in. This is a good cause. I realize that we are the most underpaid public servants in the US. All we have is job satisfaction, but even if you can only give $5.00 a month to CFC, that's a lot. Personally, I go for charities that help Veterans, but you can contribute to anyone you like, any cause you like, knowing that it has been vetted as not some scam or crap charity. The money you give will go to help someone. I've been giving $5.00 for years and finally went up to $10.00 this year. If you aren't sure who to give to, some suggestions:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fisherhouse.org/">Fisher House</a><br /><a href="http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/">Intrepid</a><br /><a href="http://www.liveunited.org/">Your local United Way</a><br /><br />These are just some suggestions, but seriously, give back. There are a lot of people out there who want to help us, especially if we get injured while overseas. So, let's help them help our brethren out. They need money to take care of injured and needy, and no one knows what they've gone through more than us.<br /><br />Doc out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-38378893498245227742008-12-16T10:31:00.002-06:002008-12-16T10:36:49.796-06:00TCMC - Tactical Combat Medical Care CourseFYI, if you're a military Medic, especially Army, and you're not subscribed to the TCMC page, then you're a fool. It has multiple presentations on what's being taught in TCMC, as well as enhancing your CLS classes. Also, their is an amazing amount of videos on how to work with multplie pieces of equipment. Do yourself and your Soldiers a favor and get on this page and start utilizing to enhance your skills and enhance your CLS Course.<br /><br />Give to our brothers and sisters- Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and CFC<br /><br />Doc out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-21851611214691956062008-12-16T09:01:00.002-06:002008-12-16T09:11:10.114-06:00CUF Tactical Thigh Rig and Medic Vest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hsgear.biz/images/products/33-MV01open.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 280px;" src="http://www.hsgear.biz/images/products/33-MV01open.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hsgear.biz/images/cache/EE8C/6110/EFDC/E71D/D8A7/1704/F403/447A.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.hsgear.biz/images/cache/EE8C/6110/EFDC/E71D/D8A7/1704/F403/447A.jpeg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hsgear.biz/ProductInfo~productid~33-MV01.html">CUF Tactical Medic Vest <br />Medic designed. Medic intended. For Medics.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hsgear.biz/images/products/36-cufthighg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="http://www.hsgear.biz/images/products/36-cufthighg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hsgear.biz/images/cache/3F50/30AE/0634/24ED/8AED/72EB/C87B/6800.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.hsgear.biz/images/cache/3F50/30AE/0634/24ED/8AED/72EB/C87B/6800.jpeg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hsgear.biz/ProductInfo~productid~36-CUFTHIGH.html">The CUF Kit (Care Under Fire) Tactical Medic Thigh Rig</a><br /><br />I've been wanting to check these two items out. If you have any experience with it, leave it in the comments. They look interesting and like they would be useful, but they also aren't cheap; no more than any other tactical gear, but spending money to find out something doesn't work right isn't a good idea.<br /><br />Give to our brothers and sisters- Intrepid Fallen heroes Fund and CFC<br /><br />Doc out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-67097883796034095342008-12-14T18:55:00.003-06:002008-12-14T19:00:23.256-06:00Professional Soldiers Forum<a href="http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/index.php">These guys</a> have a pretty comprehensive forum on various military stuff. The medical stuff has some good info.<br /><br />My advice, though? Just lurk and use it as a resource. Don't sign up and don't dare ask a question. The guys running the site are grade A douchebags. They have an allergy to sharing their knowledge and they'd rather preen about how awesome they are instead of actually answering a question.<br /><br />So, good resource, douchebag members. Avoid them, but take what you can from the site.<br /><br />Support our brothers and sisters- Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund<br /><br />Doc out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-82776443048500509362008-12-14T12:45:00.003-06:002008-12-14T12:50:48.562-06:00Combat Casualty Response Kit® - Squad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.narescue.com/Products/ProductImages/80-0039e.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 495px; height: 452px;" src="http://www.narescue.com/Products/ProductImages/80-0039e.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.narescue.com/Combat-Casualty-Response-Kit---Squad--P35C4.aspx"><br />Combat Casualty Response Kit® - Squad </a><br /><br />This is something else I got to play with at Sam. I like it's setup, better than traditional CLS bags. I think these sets would be ideal for vehicle bags as well. My intent would be to have one in each vehicle, plus my aforementioned M9 bag, as well as my London Bridge Trauma bag. This gives me supplies in each vehicle, plus a response bag, and my traditional bag for more supplies and MASCAL scenarios.<br /><br />As usual, they come packed, but their is plenty of room to pull everything out and make it "yours".<br /><br />Give to our brothers and sisters- Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund<br /><br />Doc out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-28805570778732901712008-12-13T11:05:00.002-06:002008-12-13T11:11:24.934-06:00TSSI M9 Assault Medical Backpack, ACU<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://store.tacsurv.com/supplyImages/WF00005/001-M9-FR_sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://store.tacsurv.com/supplyImages/WF00005/001-M9-FR_sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a href="http://store.tacsurv.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=482&prodid=TSS-M-9-ACU"><br /><br /> TSSI M9 Assault Medical Backpack, ACU </a><br /><br />I was lucky to get my hands on this and play with it at Fort Sam. Have you ever been on a dismounted patrol and wondered why you were the only idiot with a 60lbs bag on your back, sticking out like a sore thumb? This aid bag is the answer to that question. It's slim and low profile and you literally cannot stuff it full of crap. So, you can leave your behemoth of a trauma bag in the vehicle and dismount with this little beauty.<br /><br />It has an NSN, so get your unit supply to get this before you drop $279.00 on this thing. While it is worth it, spend the Army's money.<br /><br />Give to our brothers and sisters- Intrepid fallen Heroes Fund and CFC<br /><br />Doc out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4908865854589466224.post-18739418029398790212008-12-13T10:58:00.002-06:002008-12-13T11:04:31.567-06:001st Post- AwesomeThe purpose of this blog is to find and consolidate cool gear and good equipment for the modern military Medic. These are of course going to be my opinions only and are not meant in any way to be an endorsement by thr US Army, Federal Government, or any other institution.<br /><br />As you guys know, there is all kinds of gear out there from aid bags to drop leg pouches, knives, gloves, etc. There is so much to choose from, that it's hard to pick one, as no one wants to spend a third of our paycheck for something that doesn't perform. Hopefully, I can help you narrow it down a bit, based on my own research and some stuff I've put my hands on.<br /><br />I suggest you follow the links to your right, as those are my favorite places to shop and where I've been willing to spend money.<br /><br />Give to our brothers and sisters- Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and CFC<br /><br />Doc out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0