In Tucson's 'Silent Chaos,' Rare Medic Kits Were Key

[PBS Poll-435]

In Tucson's 'Silent Chaos,' Rare Medic Kits Were Key
by Ted Robbins
National Public Radio
January 28, 2011

First responders at the Arizona shootings had an unusual tool: a fanny-pack-sized collection of first-aid materials based on gear used to save soldiers on the battlefield.

And it allowed Pima County sheriff's deputies to begin treating the wounded in the crucial minutes before paramedics arrived.

That morning, Deputy Gilbert Caudillo was patrolling northwest Tucson when he got a radio call about multiple gunshot victims at a local Safeway store. He was one of the first to arrive, jumping out of his car and running across the parking lot.

Other deputies arrived. They began CPR and opened the kits. Each contained $99 worth of gear assembled by David Kleinman, the medic for the sheriff's SWAT team. He got the idea to carry the packs after noticing how many police officers were dying from wounds they got in the line of duty.

More at http://www.npr.org/2011/01/28/133307999/in-tuscons-silent-chaos-rare-medic-kits-were-key?ps=cprs

[uppityperson]

1. What a great idea, glad to see it working in action.

[RamboLiberal]

4. Not a bad idea for even civilians to have

I decided to assemble one for myself after seeing a firearms instructor talking about having 2 kits in your range bag. 1 is a trauma kit with the Israeli bandage, 2nd is the boo boo kit which has the normal first aid stuff most of us carry.

Here's a video of how to use the Israeli bandage. There are similar items on the market.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMRklQkfDLE

[uppityperson]

6. I had one in the back of my car for yrs. Need to redo it, simplify

couple triangular bandages, couple big menstrual pads, roll of tape, cpr mask, scissors, string. Maybe an ace. Edited to add gloves. Several sets of gloves.

That is very cool idea, the Israeli bandage. Takes my bits of pad, ace, tape and sticks it all together. THanks

[RamboLiberal]

7. Thanks - forgot to paste the link

There now. And they are inexpensive, you can find for <$12

[uppityperson]

8. very interesting, it combines many bits into 1.

[DCKit]

2. Then they threw away a bunch of $$$$ training the medics how to use them.

:sarcasm:

[Dappleganger]

3. I'll bet they had Quick Clot.

We happened upon the aftermath of a major motorcycle accident several years ago, with 1st responders on their way but two HC workers had stopped and both were using QC paks on victims. We bought some to keep in each of our car emergency kits and also at home--will never go without it again.

[RamboLiberal]

10. Yes they were or something like it

Combat gauze is also in the kit. It's infused with coagulant to stop bleeding.

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/28/133307999/in-tuscons-silent-chaos-rare-medic-kits-were-key?ps=cprs

[Ian David]

5. Here are a couple places selling this stuff.

Make sure they don't advertise on NewsMax before deciding if you want to order it from them:

I-FAK — an Infantry First Aid Kit
http://www.afmo.com/Military_First_Aid_Medic_s/5.htm

US Army Improved First Aid Kit
http://www.olive-drab.com/od_medical_ifak_postww2_ifak_army2005.php


Trauma Kit
http://practicaltrauma.com/trauma.shtml


Trauma Kits
http://www.cpr-savers.com/emergency/trauma-kits.html

[RamboLiberal]

9. Even Amazon carries a lot of these products

I've also looked at Remote Medical http://www.remotemedical.com/Medical-Rescue-Supplies

[Ian David]

13. I've seen some of this stuff at places like REI Outdoor. n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

17. My god some of that crap we had to make

see backboard straps...

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. I'll admit, I am familiar with these kits

and twenty years ago we used something very similar in disasters...

The israeli bangage is extremely useful. We added to them... a SAM splint and an AIRWAY kit, since they were for our medics.

[PBS Poll-435]

12. Pretty friggin' cool

I know that we are broke, but what about a nationwide program to provide and train all first responders on this type of specialized First Aid/CPR?

If the outcome is better for the patient then it seems within the bounds of the Constitution to make this a Federal program.

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. We at the Mexican Red Cross had an eigh hour course

called five actions to save a life.

It was BASIC ADULT CPR.. one person.

How to control bleeding

How to keep a patient safe, including if need be, how to safely move them.

Call EMS

No we did not do anyting fancy like splinting, or burns or medical emergencies, beyond know cpr, keep them war, call 9.11

Essentially we taught people the MOST basic of life support. In industrial settings it made a difference a few times.

It was even more basic than the first aid course the American Red Cross teaches.

[PBS Poll-435]

15. I did the CPR course in HS, then BLS at work

Helped a family member study and pass the rigorous ACLS test.

[nadinbrzezinski]

16. ACLS is a pain... PALS is worst...