Best tourniquets according to redditors
We found 62 Reddit comments discussing the best tourniquets. We ranked the 19 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 62 Reddit comments discussing the best tourniquets. We ranked the 19 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Littmann Master Cardiology Stethescope
Otterbox Symmetry Iphone 7 Case
Rike Knife 801GS Kwaiken Framelock
Travelambo Front Pocket Minimalist Leather Wallet
Generic CAT Tourniquet
Madison Supply Fluoride Coated Trauma Shears
Pelican PM3330 Flashlight
Airspoftpeak FLashlight Holder
Generic Penlight
Pilot G2 Pen
Generic Oxygen Tank Wrench
Generic Carabiner
ResQMe Window Punch
Generic CPR Mask
Part of a Ryan Blaney Lanyard
I would disagree with other users here, building your own kit will save a decent amount of money
What are you looking to put into these IFAKs? Here are some links that a 'basic' would have
4 pack of chest seals $29.19 (one in each kit)
20 count 5x9 combine pads $7.99 (two or so in each kit)
Isreali Bandage (non-amazon link as there have been many issues with amazon selling Isreali bandages and people getting knock-offs, youll want the 4in 'new manufacture' which come in a grey outer pouch, open the outer pouch and put them in the IFAK like that (they are double sealed/this will leave them sealed in a see through rip away plastic which can be used as an occlusive dressing) one in each kit.
2 Hemostatic Gauze $19.97 (open outer pack, put one 'inner' pack in each kit)
12 pack of 2in roller gauze $4.80 (one, maybe two in each kit, can be replaced with a triangular bandage instead)
12 Triangular Bandages (Cravats) $6.80 - these are multi-use, bleeding control, securing a dressing, TQ use etc. most opt not to have them but theyre a great 'multi-use' item I carry in every IFAK (one in each kit)
2 pack trauma shears $9.99 (one in each kit)
2 pack CAT tourniquets $53.98, one reason to go with amazon is the easy returns, which is a double edged sword, a lot of people will buy fake CATs for cheap, purchase real ones for $$ then 'return' the real ones with the cheap fake ones, look up lot codes when you get them if it doesnt look the part return it. Stay away from the thin elastic "pocket tourniquets" (one in each kit)
Rip away IFAK MOLLE pouch $14.99 each, depending on color. I prefer these over just a MOLLE pouch, unbuckle and use or throw to someone else without having to lug w.e. equipment the pouch is attached to - or leave off the MOLLE backing and put inside a pack loose
Personally I dont put airway in my IFAKs but do in a larger kit thats nearby - if you want links to NPAs a pretty good general size to go with would be a 26, dont forget lube or really you can just spit on them. Same with a decompression needle, not going to be in my IFAK.
More importantly than any of this stuff is training, you can do a lot more with training than you can with a 'be all end all kit'. Dont be afraid to adapt a kit to your environment, for example if you're going far away from civilization consider you might do wound packing and need more hemostatic gauze, but if you're right down the street from a hospital you probably wont want to pack a wound with a homeostatic agent but that will depend on the situation.
The purpose of an IFAK is to get you to a larger first aid kit/medical help.
(I purchase medical supplies for the EMS company I work for, Amazon prices are generally cheaper than buying from a distributor unless you're looking to build dozens of these kits and even then certain items will still be cheaper especially factoring in shipping) Any questions feel free to ask
I'm not sure if you're trolling or not, but I'll help you out here. I'll even use amazon since it's quicker.
Swat-t https://www.amazon.com/SWAT-T-Tourniquet-Black-1-Count/dp/B003IWNOVO 11.49
Gauze: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JD4A5IA/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d 11.49
Tape https://www.amazon.com/Durapore-Medical-Tape-Silk-yards/dp/B000C4O7GC/ref=zg_bs_8404663011_12?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=QH1JDQTVJ9DAAH595SNJ&th=1 3.28
Steristrips if you'd prefer (10 pack of 6 strips) https://www.amazon.com/3M-Steri-Strip-reinforced-Skin-Closures/dp/B004WFXCSQ?th=1 6.69
Chest seal- https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Rescue-Hyfin-Chest/dp/B00KQS2NGK?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2 17.31
Nitrile gloves (100 pack and medium for my dainty hands) https://www.amazon.com/Nitrile-Exam-Gloves-Disposable-Convenient/dp/B00KE233NU/ref=zg_bs_15755331_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2YRD2VERY40B0EA2DPBM 9.98
​
Grand total 53.55 (60.24 if you want the steristrips plus this will leave you with extra for additional FAK's). Now if you wanted to get fancy and add in the combat gauze/quickclot, that's where you'll spend some change. TBH though a good pressure dressing (properly applied) is going to do pretty damn well for most people's uses.
Keep in mind that I'm speaking generally and I'm not covering all of the options. I don't have a medical background but I have taken a fucking shitload of classes over the years, easily in the 500+ hour range for survival, medical, first response, and trauma classes. I've also taught them many times but mostly at a lower level than what gunshots would be.
My IFAKs are for big bad things, I keep a small first aid pack for boo boos but normally those are rub dirt on it and duct tape it. My real IFAKs are for "oh god, this dude is going to die like right now" kind of wounds.
That in mind - all of my IFAKs are homemade. I get supplies in semi-bulk and make 10+ IFAKs because I literally have them everywhere and I rotate out old/expired stuff as needed. I shit you not that I have 4 in my shooting supplies, 1 in my kitchen, 2 in the workshop, 2 in the car, etc. It's not cheap but nothing in life is. If you don't want to be that fanatical about it, getting a kit might be cheaper if you're making one or two.
All of mine MUST have:
Other stuff like for burns, heatstroke, hypothermia, etc I have in some of my bags but not most of them.
Cover the basics:
There is some arguments that can be made about this setup that I won't get into, these are what I like and trust though. I also normally add some extra gloves, tape, gauze, and QuickClot to each bag.
The Adventure Medical Kit is cheap and has the core stuff. Nice easy package too, quick to buy a few of them and stash them places if I don't have time to make real bags right then.
Israeli Bandage is the gold standard for a compression bandage. Watch some YT on how to use one, maybe get to so that you can kill one right off the bat to learn how to use it. Remember - once a bandage is opened, it's use it or lose it. Don't need infections because you used a 5 year old bandage that was stored wrong.
Madison shears are solid.
I like CAT style tourniquets and I trust North American Rescue since they're one of the huge massive names in the market. All of mine are NAR CAT tourniquets.
Condor gets a bad name because of Airsoft kids that wear their stuff all the time, but this bag is really nice. It's fairly cheap, for an IFAK bag, it holds a lot, it's sturdy, and the rip away is really nice. I keep these on the outside of my range bag mostly. The rip away is nice since I can just grab the handle and pull.
Final note - remember that an IFAK isn't just for you to use. It's also for other people to use on you. Make sure they're marked as an IFAK. Mine are all either bright red with a medical cross on it or at least have a big red medical cross on it in a place that everyone can see.
*First row*
*Second row*
Not Pictured
*Disclaimer, these links benefit me in no way, it's just for convenience*
I usually wear pants and carry an ankle IFAK but now I have to carry a diaper bag, so I offloaded my medical in there and now I am free to wear shorts again! I feel kinda...naked.
Before someone says it, sanitary napkins or tampons are NOT the best thing for bullet wounds. I will copy and paste the post that I keep have to do every few weeks when reddit inevitably starts jerkin that circle:
If you have to improvise a wound dressing for gunshot and all you have are tampons, then yes. Stuff SEVERAL in the wound to compress the surrounding tissues and stifle bleeding/promoting coagulation.
THE REAL step number one for any severe bleeding is call 911 (or for medevac depending on your circumstances), then apply direct pressure, preferably with barriers like gloves, goggles, and mask in between you and the injured persons blood.
Tampons are not made to absorb the amount of flow that comes out of a GSW, and they are not sterile. Again they would not be the first choice for a GSW, but better than nothing.
First choice would be properly preparing by ordering these products and placing them in your first aid kid and/or range bag.
Above all, learn and know First Aid and CPR, use the four (five) firearms safety rules, and avoid situations in which gunfire might be exchanged.
If you have any questions I will be happy to answer them.
SOURCE: USMC Infantry, Firearms Instructor, Safety Fanatic
I bought this one after reading a lot of reviews. The cutlass is metal which is what I read is most important. Is this safe?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ETMVQOI?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
The Adventure Medical kit only consists of two parts and costs $50. Save yourself $23 and buy the pieces separately on Amazon.
Quikclot
SWAT-T
Have you tried these?
Tech Med 85954 Quick Release Tourniquet, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BTVS9A/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_Sk-3wbQGKYE07
https://www.amazon.ca/Prestige-Medical-4350-TRO-Tourniquet-Tropical/dp/B0026K6KME/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542759508&sr=8-2&keywords=Prestige%2BMedical%2Btourniquet&th=1
Found this on Amazon -- comes out to about the same after accounting for international shipping etc. So expensive!
I know it’s not “fun” but first aid kits or some sort of rescue item.
North American Rescue Military Issue Combat Application Tourniquet, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003EGD8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ECibAbS4F25NT
StatGear SuperVizor XT Auto Escape Tool - Seatbelt Cutter and Glass Window Breaker - The Only Rescue Tool Which Attaches to the Sun Visor - Pack of 2 - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CMVW5AM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SDibAbZB08WHG
Columbia River Knife and Tool 2055 K.E.R.T Key Ring Emergency Tool Strap Cutter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BA9HJ68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mEibAbRWMH31V
Ever Ready First Aid Meditac Tactical Trauma IFAK Kit with Trauma Pack Quickclot and Israeli Bandage in Molle Pouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GAAMS2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cFibAbMJEP1BJ
The ideal contents of your kit are going to depend on your anticipated risks, and medical skill / knowledge level. Where are you going to be and what's going on there? What are you most concerned about? Car crash, industrial accident, snakebites, burns, gunshots or other penetrating wounds? Have you taken a first responder class or had any first aid training at all? Take care of that if you haven't.
Also be sure to separate your 'boo-boo' kit from critical trauma supplies. You don't want to be digging through bandaids and antacids when you're looking for a tourniquet.
For a general boo-boo kit I like to have: good fabric bandaids, both asprin and tylenol (in tablet form, more durable than gelcaps), antacids and pepto tablets, Neosporin, burn gel, anti-itch cream and some kind of antihistamine tablets. If you or someone you're with is allergic to bees, you need an epi-pen.
For a trauma kit, again, it will depend on what you anticipate your risks will be and what you know how to use, but I like the Israeli Battle Dressing for being simple and generally idiot proof. Buy an extra one so you can take it out of the package and see how it works. Kerlix for wound packing, triangle bandages and big sticky abdominal pads will generally take care of most puncture wounds. If you have or are around kids a lot, you need to get smaller sizes of the sticky pads. I also like the Tourni-Kwik over the CAT because it's simple and cheap enough to have multiples on hand. Also there are some counterfeit Chinese CATs on the market.
But also keep in mind that your #1 job is to get them to a hospital fast. Your first aid skills and gear are there to give people more time to get to the hospital.
This is what I carried today running errands around town.
Ruger GP100 Match Champion|
Ruger Shop Triple K holster|
Federal 180 grain JHP 357 Mag|
House keys|
Jeep key|
Spyderco Tenacious|
Recon Medical Tourniquet|
[Leatherman Raptor trauma shears] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GIGPN7E/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521666207&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=leatherman+raptor+trauma+shears&dpPl=1&dpID=41u%2BLVWkZT)
I was taught it in first responders stuff for the USMC. obviously a bit different then basic first aid but it definitely has its place, so much so we all carry a combat tourniquet
I carry the SWAT-T tourniquet in my bag. A little slower to apply than the CAT but it's smaller and provides double duty as a compression bandage.
SWAT-T Tourniquet, Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MYG9YA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NRsozbJNQ56VX
You can find tourniquets on amazon without much problem. Two of the more popular options are the [SOFT-T] (https://www.amazon.com/SOFTT-W-Tourniquet-GENERATION-4-Black/dp/B00E3W3BK2/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1497151208&sr=1-1&keywords=sofft-w+tourniquet) and the [CAT] (https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Rescue-Application-Tourniquet/dp/B003EGD8YC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497151322&sr=8-3&keywords=cat+tourniquet).
This. You might purchase a decent off-the-shelf kit and then augment it with more/better items such as pain relievers, anti diarrheal, benadryl or similar. Pads and rolled gauze (these things are VERY useful in a kit).
You might consider a good first aid book and even things like scalpels, hemostats and sutures. Quick Clot and even a tourniquet to stop blood loss.
I keep a bottle of water in my kits as well, you will likely need some water to clean wounds, etc.
Of all the things in my kit I tend to use band aids, ACE bandages, cold compresses and meds the most.
It was issued so we have to carry it. I fought for the 6360 but of course admin went with the cheaper option. Good thing is I've had exactly zero issues with my SERPA.
Here is the TQ case. I love it. I gotta move it eventually but I love the case.
This is a great question more clubs should probably think about.
Answers given so far have mostly focused on minor injuries like bruising that can be treated with ice packs and pain killers, which comes with all types of first aid kits.
What you should really specifically prepare for though is the worst case scenarios. While it should be rare for anyone to be seriously injured during training sessions, accidents can happen. As an example, a feder blade snapping and the now sharp jagged edge flying off to strike someone in the chest, arm, leg or even face.
So you want QuikClot https://www.amazon.com/QuikClot-Advanced-Clotting-Kaolin-Strips/dp/B00HJTH5L2/ in your kit, but also some of the powder itself to pour directly into the wound if the sponges aren't able to stop the bleeding (probably because an artery was hit) https://www.amazon.com/WoundSeal-Powder-Each-Pack-Woundseal/dp/B015RY2EDE/
Now if someone is stabbed in the thigh or arm and an artery is pierced, clotting agent alone won't be enough. You'll also want to apply a tourniquet as quickly as possible to stop them from bleeding to death. Having a pre-made tourniquet like these is a good idea https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719KW959/
If the blade exits the wound it would also be a good idea to be able to close the wound quickly. While you can stitch it up, depending on the wound size you may be able to apply a ZipStitch which is significantly faster at closing a wound since it doesn't require having to needle and thread. https://www.amazon.com/ZipStitch-Laceration-Kit-Surgical-Home/dp/B07KBFVHY6/
Also given the gear we wear tends to get an athlete very hot it would not be a bad idea to have an IV kit on hand to deal with heat exhaustion injuries which CAN kill a person if they are dehydrated enough. I've seen soldiers make the poor mistake of drinking coffee early in the morning (or worse, do heavy drinking the night before) and then go have an intense workout, and pass out from heat exhaustion and need an IV applied. It wouldn't surprise me if the same kind of injury occurs among civilian non-professional athletes who don't hydrate properly before a sparring session. However applying IVs is not for a novice, and requires someone who has been properly trained to perform them. I also wouldn't recommend purchasing a kit from Amazon because the needles need to be cared for delicately, else they can actually scrape against the plastic protector and get pieces of plastic on the needle head which you then inject into a person's bloodstream and can put them into cardiac arrest. IVs are serious business, and you should have taken a course in advanced first aid for how to apply one before you attempt something like this (I had Combat Lifesaver training in the Army, so I have had this training. Speaking from experience here). I would not trust someone working at Amazon to care for the needles properly. Get an IV kit from a local medical supplier.
The last item I would recommend adding to a first aid kit is a chest seal gauze for what is called a 'sucking chest wound'; basically any time the chest is pierced you have a special kind of wound that will cause air to be sucked into the wound, and left untreated for even a little bit of time will result in a collapsed lung. Applying one of these correctly and in a timely fashion is a good idea to prevent this from happening https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Rescue-Hyfin-10-0015/dp/B003VSQDQS/ until paramedics can arrive and give the person some oxygen and take them to the ER for surgery.
These items are rarely included in first aid kits, even the most expensive ones. This is why I specifically mention purchasing these items and adding them to your kit. First aid kits will often have gauze and bandages, but not clotting agents or pre-made tourniquets, etc
I actually carry clotting agent and QuikStitch in my feder bag's outer pouch just in case something goes wrong. It never has, which is a good thing, but if something goes awry it's something I want to have on hand.
Buy yourself a decent bolt action .22 or a shotgun, a good 3-5" fixed blade knife, a blaze orange hat or vest, and a decent little first aid kit (don't forget a tourniquet).
Step 1: Take a hunters safety/education class.
Some states have classes exclusively for adults. This will give you some basic, but good info on gun/bow safety and state laws pertaining to hunting. In addition, they should have pamphlets that will outline the different hunting seasons, game animals, invasive species, and state/federal hunting areas.
These classes might also help you meet some more experienced folks who could bring you along or offer some valuable advice.
Step 2: Learn how to use your gear.
Your ability with your gear can mean the difference between success and failure on the hunt--and in some cases life and death (especially pertaining to your med kit).
Let's start with the rifle. I like bolt action .22's. You can get a very accurate gun and learn how to use it for very little money. Using a bolt action .22 with iron sights forces the shooter to learn the fundamentals of marksmanship, building a solid foundation for the future.
I like the Savage MkII and the Ruger American.
With either rifle I'd recommend adding a peep sight and a regular 2 point sling.
Both are accurate and inexpensive rifles that you can shoot day in and day out for years.
You should be able to find a range with at least 50 yards to sight in (aka zero) your rifle. If you need guidance here, there are plenty of online resources, however, you'd do better to ask an experienced shooter for a hand. Be sure to use the same ammo for zero and hunting.
For shotguns you can't beat the versatility of a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. Get either gun in 12 or 20 gauge. The beauty of these two is that you are always a simple barrel change away from being able to shoot birdshot (birds small game) or slugs (everything else).
With a good .22 and a good shotgun, you should be able to hunt most wild game in North America. There are better calibers and rifles for specific hunting applications but those two will do it all.
What I don't recommend for hunting rifles/shotguns and why:
1 I don't like scopes (at first). Forcing yourself to learn on iron sights means you develop a firm foundation in the fundamentals. I remember wanting a scope for my .22 so bad, so my dad made me a deal. I had to kill 100 red squirrels or starlings and 10 groundhogs before he'd let me add a scope. It took me the better part of a summer to accomplish this but I walked away from that summer being able to put lead on just about anything within 150 yards of that little rifle.
2 I don't like autoloaders (at first). Simply because shooting a bolt gun means you have one, maybe two shots to get the job done. You learn to make ever shot count. Once you are proficient, go wild.
3 I don't like tactical/tacticool rifles for beginners or really hunting for that matter. They are usuallly auto loaders (see #2), heavier, and more expensive. You don't feel so bad taking your $230 Savage through brambles, tripping over roots and dropping it, or leaning it up against a rusty fence post. If you don't trust me, look at what the professional hunters use.
Extras: buy a quality, brass rod cleaning kit and some decent gun oil (or CLP) for deep cleans. Keep a [Bore Snake](.22 .223 .25 CAL Bore Snake Cleaner Kit Cord Rope Brass https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JKSNVTK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XRfGzbN7P8Z58) in an extra pocket for the times you get dirt or debris in the barrel.
Get yourself a good knife. I always have my pocket knife (a CRKT M21-02G) and a skinner when I'm hunting.
For a pocket knife use what suits you. For a skinner I really like knives like the Schrade Old Timer 158 for general skinning and this blade from Ontario Knife.
You also need a good way to keep your knives sharp. I've had a lot of luck with the. [Lansky System](Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone Sharpening System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B8IEA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_85fGzbBRJDH6K).
Last, please get yourself a decent med kit. Too many people have died in the woods due to a knife accident or gun accident that could have been easily treated.
You can easily make yourself a basic kit or buy one like [this](Ever Ready First Aid Meditac Tactical Trauma IFAK Kit with Trauma Pack Quickclot and Israeli Bandage in Molle Pouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GAAMS2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iagGzb76NGQZJ) pre-made.
This kit has everything you need except for a tourniquet like [this](Tourniquet - (Black) Recon Medical Gen 3 Mil-Spec Kevlar Metal Windlass Aluminum Lightweight First Aid Tactical Swat Medic Pre-Hospital Life Saving Hemorrhage Control Registration Card (1 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ETMVQOI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fcgGzbSAMKAWS) and an Israeli Bandage like [this](Ever Ready Bandage Battle Dressing First Aid Compression Bandage, 6 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DPVERM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1cgGzb9C9H5WP).
You can learn to use all this stuff over the course of an hour via YouTube. You would do better to find a nurse, paramedic, or Navy Corpsman to give you a crash course in the use of the contents of your IFAK. If you can find a Corpsman, they are probably the best for this kind of thing. Lots of good tips and tricks for field use...plus you can pay them in beer.
Don't forget to add extras like any medication you might need, chapstick, Bayer aspirin (good for headaches and heart attacks), a little tube of antibacterial ointment, and a couple fabric bandages.
If you won't carry this on your person, keep it in your vehicle.
For good practice I like squirrel and rabbit hunting. Makes you consider a lot about safety, a lot about taking only the good shots, plus they are easy to clean and good to eat.
Last learn how to use what you kill.
If you are hunting varmits, that is one thing. I shoot invasive species (when legal), and varmits that are causing a nuisance and that is reason enough for me.
If you are hunting anything else for exclusively for sport, please use it. You can use some of the books referenced earlier to learn about skinning and field dressing. I like to watch shows like Meat Eater, to learn better ways to use the meat I've harvested. Once you get into cooking game meat, you will wonder why you ever went to the store for meat.
Just don't forget that hunting is about stewardship and learning. It's a lifelong pursuit that is very rewarding.
Always be safe, always be ethical, always be responsible, always have fun.
Edit: If you ever find yourself in south central or southwest Michigan, I can help you with anything I've outlined above. I'm a lifelong hunter, a lifelong shooter, a small arms instructor in the military, a certified combat lifesaver, and a decent game cook.
This is the one that's been recommended to me by a couple EMT's who have dealt with GSW. I bought two of them and love how easy they are to use.
For your first aid kit, I highly recommend getting a quality tourniquet. Personally I'd trust this one
SWAT tourniquet $12
Manufacturer website
We’ve started carrying these on our medics.
Stay well-hydrated, and prior to preparing your shot, get your body's internal temperature as high as you can. Turn a space heater up to max, wear as much clothing as possible, preferably multiple layers, with something tight like pantyhose or boxer briefs at the bottom. I wear a thermal long-sleeve shirt, and I generally go for veins near my wrist/elbow/hands. Keep as much of your body covered as possible, even going barefoot allows heat to escape through your feet so wear socks (unless you plan on trying to inject into your feet...I've done it a few times, it's difficult and painful as hell so I don't recommend it unless you have no other options)
Use a high gauge needle, I try to do 31. 29 or 30 also work.
If you can use a tourniquet, these help out, I don't, but I've often pondered ordering one off amazon, the best rated one takes over a month to ship though, no idea what's up with that. I haven't personally used this brand so I can't guarantee it'll help out http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Elastic-Release-Emergency-Tourniquet/dp/B00AUB3A74
Finally, use the laws of physics to your advantage, bend over with your arms dangling so they get more blood flow, give the injection spot(s) you have in mind a couple good slaps or flicks, if you do it right that should get the veins popping, it stings a little though. If you can stabilize your arm and keep it as straight as possible, that will help. Other than that it's trial and error, remember that practice makes perfect. Problem is, sticking needles in your veins repeatedly (especially needles that aren't fresh) will irritate them and gradually do damage, especially if you're injecting less-than-ideal substances. Some examples include black tar heroin, or improperly filtered pills. Research whatever you're trying to slam by Googling it before you even think about putting it in your veins, all the horror stories you hear about junkies having gangrenous limbs amputated is because they didn't do their research. (Also, they probably should have gotten treatment IMMEDIATELY) Suboxone pills and methadone syrup is NOT meant to be injected, and if your shot misses the vein, or worse yet, you inject into a nerve or artery, you'll regret it, trust me. Thankfully I've never shot into an artery or nerve, but I've missed plenty of shots, and it leaves a painful bruise that typically lasts several days. If you end up missing a shot (you'll see a bubble beneath your skin) then apply a heating pad to help it heal faster, and drinking lots of fluids and exercising helps (jogging or lifting weights, anything strenuous that'll get your heart pumping). And try to avoid re-injecting into that spot until it finishes healing (easier said than done when you're addicted and desperate for a hit....)
I hope that wasn't too many words, I've been shooting up multiple times a day since April so I know how it is. Since we're in the middle of Winter, the air is cold and it's going to make finding a vein naturally difficult (assuming you don't live in Australia or something), so I wish you the best of luck.
On person? Small kit consisting of:
Skill-set wise I'm confident in my ability to not make things worse. I've taken several classes in first-aid and am first(worst?)-responder certified and have taken a couple additional classes.
The things I carry don't take up much space and are within the scope of my training. I am fortunate in that I live in the US and have ready access (most of the time) to advanced medical treatment via BLS/ALS and hospitals and I take that into consideration when thinking about what I carry on my person.
In my vehicle and my bag I carry a couple additional items that could be helpful were I to stumble upon a collision or something like that. My first responsibility is to my family (wife and children) and after that I'm willing to help where I can if necessary. I've also always reasoned that if I'm going to carry tools by which I can punch high-velocity holes in a person from a distance, I should be able to effectively provide aid to deal with those injuries.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ETMVQOI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1G82IKCLQLW7G&psc=1
confirmed - CLONE. mark for training only or discard. get a real one.
Many local hospitals or Fire / EMS places will hold free or cheap "Stop the Bleed" courses, that will give you the essentials on how to stop bleeding.
Once you learn how to tie a tourniquet, then buy a few cravats, or else a medical-grade tourniquet or battle dressing. On the medical section of our CERT course, the training officer mentioned it is a good idea to have a one of these tourniquets easily accessible on the outside of whatever medkit you have, because it will often be the first thing you want to pull out, when you come across a bleeding victim.
Tourniquets can be improvised, but on a serious / arterial bleed, you would only have a minute or two to MacGyver one before the person loses too much blood.
Lung punctures require some special tools and training to handle, in order to prevent the lung from collapsing. I wouldn't go poking into someone's lungs without a class or two on how to treat it properly.
Good question. One of these bad boys would do the trick. That's a tactical tourniquet and is fairly common amongst first responders, can be applied to yourself and done so one handed, and even has a nifty spot to note the time you put the tourniquet on.
As for old wisdom that tourniquets can't be on for that long, well...they can be. Especially when you're not dead, because not being dead is better than being dead. I think these days it's up to about 4 hours being more or less okay. I mean, relatively speaking.
I personally have an olive drab 'Rip Away EMT Pouch' from Condor. I work seasonally for the US Forest Service and we are encouraged to keep a small first aid kit with us, I wanted something small that I could stick on the side of my line gear, here is a side profile of the pouch as well.
On the inside I keep some very basic stuff, gloves, a few 4x4s/3x3s/2x2s, a few small bandage rolls and bandaids, a small roll of kling and tape, a thing of quikclot, an icepack, an elastic swat-t tourniquet, cpr faceshield, alcohol preps, an antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, some blister pads and moleskin and a small bottle of eye wash. I also have this pill organizer stuck in there where I keep some basic OTC meds like ibuprofen, tylenol, asprin, immodium, benadryl, acid reducers, and motion sickness pills. I also have a rolled up sam splint I pack that won't fit in my pouch.
It feels excessive to me sometimes for a 'first aid' kit, but when we are way out in the backcountry away from help I am glad I have it. And I like having a little extra (especially the OTC meds) because there is always someone on the crew who didn't pack anything, and I like to help em out until we get back to camp. I also keep it with me during the off season if I go hiking or camping with friends.
As far as flashlights go, I think I saw it here on r/ems but someone recommended the Cree 7W 300LM Mini LED and holy hell are they awesome, plus at $2.31 a piece they are a steal. Solid body, sturdy metal clip, and runs on a single AA battery. I have like 15 of these things, I keep them in all my vehicles, backpacks, tool drawers, etc. I keep one in my pants when I am at work as well.
Yeah it’s not a NAR CAT. It has an aluminum windlass and is American made but I’m prepared to take the heat for it not being a NAR CAT. No good reason to not have a NAR one now that I am typing this...think I’ll grab one next paycheck.
This is it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS9PDA3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qVZ.Ab6C5Y19A
I could use this tourniquet.
It's green for the Hero of time.
SAM splints are also super useful and can pack flat on the bottom of a backpack. 4"x18" is good enough for many scenarios. For tourniquets the SOFTT is among the best.
Got one thanks!
SOF Tactical Tourniquet - Wide https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJB0I22
I taught protest first aid for years and helped get several street medic collectives off the ground.
Bulk medical supplies generally don't make sense unless you're willing to buy in serious bulk. I'm talking like a case of 50 boxes with 2,000 gauze pads each. At that point prices start dropping below what you'd pay if you just bought them straight out retail but unless you're stocking a hospital or other medical unit, you aren't going to use the supplies that fast.
For the most part, best way to go about it is to make a list of everything you need/want in a medical kit tailored to your expected needs and then shop around to find the best deal. I've ordered off Amazon before, I've bought stuff in person at medical supply places, it just depends who has the best deal.
Pre-built kits are almost always more expensive than building it yourself and about 80% of the time you're paying a huge markup for supplies that cost maybe a few dollars. There are good pre-built medical kits out there but you're still paying a premium for someone else to build it for you. Plus you'll be getting supplies you may not need in which case it's wasted money.
We used to divide things up into "hard" and "soft" supplies.
Hard supplies were things that we could afford to cut corners on if we had to and could buy from whoever had the lowest price; bags, medical tape, glucose tablets (we used candy), q-tips, cotton balls, alcohol swabs, etc.
Soft supplies were things that had to be bought from a reputable supplier and were considered critical for providing the right care; bandages, sterile gauze, antibacterial gel, gloves, masks, etc.
Hard supplies can usually be ordered from other, non-medical sources and repurposed to fit the need. For example, we bought cotton swabs from a craft supplier. They were intended for crafting use but they were clean and cheap so we used that.
AliExpress is a good source for hard supplies. Most of the time they sell the exact same thing that you can get domestically but they're selling it a lot cheaper.
Oh how I wish we'd had access to AliExpress during Occupy. Do note that shipping from China takes a while.
Soft supplies are trickier but are almost always cheaper online. You can sometimes set up a small scale bulk purchase with a local medical supply place but with the internet this isn't as feasible as it used to be. Order a single set of what you want, look at it, make sure it meets your standards, and then place a bigger order when you're sure you've got what you want.
Also be sure to check any expiration dates on what you get. Sometimes these things sit for a while and for something like bandages it doesn't matter as much, you really want to pay attention to it when it comes to things like antibacterial gel.
CAT is Combat Application Tourniquet.
So you mean something that includes this or this
> them North American Rescue has a retail page on amazon.
That's not actually North American selling them directly, it's another company. I think Rescue Essentials is the only authorized retailer on Amazon.
In a pinch yes, but a legit tourniquet is best. You also want to use it with caution. Be sure to read up on that. Here’s a link to ours. It costs about $15 USD.
Recon Medical BLK-1PAK-FBA Tourniquet - (Black) Gen 3 Mil-Spec Kevlar Metal Windlass Aluminum First Aid Tactical Swat Medic Pre-Hospital Life Saving Hemorrhage Control Registration Card 1 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ETMVQOI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OWW6CbPCHY9W3
You can buy a Combat Action Tourniquet on Amazon for only $20.
https://www.amazon.com/Recon-Medical-BLK-1PAK-FBA-Tourniquet-Pre-Hospital/dp/B01ETMVQOI/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1518018081&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=tourniquet&psc=1
Do NOT buy the "R.A.T.". They are way too short to reach around a thigh sufficiently enough to cut off circulation.
I have a small Combat Lifesavers kit in my shooting bag. Two tourniquets, two chest seals, two Israeli bandages, and a QuikClot combat gauze. Also nitrile glove and a NPG airway. Fits in a very tiny pocket.
High quality tourniquet
https://www.amazon.com/Recon-Medical-BLK-1PAK-FBA-Tourniquet-Pre-Hospital/dp/B01ETMVQOI
it's the year 2014 and i'm snorkeling in Oahu with a dive knife and combat apllication tourniquet just in case
http://www.amazon.com/Military-Issue-Combat-Application-Tourniquet/dp/B003EGD8YC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416682502&sr=8-1&keywords=cat+tourniquet
I have one of these in my pocket and another in my trauma bag in my car. Very simple to use and not terribly expensive.
I carry a RATS and a CATS with me, and yes there can be a huge difference, but when were talking about a lump of aluminum or plastic, not a lifesaving medical device, I've had really good luck.
Maybe if companies like Accushot weren't charging almost $100 for about $3 worth of manufacturing and labor we wouldn't look to places like AE to begin with.
Also you can find cheap chinese stuff on Amazon also like these.
Hey, sorry, I forgot and my home internet situation is... challenging.
Tourniquet
Isreali bandage
Shears Nasopharyngeal Airway
Quikclot bandages
Eye Shields
Emergency blankets
Halo chest seals
Chest Seal $12 - Amazon $16.40 https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Rescue-Hyfin-Chest/dp/B00KQS2NGK/
Israeli 6" $8 - Amazon $9.43 https://www.amazon.com/Israeli-Dressing-First-Aid-Compression/dp/B003DPVERM/
Tourniquet $12 - Amazon $15.97 https://www.amazon.com/Recon-Medical-BLK-1PAK-FBA-Tourniquet-Pre-Hospital/dp/B01ETMVQOI/
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