Prudent Prepping: First First Aid

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Now we concentrate on what to do in, and how to plan for, the long term via Prudent Prepping.

After mentioning my need for a real First Aid kit in a post on the BCP Facebook page, with a follow-up mention in last week's blog post, a friend (thanks Dave!) posted to Facebook a link to a Woot! deal on a First Aid kit, which I ordered.

Voodoo Tactical Trauma Kit

From the Woot! description:

• Full-zip pouch provides easy access to all essential items. 
• Pouch has universal straps and can be attached to your vest, pack or belt. 
• Measures 8" x 6" x 3.5" 

Kit Contents:

http://amzn.to/27fp20G

• 1 Pressure Bandage 
• 1 2" Elastic Bandage 
• 2 Plasti-Pore Tape Rolls 
• 2 4" x 4" Sterile Sponges 
• 4 Alcohol Wipes 
• 4 5" x 9" Abdominal Pads 
• 1 Pair Latex Gloves 
• 2 Clean Wipes 
• 1 Scissors 
• 1 Eye Pad 
• 10 Pain Relievers (expires: approx 11/2017) 
• 1 Triangular Bandage 
• 4 Burn/First Aid Cream (expires: approx 05/2018) 
• 1 First Aid Instructions 
• 2 Benzalkonium Chloride Wipes

* Expiration dates may vary slightly due to different lots

What I like about this pouch is that there is room in the pouch to mix and match items, allowing me to swap up to better quality and a different mix of things so suit my needs.

Already included in this kit are several items that were mentioned in the answers to my Facebook Request For Information (RFI) post, which puts me ahead of the game. But not included are several things mentioned that I do want to add fairly soon:

• Israeli bandages. I like the idea of stopping bleeding fast 
• Trauma shears. Also mentioned on Facebook (thank you, Tim). 
• More gauze, bandage material and tape. 

What I end up buying to add to this kit will depend on exactly what everything included looks like when I see it.

Training

Also missing is training on how to use some of these items in a safe and proper manner. The local Red Cross has classes every other month, and I am going to do the basic First Aid course and get re-certified in CPR. I haven't done any active First Aid training since Boy Scouts.

I am also signing up to do CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) classes sponsored by the larger town close to me. Here's what is initially covered:

• Disaster Preparedness and Terrorism 
• Fire Safety 
• Disaster Medical Operations 
• Light Search and Rescue 
• CERT Organization and Disaster Psychology 
• Final Simulated Disaster Exercise 

The expanded classes cover:

• Animal Response Training 
• Emergency Communications Training class (FRS Radio) 
• Neighborhood Team Captain Training 

All of this is important to me, since I'm in a city and plan on Bugging In if anything happens.

The Takeaway

• Friends again point me to good deals and great ideas.
• As a start on my way to a real First Aid kit, I feel pretty good.

The Recap

• One Voodoo First Aid Trauma Kit, from Woot!: $19.99; $27.11 with tax and shipping. Available for purchase on Amazon for $39.95 with free shipping.  
• A full unpacking and review will occur when the kit arrives.

EDIT EDIT EDIT!!!
My buddy just came home and handed me the Woot! box! I'm guessing the delivery company ran up and dropped the box on the porch some time this afternoon and didn't knock to let me know it was there.

Here is what the kit looks like still in the wrapper:

Next week's post will be my review of the kit.


Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running! 

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.