The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping.
These are some of the things that are really high on my list of "Must Have" items. All of these items are in my Get Home Bag and in the bag Purple Pack Lady has in her car. In no way is this the most thorough, amazing set of items; they're just what fell out of my bag as I was switching out some smashed energy bars, and inspired this article.
I have previously used a much larger battery storage box, but due to a change of circumstances I've gone back to a much smaller set of boxes for my standard batteries. These fit into any size pouch or side pocket, and I like how the latch is reasonably positive for a simple box. I also like how the colors show up well in low light, and even the clear box is easy to find!
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| https://amzn.to/3OCh4v2 |
- Package included:4 pcs of battery cases
- Convenient and intuitive to use, can combine in row
- Holds either 4 AA or 4 AAA rechargeable batteries
- Colors: Clear, Pink , Blue, Green
- Batteries are not included.
One of the first First Aid items I bought to go into my GHB after a basic kit full of band-aids was this handy pouch right here. I've had one in my work gear for several years now, and actually used the gauze and QuikClot once, even though it probably wasn't necessary for how big the cut was.
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| https://amzn.to/498WBWS |
- Includes QuikClot gauze, trauma pad, triangular bandage, and other key supplies for your trauma kit
- Nonallergenic QuikClot first aid gauze speeds up natural clotting and stops bleeding within minutes
- Used by hospitals, EMS/first responders, military, law enforcement, general public & outdoorsman
- Fits perfectly in any first aid kit, suture kit, medical kit, iFAK pouch, EDC pouch & survival kits
- Travel safely with QuikClot in your car first aid kit, camping essentials & backpack emergency kit
You can see a more detailed description of contents, and a very nice video showing what is included in the pouch, by following the link to the Amazon listing.
While this isn't what many would call a starter Individual First Aid Kit, if I were to try buying all these bits and pieces separately they would certainly cost a lot more than the kit itself. I keep one of these and the Adventure Medical pouch above, in my work supplies and another in my motorcycle saddle bags with a mini zip-tie through the pouch top and the kit carry handle to make pulling them out fast and easy.
As my fellow bloggers have mentioned over the years, North American Rescue makes very high quality equipment that isn't cheap. This leads to a problem when shopping for their gear: counterfeit goods sold with the NAR logo. I was pointed to this website for a nice writeup on how to tell the fake from real NAR tourniquets, but the short answer is "expect to pay no less than $30-$40 for a genuine NAR CAT tourniquet".
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| https://www.narescue.com/outdoor-adventure-products/medical-kits/m-fak-mini-first-aid-kit-red.html |
From the website:
- NAR's most compact, versatile Mini First Aid Kit
- Contains the First Responder's most requested critical point-of-wounding medical equipment for treating penetrating, blast or other traumatic injuries in the line of duty
- Super compact, rugged nylon platform that allows attachment both vertically (MOLLE backing) and horizontally (3 in. belt loop)
- Clam shell configuration utilizes (2) two main sleeves that open on both ends for easy access
- Multiple elastic loops for secure gear organization
- Vertical mount can be set to open left-to-right or right-to-left based on shooter preference
- Horizontal mount on a belt allows opening directly to your C-A-T. tourniquet
- 1 x C-A-T (Combat Application Tourniquet) Orange
- 1 x 4 in. Flat Responder ETD
- 1 x NAR Wound Packing Gauze
- 1 x HyFin Vent Compact Chest Seal, Twin Pack
- 1 x Pair, Responder Nitrile Gloves, Large
Dimensions:
- L 6 in. x W 3 in. x D 3 in.
- Weight: 13 oz
Some Closing Thoughts
Even in the middle of winter it's a good time to go through your gear and see what might be out of date (first aid cream, pain relivers, etc.), what is damaged or broken (my energy bars), and what might need recharging or fresh batteries, like flashlights.
After being reminded by seeing the IFAK, I looked through the paperwork in my wallet and saw that it's time to go back to the Red Cross and re-up
my First Aid training. During Covid, no one was doing
classes for the general public and a blogger didn't qualify for special treatment. If my work would have certified it was necessary I could have gone, but no such luck.
Stay safe and expect the best, but plan for less that that!
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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.
With the battery holder, aaa batteries are designed to go snuggly sideways vs AA batteries. And it allows a fifth battery not sideways above the 4
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