Medic Bags

[sargeek]

I am interested in replacing my Current Trauma Bag and expand it into a Trauma Bag/Expedition Medical Bag.

I am a current NREMT-B w/ an expired "Wilderness" rating, and my travel partner/wife is a PA.

I am currently looking at this BAG from Galls, but would like some suggestions?
http://www.galls.com/jpegs/342680.jpg

http://www.galls.com/jpegs/342642.jpg

At this point I am looking for a good bag, and will stock it as needed.

My move this to a different forum for more attention.

[SunTzuNephew]

I've had good service from Conterra products, and have a Responder-II bag in each vehicle. My big bag is a Kifaru Navigator with E&E attached, however...

I have tried a lot of different bags, and I'm still looking for the right one.

[TACODOC]

I have tried a lot of different bags, and I'm still looking for the right one.

x2

[cjl1357]

Check out CSM Gears SARC Bag. I currently use one and absolutely love it. Large enough to carry everything, yet not to big to over stuff it. It is the bag that I use for vehicle operations and TEM's bag.

The owner of CSM is a retired Navy SARC Corpsman and his gear is second to none. Well thought out, and built like a tank.

[roamingaz]

I am also looking for another bag so I can carry more stuff, I just passed my national registry for EMT-B and I am taking a wilderness class in March :wings:.

I like chinook medical, they carry alot of top quality gear a decent prices.
http://www.chinookmed.com/

[SunTzuNephew]

+1 Chinook is a good place to deal with.

[Jnich77]

Black Hawk

[Fireman78]

This is the case I have been carrying for a while. It is by far the best protection for your gear. http://www.all-pelican-cases-4-less.com/detail_pelican_1550-EMS.html

[SAR Skipper]

This is the case I have been carrying for a while. It is by far the best protection for your gear. http://www.all-pelican-cases-4-less.com/detail_pelican_1550-EMS.html

Pelican makes great gear containers. We have them on most of the SAR team airboats, And I use them personally for both vehicle applications and small boat instruction. Use them to carry everything from 1st aid equiptment to radios, cell phone and wallet.

Waterproof, float and tough as nails.

But I don't want to hump them around in the field;) Too bulky/heavy. Need a soft bag for that.

cjl1357-Do you have a link for the bag you recommended?
CSM Gears SARC Bag.

Many thanks.

[TACODOC]

Black Hawk

Used to be top notch gear... before they outsourced everything and got too big for their own good.

For operational gear, I prefer North American Rescue or TAG (Tactical Assault Gear) for my bags and supplies - NA Rescue is #1 IMO but $$$.

[cjl1357]

www.csmgear.com

There are many options like everyone has listed above. I like the CSM bag because I found that I over stuffed averything else. Just about the right size and packs great.

If you are looking for something bigger, I would recommend Eagle Industries, or SOTECH.
www.eagleindustries.com
www.specopstech.com

I have a Mission Medical Pack from SOTECH and it will carry EVERYTHING!! Great bag, but I found that I carried everything plus in it and soon it weighed more than I did.

Hope some of this helps

[robert]

Personally I find a backpack style bag to be a PITA to work out of for general use. Unless you are planning on carrying it longer distances, a regular style bag is easier to locate stuff in and get stuff out of without spilling stuff. I've used Iron Duck bags with two different EMS services and liked them; they're durable and they have an excellent warranty. I also like using a Pelican case for vehicle use in that it packs well and protects your supplies, but I use a smaller one than their 1500 series. Adventure Medical Kits makes decent, well thought out ready to buy kits if you don't want to be bothered putting one together yourself and if you've got the money.

Also having a bunch of smaller packs (kits) inside your main bag is great, but you can do the same thing with ziplock bags or inexpensive nylon bags if you're on a budget.

I'm also of the opinion that most folks way overpack on medical supplies, but that's just me. I can't tell you how many people I've come across who have stuff they aren't trained to use who say they carry it in case someone else may be trained to use it or for use only in a dire emergency.

[SunTzuNephew]

Personally I find a backpack style bag to be a PITA to work out of for general use. Unless you are planning on carrying it longer distances, a regular style bag is easier to locate stuff in and get stuff out of without spilling stuff. I've used Iron Duck bags with two different EMS services and liked them; they're durable and they have an excellent warranty. I also like using a Pelican case for vehicle use in that it packs well and protects your supplies, but I use a smaller one than their 1500 series. Adventure Medical Kits makes decent, well thought out ready to buy kits if you don't want to be bothered putting one together yourself and if you've got the money.

Also having a bunch of smaller packs (kits) inside your main bag is great, but you can do the same thing with ziplock bags or inexpensive nylon bags if you're on a budget.

I'm also of the opinion that most folks way overpack on medical supplies, but that's just me. I can't tell you how many people I've come across who have stuff they aren't trained to use who say they carry it in case someone else may be trained to use it or for use only in a dire emergency.


I think that people tend to overpack, but of the wrong things, and tend to drastically underpack on certain items (like 4x4's). Part of the problem is that there are lots of items that are sort of single-purpose (eye patches, for example)....yes, they're nice to have, but you know what? A couple of 4x4's does the same thing. OB kits? I already carry everything I need, why duplicate it.

Commercially made kits are famous for this, and for loading the kit up with items that aren't really usable at all - scissors that can't even cut air, tweezers that are useful only for picking up boulders, etc. Then they don't include really important things like hemostatic agents (Quikclot gauze, for example). Modularity can be nice, but it can also be a hindrance - the Thomas series of bags, IMHO, force you to carry stuff their way, even if you don't want to.

I use a lot of ziplock bags (or ziplocks inside of vacuum sealed bags, to close up after I rip open the vac bag), as well. They're cheap, visible, lightweight, and sufficiently waterproof to protect most everything I carry - except for things like drugs and the pulseox, blood glucose meter, digital thermometers, which go in otterboxes for protection (the drugs stay in my refrigerator most of the time, too).

[teotwaki]

I can see that I'll need to carve out some time to embark on a medical training program. It has long been a gap in my skill set.

[SunTzuNephew]

I can see that I'll need to carve out some time to embark on a medical training program. It has long been a gap in my skill set.


I recommend most people get a wilderness something or other - wilderness first responder, EMT, etc.

The non-wilderness courses train you to be 10 minutes away from a hospital...thats not reality for most of us.

[amocaT]

This is what I just bought to build a 1st aid kit. Compact and everything is visible. It's a Blackhawk Medic Roll.

http://www.code3tactical.com/images/products/detail/18237IMG1_L.jpeg
http://www.code3tactical.com/images/products/detail/18237IMG2_L.jpeg

[762X39]

This is what I just bought to build a 1st aid kit. Compact and everything is visible. It's a Blackhawk Medic Roll.
It looks like a pretty good idea, just don't stuff it with crap like the photo shows:coffee:
I am using a Ferno bag I purchased after my first First Responder course I took in 2006 or there abouts.I stuffed about 50 4by4's into it,about 10 rolls of tape,good scissors,hemostats,2 really decent pairs of tweezers, a few battle order dressings (pressure dressings),4 litres of saline in 1 litre bottles, about 20 pairs of gloves and a pile of knuckle and fingertip dressings (just going by my personal experiences:)).Of course the steth and bp cuff go without saying.
I keep meds in a cool dry place (vacumn sealed in the cooler) but really, I mostly end up dealing with road rash or big bloody messes.For everthing else, I call in medevac and wait for the sartechs to show up!

[gary in ohio]

If your going to build a first aid kit then build one right. Bandaids are the last item that goes in them. You want plenty of tape, large bandages, kerlix, coban and ace bandages. Stop the blood, stop the swelling and stop the pain.

Might want to check out http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/
and check out http://www.chinookmed.com/cgi-bin/item/01332/modules/-Chinook-Medication-Module---------------------- for a nice medicine pack.

[teotwaki]

I recommend most people get a wilderness something or other - wilderness first responder, EMT, etc.

The non-wilderness courses train you to be 10 minutes away from a hospital...thats not reality for most of us.

Absolutely agree. Better for SHTF situations too.

[robert]

You can put a kit together cheaper yourself, but looking at some of the other kits out there will give you a good basis for what to put in your own. I'm one of those people who is more of a minimalist; look at what items can do double (or triple duty) as SunTsu noted. For example, I don't carry a lot of various bandaging supplies; I can make do with what I have and I can press a shirt or towel into service if the need arises. Personally I go through a lot more band aids and triple antibiotic than anything else- I hate getting blood on my stuff; not good for the paint. :)

[SunTzuNephew]

I generally don't recommend triple antibiotic ointment, when single will do (dont want to create antibiotic resistance in anyone).

Also, bandaids are the most used first aid item....I usually recommend that people have them handy somewhere other than their FA kit: It keeps the FA kit clean, organized and dry if you don't go into it all the time. I keep them in exterior pockets in their own ziplock bag.

[ThomD]

Maybe it is a silly question, but why aren't more of these bags available in red? I always think of first aid kits as being red.

[Dale]

For thise of you with no First Aid Experience up to Street EMT Certification, I recomend a Wilderness First Responder Course in lieu of an expensive Backcountry Medical Kit. I personally have my kit down to 4 pairs of Nitrile Gloves, roll of climbing tape, large hankerchief and medium sized multitool (include your personal meds). You want something that will be with you at all times. Everything else can be improvised....Disclaimer, If your a WEMT-P or Wilderness Command Physician you'll have a different take on this.

[Scott B.]

I have heard good things about Stat Packs (http://www.statpacks.com/).

I have not held one in my hands, so I can't speak directly about their products. People I have spoken with like them, and I am seriously considering getting one of the backpack style packs for my EMS gear.

I think it would be easier to haul a backpack (leaving your hands free) to an injured party who happens to be nowhere close (or vehicle accessible) to my truck.

[SunTzuNephew]

Maybe it is a silly question, but why aren't more of these bags available in red? I always think of first aid kits as being red.

Real EMS is blue....

[ThomD]

Real EMS is blue....

I wonder why that is. Since I'm not an EMT, I'll stick with red.

[Scott B.]

... but why aren't more of these bags available in red? I always think of first aid kits as being red.

Stat Packs are available in red.

[ThomD]

Stat Packs are available in red.

Thanks. I spent all my money on signing up for Wilderness First Aid, so now I'm feeling cheap. Those purpose built trauma bags, and the like, look cool, but may be out of my comfort zone this month.

[SunTzuNephew]

Thanks. I spent all my money on signing up for Wilderness First Aid, so now I'm feeling cheap. Those purpose built trauma bags, and the like, look cool, but may be out of my comfort zone this month.


Don't worry about it: There isn't a medic bag or case in the world that's saved anyone's life. My 'official' field bag is a backpack (Kifaru Navigator), my 'doctors bag' is a black 'bail-out bag' from Countycomm.

Whatever works for you and gets the job done is fine. For the first few years of my prehospital medical life I used a plastic food container to hold my first aid kit...

[Yudda]

Hi guys,

I just recently went to SHOT in Vegas. While checking out all the new gear i met Doc at MPAC Springtail solutions.

Basically ... MOLLE for your trucks.

anyway...i wanted to try out one of his Molle aluminum plates for my 110....he showed me these:
37920

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/springtail-solutions/102904-new-mpac-stat-molle-bags-rip-away.html

i purchased two Countycomm bags recently and i planned on mounting them on my rear door.

But with these they mount to the truck and the bag rips away if needed quickly !

37921


When i saw these i immediately mentioned to him that it looks like he got the idea from the high end IFAK pouches that are out there...and he said...EXACTLY !


anyway...check it out.

http://www.springtailsolutions.com/gpage3.html


Rob

PS: I have to mention that he did give me one at SHOT :) and so far... it been great. Hell i used it as my "2nd carry on" on the flight home.

[ThomD]

Don't worry about it: There isn't a medic bag or case in the world that's saved anyone's life. My 'official' field bag is a backpack (Kifaru Navigator), my 'doctors bag' is a black 'bail-out bag' from Countycomm.

Whatever works for you and gets the job done is fine. For the first few years of my prehospital medical life I used a plastic food container to hold my first aid kit...

That's funny because my current "kit" is in a a big plastic box. The issues I see are - it doesn't close well so stuff falls out, there is zero organization and it doesn't look cool. (Admit it that's why we buy some of the things we buy.) I'll can live with it for a while longer.

[Dennis David]

Just received my Ferno Professional ALS Bag off of eBay. Stealthy this bags is not but I got a good deal (1/2 price) on one that was part of an order but never used.

http://www.alongdesire.com/images/ferno.jpg

This bag is huge and I know it's over-kill but what the heck.

[VETTE60]

I use this pack when working wildland fires, and then zip off the web gear harness to have a pretty handy travel pak. I can fit a pretty good assortment of ALS gear in it. not sure about expedition, but it is great stowed in my cruiser and on my back. i think it is more useable than any other I have found

http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=0_1&p_id=32

http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_image.php?image=32tn_ff513_lo.jpg

[Youngunner]

We use nothing but Statpacks on the ambulance adn they're great. My ambulance company just picked me up the same medic pack that Vette suggested above for when I'm doing volunteer SAR work. We'll see how it handles some extreme Nevada terrain!

[Jnich77]

I carry a blackhawk bag, and it seems to work well. Holds plenty of supplies, and if packed properly it only takes a second to grab what I need. I pre pack gallon zip lock bags with every thing I'll need to deal with a casuality so all I have to do is pull it out and dump it. I have all my air way, chest seals, and hemorage control in them and it has seemed to work great. the nice thing is I can treat one casuality and toss one to the guy next to me and talk them through it as well.

Probably a different case for civilian trauma, but I am sure the same concept can be applied.


http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Special-Ops-Medical-Back-Pack,875,1371.htm

[Scott B.]

We use nothing but Statpacks on the ambulance adn they're great. My ambulance company just picked me up the same medic pack that Vette suggested above for when I'm doing volunteer SAR work. We'll see how it handles some extreme Nevada terrain!

Youngunner - which model(s) Statpacks do you use?

I am leaning toward the True North bag for my expedition med kit.

[yaknowthatguy]

in the last 20 years I've used most everything that has come along. there are a lot of ups and downs for bags. I've been a physician assistant for just shy of 15 years, was a medic for several before that, and a firefighter the entire time. I've been lucky enough to evaluate a lot of products out there. I haven't found any one "perfect", but there's a lot of good amongst the not-so-good, and it really means figuring out your needs prior to purchase (vehicle only, shoulder bag, backpack, need refrigeration, do you need it to last forever or just evaluation period, etc etc).

My favorites were the Pacific Emergency Products ALS bags. Sadly PEP quit manufacturing bags in favor of ballistic sheets and body armor. You may find them out there on a deal, and I highly recommend them. Take a look on ebay there may still be some floating around. Easy to use/organize and built to last.

I've used Thomas Packs. Built like a tank, essentially waterproof, poorly designed, and VERY uncomfortable if you have to hump them very far. Can be overpacked quite easily, I've seen idiots pack them to over 60# of inappropriate gear. They will last long enough for you to hate them then pass them on for your children to do the same.

Conterra bags are typically built well, but I haven't grooved on their organization necessarily, a couple of bags have seemed a little wonky - YMMV.

Ferno's bags are pretty good, as are Iron Duck's. Not been thrilled with the zipper function on alot of the Iron Ducks I've used. Overall good bang for the buck. Not a big fan of the slick-sided ones that Iron Duck makes, they tear requiring replacement under OSHA (if you're using them for work).

I've had one StatPack item worth a damn, and it's their drug module (clamshell style, see through top, drug lock on the zipper). Most everything else I've seen/used is lightweight crap worth about one trip. YMMV.

Blackhawk makes top of the line gear in general, but I haven't had a chance to see much of their stuff (I have a bit of web gear and a couple of slings from them, impressed with quality....but you pay for it).

The new ALS backpack from 5.11 (model 84 I think) looks pretty good, but I want to see it in person to get a feel for quality and actual usability. It's probably going to be my next bag.

The Gall's brand bags are generally, IMO, junk. or at least were a few years ago.

Most commercially available prepacked first aid kits dont give you what you need, I concur wiht SunTzu's Nephew on this.

Dont be afraid of carrying two bags - can help weight distribution if you have to hump them somewhere, and can help with overall convenience of packing too. Depending on how their service is set up, it's not uncommon for medics to have three bags - trauma, medical/drugs, airway. Stay flexible.

Lots of my work has been in rather austere, isolated environments - somewhat like the trips we take. My experience is that trauma is a factor far less than medical problems - you're not as likely to hack off your leg as you are to develop chest pain, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, etc. This is where it starts to get tricky, you can get over your head pretty quickly due to a knowledge gap even if you have the right tools. Most kits, especially the prepack ones, are pointed right at trauma, and have little medical capacity in them. medical equipment and knowledge should be as important as food and water, but it is limited by realistic time commitment and money. Learn all you can, train to that level regularly, and Be Prepared. Consider a SPOT too....cheap insurance if something bad happens.

[Mamontof]

I've had good service from Conterra products, and have a Responder-II bag in each vehicle. My big bag is a Kifaru Navigator with E&E attached, however...

I have tried a lot of different bags, and I'm still looking for the right one.


Right One that Only what you need and your acknowledgement of things what

and hay to use some

Nothing personal only US Cavalry provide more less pro-pack http://http://www.uscav.com/SearchMan.aspx?Man=583&TabID=137 (http://www.uscav.com/SearchMan.aspx?Man=583&TabID=137)

http://http://www.uscav.com/ZoomImage.aspx?CatID=137&ImageURL=/prodinfo/enlarged/36733L.jpg (http://www.uscav.com/ZoomImage.aspx?CatID=137&ImageURL=/prodinfo/enlarged/36733L.jpg)

[Scott B.]

I ended up getting the Firefly Medic by True North. All I can say is, what a bag!

It appears to be very well made and sturdy. I think (and hope) it will hold up for many years. There are many pockets and compartments - it's taking me a while to get it organized like I want. (There is even a water bladder compartment.)

While I don't look forward to needing this, I look forward to using it when it is needed.

[Mamontof]

I ended up getting the Firefly Medic by True North. All I can say is, what a bag!


To be clear - you purchase http://http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=1_1&p_id=32 (http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=1_1&p_id=32) to seat in a truck in case of emergency or short walk distance ?

[Scott B.]

To be clear - you purchase http://http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=1_1&p_id=32 (http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=1_1&p_id=32) to seat in a truck in case of emergency or short walk distance ?

Yes - that's the one.

My reasoning is if something happens to someone while we're out on a two-track, it would be much easier to hike/navigate around trucks to the victim with my arms free. For a victim that is only 20 feet away, it doesn't matter one way or the other. But, if you have to hike any distance, I think this bag will be better than many others.

Also, this bag is great for search and rescue.

And, it makes a great personal emergency/survival/grab-and-go bag.

[ltngaines]

Im with Fireman78. Hard case is great. I have all my stuff in a 5:11 bag. I work for a fire dept near Chicago. "Real big expedition town" flat as can be,most of the time I use my equip for side of the road car crashes hardly ever wilderness mishaps. but I will be changing all my equip, ALS/BLS to a hard case.

[Youngunner]

Forgot about this thread! I am very pleased with my TrueNorth pack, and it has served me well so far. I have that thing full to the brim with medical equipment. More than your average bear because I can work as a Paramedic on my SAR team. I keep the large removable medical bag separated and only take it when i need it (medications can't be too hot or cold). The rest of the pack system keeps my survival equipment organized and lives in my truck.

I will be looking to get the radio chest harness and O2 bag:
http://www.truenorthgear.com/_pics/208radio_harnesss_universal_300.jpg
http://www.truenorthgear.com/_pics/67o2case_open.jpg

[Mamontof]

Yes - that's the one.

My reasoning is if something happens to someone while we're out on a two-track, it would be much easier to hike/navigate around trucks to the victim with my arms free. For a victim that is only 20 feet away, it doesn't matter one way or the other. But, if you have to hike any distance, I think this bag will be better than many others.

Also, this bag is great for search and rescue.

And, it makes a great personal emergency/survival/grab-and-go bag.

That great , only in case of pro activity it not so fast inaf relise a strap and asses to medicaments / you lousing time instead grab what you need

My choice will be have that http://http://www.cobratactical.com/SOTECH-BACKPACK-MEDICALTRAUMA--MPMD_p_4278.html (http://www.cobratactical.com/SOTECH-BACKPACK-MEDICALTRAUMA--MPMD_p_4278.html)
http://http://www.cobratactical.com/SOTECH-SLIMLINE-MEDICAL-BACKPACK--SLIVER_p_4330.html (http://www.cobratactical.com/SOTECH-SLIMLINE-MEDICAL-BACKPACK--SLIVER_p_4330.html)

[TurboChris]

I've had this model of Voodoo tactical for a couple years now..I highly recommend it.

http://tinyurl.com/24n87bc

[frumpy]

Just received my Ferno Professional ALS Bag off of eBay. Stealthy this bags is not but I got a good deal (1/2 price) on one that was part of an order but never used.

http://www.alongdesire.com/images/ferno.jpg

This bag is huge and I know it's over-kill but what the heck.

I just got a Ferno bag that got retired from work duties. I love it. Does yours have the hidden backpack straps in the side?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v301/frumpybikes/a9f146b2.jpg

[Dennis David]

Not on the side but inside a pocket. I have the FireFly Medic Back Pack as well though I have the Coaxsher radio harness.

[ccarm]

For about four years, I've used a bag by Conterra. It was a great investment, but I have been thinking a lot about switching to a waterproof case. Something like the pelican. Thoughts or recommendations as to make the switch or not?

http://www.conterra-inc.com/images/product/thumbnail_infinity-pro.jpg

[Dennis David]

Pelicans will seem real heavy to what you have now. Make a rain cover if you need it.

[DarkHelmet]

Pelicans will seem real heavy to what you have now. Make a rain cover if you need it.

+1

Anything I don't want squished and running all over the bag (like Iodine Prep Pads, Burn Gel packets, etc.) I keep in a mini-pelican case inside my pack. I put everything else that I don't want wet inside of Ziploc sandwich bags to keep dry (cheap and lighter than a pelican). Otherwise, a rain cover or a waterproof stuff sack from REI would do the trick.