By Budda

After reading "Emergency" by Neil Strauss I came to realize that I had become a runner. Meaning that most of my planning system was based to run and not as a backup to a sustainable longer term option and never even considered staying to help others. If people are no longer a fighter/stayer or a participant in events . If none of these, then I'm sorry to say theyve become a bystander, looking on or be a parasite to rely on others. Neither of which is a nice way of looking at yourself. To become a part of the circle of life , you need to atleast put in as much as you take out.

 

 I have always been a fighter and atleast attempted to be a participant, so when I realized that I had changed somewhere along the way I decided to design a FRP (Fast Response Pack). A some what civilian version of a First Responder Kit.

 

I had spent 9 years with in several different areas of the security industry and another 4 involved in the SES (State Emergency Service) the OZ version of CERT/ Search & Rescue. If not pulling people apart in fights or securing roof tops blown off in storms and removing bodies from car wrecks, I was atleast particpating in what was occuring around me. The realization that I had stopped doing this and actually headed in the opposite direction struck a nerve. I think the term burnout would be appropriately applied. I no longer wanted to help or be a part of what was occuring around me for a time.

 

The FRP idea is part of that. All my first aid equipment was stored away either in large crates or gear bags, depending on the size of the kit. Great for long term storage  awaiting TEOTWAWKI or taking off bush for extended periods, but of absolutely no practical value if an incident were to occur straight in front of me with everything stowed. When I was in the SES I always had a bumbag with me that could be easily carried at all times, containing essentials that would be required when responding to a call out, either an urban accident or a rural search situation. Since that time alot of great products have hit the market. So I decided to make up an updated civilian version of the gear I used to have, that would be easy to carry and provide the basics to respond to someone in need.

 

Seeing news footage of a family stuck in a rolled vehicle that had caught alight on a suburban street and not being able to get out. Then the good samaritans that tried desperately to free them with no equipment readily available put this kit into my head. They had to rely on iron pipes scrounged from neighbours yards to smash the car windows and then were unable to free the children from the seat belts until off duty firemen arrived with basic cutting tools. A pocket knife.

 

A bumbag with a seat belt cutter, small pry bar, basic first aid kit, signaling equipment and general self protective gear is all that is needed to readily respond to a person in need.

 

 

Snugpak Bumbag

I like the snugpak version on the market as it sells for $42AUD and is kept in stock within the country. The cheaper Eprey versions require the buckle moving from the side to the centre and the maxpedition gear proteus sells for twice as much.

http://www.snugpak.com/index.php?MenuID=93-103&ItemID=126

http://www.cuttingedgeknives.com.au/

 

TOPS Pry Tool

There are several versions of pry tools on the market. This model fits best on a belt and isnt so large that its kept in a vehicle or pack. Every rescue worker should have one of these on their belt, for fast deployment until larger equipment becomes available.

http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=259

http://www.cuttingedgeknives.com.au/

 

Bechmade 7 Rescue Hook (Seat belt Cutter)

I now have several seat belt cutters. Nothing is better for keeping strapped to a piece of gear for easy reach for quick cutting needs that are non-offensive in nature and have little risk of cutting a patient in tight quaters.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM7BLKWADC

 

Leather Riggers Gloves

Any sweade type glove for heavy duty use. Setwear are gell filled and breatheable.

http://www.setwear.com.au/html/ez-fit_2_gloves.html

 

Nitrile Gloves (Green 0.38 thickness)

For hygiene. These were the thickest model I could find. The blue versions are only 0.20 thickness.

http://www.esidirect.com.au/Disposable-Latex-Free-Nitrile-Gloves-p/ndexfree.htm

 

Maxpedition Surgical Glove Pouch

Easy to reach gloves, instead of searching through the rest of the pack for initial items used.Holds four sets.

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=967&idcategory=7

 

P2/N95 Dust masks

Always handy to have some sort of particle mask to limit expose to dust, smoke, etc. these are atleast rated to virus sized particles.

 

SOF Tactical Tourniquet

Handy gadget to have on hand if a pressure bandage is inadequate, or if needing to release pressure at a steady rate to avoid toxicity build up from crush injuries.

http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/products/product_detail.php?prod_id=2

 

UHF Radio/Scanner 5 Watt

Uniden UHO 075

The new model is a UHO95. The advantage over a 2 watt version which is all that is necessary for short range comunication is that the 5 watters allow the removal of the ariel and a longer version screwed in place for extra range. A small fold up extension can be kept in the rear pouch of the bum bag. Really only necessary if working within a team. The 2 watt versions are a 1/3rd of the price but have a shorter range.

 

Engineers Punch

These are spring loaded and shatter windows like nothing else, without the flying glass.

 

Goggles folding

Bobster Crossfire

I wanted something that was foldable, fogless and easy to store.

http://www.bobster.com/catalog/product.aspx?ItemCode=BCR001&SectionID=96&BrandID=3715&Family=Crossfire

 

Helmet

http://www.austecc.com.au/online-shop/protective-equipment/pro-tec-helmet-b2-sxp/

 

Adventure Medical kit Ultra Lite PRO

For the money these are the best for the size and have included a SAM splint and CPR mask.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=AD0186

 

Torch LED Lenser P7

A LED head light is another option, to keep your hands free. Brunton is a good brand.

http://www.kitbag.com.au/category978_1.htm

 

Hereford Trauma Dressings

Fast and easy to use pressure bandage. The gauze and bandage are attached to one another for quick use.

http://www.kitbag.com.au/category198_1.htm

 

EMS Holster Set

Handy to have so equipment that is always used is readily avialable without having to search through kit.

http://www.kitbag.com.au/category884_1.htm

 

Quick Clot

Another good product that helps with major bleeds.

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/FirstAidProducts.htm

http://www.outdoorzy.com/gear/review.cfm/reviewid-121/

 

Strike Force Fire Steel

Always have a means of fire starting available.

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/FirestarterProducts.htm

 

Fox Micro 40 Whistle

Vector 1 Signal Mirror

Mirror pouch

Means of signalling for SAR.

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/SignalingProducts,%20Starflash_Signal_Mirror,%20Fox_40,%20Emergency_Pocket_Strobe,%20ACR_Firefly_Plus.htm

 

Compass

Silva voyager 8010

Source of navigation for unfamilar ground.

http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/showProduct/COMPASSES+-+GPS/SILVA+COMPASSES/SC8010/SILVA+VOYAGER+COMPASS+-+MODEL+8010

 

Cold Steel pocket Shark Sharpie

http://www.coldsteel.com/pocketshark.html

For triaging patients. May also be employed as a Kubuton or Yawara stick in the use of percussion blows, joint locks and submission holds.

 

Write in the Rain Note Book

Taking notes and triageing patients.

http://www.riteintherain.com/default.aspx

 

Space Blanket

Reducing hypothermia and shock.

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/ShelterProducts.htm

 

Mini rolls of Duct Tape

You never know, this stuff can be used for anything.

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/Repair%20Gear%20from%20Survival%20Resources.htm

 

Blade Options

 

Busse Game Warden Knife (Fatty 0.270)

I wanted a knife that appeared non-offensive in nature for rescue work. Any small knife would do, Spyderco delica etc. I originally chose a fatty model before TOPS brought out their pry tool. I wanted something with a thick enough tang that would allow me to use as a hack knife and punch it through a roof of a vehicle and then batton to lift a roof. The fatty at 0.270 thick has no chance of snapping under heavy use.

 

A Kabar/Becker Tac Tool would be another option if a chopping tool is needed for rural environments.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KABK3

 

Swiss Army Victorinox Rescue Tool.

I'd never been a large fan of folders. Too many scars on my hands to show why. My Spyderco delica is one of the few that Ive kept and never leaves my side. I didnt want to part with it, for a kit usually left in a vehicle. I noticed I didnt have a Swiss Army knife in my collection for some time and came across the rescue model with a liner locker and thought it would be a brilliant addition for use in the FRP.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=VN53900