“The second half of self-defense is first aid!”
-Tony Torre
While we applaud the growing interest in trauma management skills, and tools it is still very important we don’t forget the role of the basics. Basic first aid, and CPR are still the most likely ones we will use. I mention this because of a growing disconnect between the skill sets. It seems that as many are now looking at trauma management skills as part of their tactical training interest in the more banal basic first aid, and CPR has waned.
In this treatment I’d like to try to make a case for the 3 types of first aid skills and gear that we should all have at a minimum. The first aid trifecta if you will. The trauma, or advanced bleeding control kit, a basic boo-boo and band aids kit, and a CPR mask along with the requisite skills to use them. Ideally, we’d have more skills, and tools than this, but this represents a very good starting point.
In the Survival Priorities Rule of Three’s, we notice that we can only survive approximately 3 minutes without oxygen. While many can relate this to drowning, or choking it is important to note that heavy bleeding kills us by depriving us of oxygen. Additionally, another form of choking can come by way of anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) where your breathing pathways swell, and reduce your ability to breath (sometimes fatally). This can easily be tied into the M.A.R.C.H. acronym often used in trauma courses. Massive bleeding, airway, respiration, circulation, and hypothermia/head injury respectively.
Notice that the M.A.R.C.H. puts the injuries in order of urgency because all can kill you, but some will be quicker than others. For this reason many have chosen to EDC (every day carry) a trauma kit. Many however dismiss the notion of keeping a first aid kit nearby. I’ve heard many dismissive statements such as the ever popular “if you need a band aid, you don’t need a band aid”. As if sucking on the cut is all you need, or even smart to do!
Carrying trauma gear on your person as part of your everyday carry gear or EDC is smart insurance in this day, and age where active shooters, and terrorism are being promoted by the media more frequently. Though I will be the first to admit for most people it is a statistical improbability that they will be caught in an armed altercation. Know, however, that these skills, and equipment are very often used to save victims of car accidents. Something we will all be involved in at least once in our lives. Most importantly for me is that I would hate to watch one of my loved ones die because I was ill prepared, incompetent, or lazy.
There are many great and highly portable kits on the market. If you choose to make your own it should ideally at least have a tourniquet, a chest seal, a pressure dressing, and a packed dressing. If this is still impractical at the very least carry a tourniquet. I’ve seen people attach them on their ankles, or even opened, and slid into the waistband of their pants with the buckle anchored on their belt.
Despite the urgency of trauma gear there are still very good reasons to have a well stocked first aid kit near by. I keep one in my car, and another in my shoulder bag. I have a first aid cabinet in my house that is quite comprehensive, and a burn kit in my kitchen. A small handy first aid kit that’s reasonably available is highly recommended even if it’s for no other reason than to have an antihistamine for managing an anaphylactic reaction handy. I would include pain medications, baking soda (burns, insect bites & stomach upset), band-aids, alcohol wipes, gauze, tweezers, burn ointment (or lavender oil), a cravat (triangular bandage), latex gloves, and eye drops. All of which fit easily into a small pouch. I’ve actually used all of the supplies mentioned including the antihistamine. Some I’ve used often.
The last piece of the puzzle is a key chain unit containing a disposable CPR mask. Yes, I know I could do it without one, and for a loved one I wouldn’t hesitate. The fact remains that on a stranger it can be pretty gross in many cases. We are advised to wear gloves, and eye protection whenever possible. I see the CPR mask as an extension of that. Referring back to the M.A.R.C.H. acronym, or the Survival Priorities Rule of Three’s note that CPR is right up there with bleeding control when it comes to urgency.
So as a quick recap. If you want to be well prepared you should at least be able to manage trauma, and EDC a trauma kit. You should have a basic first aid kit near by, and be trained in how to use it. Last but not least a disposable CPR mask in a pouch on your key chain.
*Please note that while trauma management classes are becoming more, and more popular they still aren’t as readily available as basic first, and CPR. We offer all three. Check out our website and contact us if you are interested in any of them.
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