Tag Archives: first aid

Teaching The Kids (& Learning More Myself) – Trauma First Aid

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Teaching About Pressure Dressings, Tourniquets, QuikClot Bandages, and Israeli Battle Dressings
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Because of my background–as an Army medic and civilian paramedic–I sometimes forget that not everyone understands the basics of first aid. To me it’s very logical: if there’s bleeding – you need to stop it; if they’re not breathing – you need to try and restart it; if they’re pale and dizzy – lay them down and keep them warm, etc. I forget that hurt and/or sick people frequently make others uncomfortable. I forget that blood can be scary and that people don’t know it’ll be slippery, then sticky. I forget that crying out in pain isn’t as easily ignored by others, as you’re calmly and systematically evaluating the source of that pain. And the list continues.

However, I do try to remember to teach first aid skills to my family. Not to make them experts, but so they will know the basics and recognize the major symptoms. Also, since in most collapse situations I’ll be the medic for whatever group I’m with, maybe one of them will learn enough to help me care for others (or themselves, or me…)

I’ve recently made personal trauma FAKs* for Sarah, Ryan, and Brynn (Emily and Alison have less space and a much abbreviated version), and I want them to know how to use the contents when they’re needed (and I’m not around). This week we reviewed pressure dressings and tourniquets (I’ve taught them before), then introduced stopping bleeding with a QuikClot bandage and how to apply an Israeli Battle Dressing.

Pressure dressings were a review (with varied amounts of correct recall). To create an effective pressure dressing, to stop moderate to heavy bleeding, I taught them (using a “wound” drawn on my forearm) to start by folding up a piece of gauze and putting it directly over the wound. Then, while applying direct pressure, use a tightly rolled cravat (aka triangular) bandage to apply more pressure over the initial dressing. To make the actual pressure dressing, take a second cravat and, folding it so it covers the pressure cravat, wrap it around the limb. Wrap it tightly and then tie the ends, in a square knot, on top of the pressure dressing. A pressure dressing done this way will stop all but the worst wounds, i.e. one’s with arterial bleeding (remember arteries are deep blood vessels, coming from the heart, carrying oxygen, under pressure).

For “the worst wounds” I’ve taught them to apply a tourniquet. Again we use cravat bandages, this time two (or three for a leg wound). This is hard to show (maybe I’ll make a YouTube video, if there’s interest – never done that before). Tie it securely around the limb about two inches wide and about two inches above the wound. Make sure it is secured tight enough to stop the artery from flowing (and thus bleeding). Then tie off the tourniquet, placing the knot over the artery. To check that it’s effective, when practicing, see if you’ve stopped the distal pulse.

I recently bought QuikClot bandages at the gun show. I hadn’t used them before, so I read reviews and watched YouTube training videos. Then, using an accordion folded three-inch gauze roll to simulate the (rather expensive) $14 QuikClot, we practiced. I had them feed it directly into the (simulated) wound, right into the bleeding, until the bleeding slows; then use the rest, rolled tightly, right on top of the wound as a pressure dressing and secure it with a cravat. I also had everyone watch the training video.

Lastly they each applied the Israeli Battle Dressing (IBD), aka the Emergency Bandage. I love IBDs, but I feel they are too big for easy day-to-day carry in a small FAK (and a pressure dressing or tourniquet can be made with cravats). But we do keep them in our BOBs and our larger home FAK. I’m not even going to try and describe how to put one on (you need to watch the video). They are a great tool to stop heavy bleeding and I highly recommend them (but again, they’re just another tool).

We’ll continue practicing these skills–medical skills are perishable and easily forgotten–until they can do them competently, in a dark room with their flashlight. Each time I will introduce new ideas and scenarios.

Teach your kids–and spouse–the skills you know; you may not be around when they are necessary. And remember, “To teach is to learn twice.” (- Joseph Joubert)

(Wednesday: Sarah’s View)

*For my list of abbreviations and other information, open the above ‘Check Here…’ page tab.

Book Review: The Doom and Bloom Survival Medicine Handbook

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by Joseph Alton, M.D. and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P.
(aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy)

Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy, of the Doom and Bloom Hour, are my definitive ‘collapse medicine’ experts. So I was thrilled when I heard they had published a  medical survival book and I immediately ordered a copy. When it arrived, I spent several days pouring through it.

I could not be happier, it is outstanding! Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy have written a first of it’s kind, an incredible medical reference in the–previously non-existent–category of collapse medicine.

They tell you what to do when, “Help is NOT on the way” ever.

Collapse: The situation after a TEOTWAWKI event; modern society, infrastructure, and systems as we know it will no longer exist.

Collapse Medicine: Medical care that will be provided when “there is no access to modern medical care, and there is NO potential for accessing such care in the foreseeable future.”

First aid books tell us, when treating a critical patient, to first stabilize then transport to a hospital emergency room. This one doesn’t. This one can’t – in a collapse there won’t be any. This book is written in plain easy to understand English, and it is written for you. You, the non-medical provider who takes it upon his or her self to assume the medical responsibilities for the group; doing your best to keep your people as healthy as you can.

The book begins by teaching you how to become a medical resource. It provides detailed lists of Likely Medical Issues You Will Face, Medical Skills You Will Want To Learn, and Medical Supplies you’ll want/need (including a thorough list of what to stock in your medical kit).

There is not only a valuable section explaining Natural Remedies (including a chapter on Essential Oils) but, whenever possible, it shows you how to effectively use them in conjunction with traditional (allopathic) pharmacology. Someday the only medicines available may be the ones you can grow and gather.

This book is as all-encompassing as I believe it can be. From respiratory infections to fractures to hypothermia to pregnancy and delivery, the chapters and the knowledge continue. There is even a detailed chapter on suturing; including when–and when not–to close a wound. If you can think of a medical problem that you may have to deal with in a collapse, there’s information about it in this book and more. Then, to further your medical education, they include a list of medical reference books you can add to your library and YouTube videos that demonstrate the procedures discussed.

The book concludes with information I don’t believe you’ll find written anywhere else; on the medically controversial topics of stockpiling medications (prescription and over-the-counter), how to use antibiotics (without a doctor’s guidance), and what drug expiration dates really mean.

Finally, I especially appreciate that they dedicated the book to me – okay, all of us. We, who will take on the medical responsibilities when there are no others; the ones who your group will affectionately call ‘Doc’. To us, Doctor Bones and Nurse Amy write, “…we both dedicate this book to those who are willing to take responsibility for the health of their loved ones in times of trouble. We salute your courage in accepting this assignment; have no doubt, it will save lives.”

 

Something To Lean On

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Reasons to Add Crutches, Canes, and Wheelchairs To Our Preps
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No one plans to trip and fall–especially not to fall and get hurt–but we do. It happens faster than we can say “oops”. Most of the time we quickly (or slowly) get back up, check to ensure all our parts still work, and somewhat sheepishly go on. But sometimes you either can’t get up, or it really hurts when you do.

A little while back I was thinking how difficult it would be to get around in a collapse situation with a leg injury. Trying to improvise crutches or a cane, though doable, wouldn’t be ideal. So we decided to purchase (from a thrift store) a set of crutches, a cane, and a wheelchair. So far we’ve got the crutches and a cane, hanging neatly in a corner of the garage. We haven’t found a decent wheelchair for good price yet, but when we do it’ll be folded down and hung with the others.

When an injury first happens, especially if it looks serious, everyone available helps and cares for the injured. But in the days afterward, the injury is mostly forgotten by everyone except the injured. He (or she) now has to get around and function as best they can. Injuries such as sprains and strains* are rarely crippling, but they make even minimal walking painful and difficult. Having that set of crutches or a cane (though a cane is easier to improvise, storing one takes almost no space) allows a patient to be ambulatory and more independent. In addition a wheelchair, for someone who can’t even get around on crutches, would be invaluable. Remember we’re discussing a situation where there is no other medical assistance available; a situation where you only have what you have.

This doesn’t have to be just a collapse situation. What about an injury during an ice or snow storm where it’s difficult to get out, or to have an ambulance respond? How much easier would it be if you had what was needed to allow your patient to be ambulatory? Then, when care is available, hang it back up until it’s needed again – they’re reusable.

Ryan is currently healing from an injury of his own. His involves the collar-bone and shoulder region (bike crash), so it doesn’t limit him walking around. But I was reminded how long those type of injuries take to heal, the pain associated with them, and the inconveniences they cause doing simple day-to-day activities.

The other thing I plan to add to our medical preps is a folding military-style stretcher. I thought about this again when I read Dr. Bones’ post, Thoughts on Patient Transport. A stretcher is in a somewhat different category since it’s used to carry an injured person, and may not be as necessary because it can be improvised. But we know that people are going to get hurt and that they are going to need to be moved; so we may as well prepare for it.

I know this isn’t brain surgery, but frequently we don’t think about preparing for medical injuries beyond having a first aid kit. As I’ve stressed before, in a collapse situation people who aren’t used to physical exertion will be forced to be much more active and injuries will happen – and they will happen more frequently.

(Friday: What I Did This Week To Prep)

*A sprain is an injury to a ligament (in a joint), i.e. sprained ankle; a strain (aka as ‘pulled’) is an injury to a tendon or muscle, i.e. strained, or pulled, hamstring). For first aid treatment, remember the mnemonic: P.R.I.C.E. – protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate. Crutches, a cane, or a wheelchair will help protect the injured extremity by not putting weight on it, and allow it to rest by using it as little as possible.

No, You Can’t Take It

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five basic needs: 1) food, 2) water, 3) shelter, 4) SECURITY, and 5) energy

Security is the degree of protection against danger, damage, loss, and crime.

There’s a story of a prepper moving into his new home. As he’s unpacking all of his preps and food storage in his garage the nosey neighbor wanders over, looks at all stuff and ‘jokingly’ says, “If the shit ever hits the fan, I know who I need to come and kill.” The prepper looks at the neighbor and says, “That’s too bad. Before you said that, I would have shared with you if you were in need.”

Now that we’re starting to build our preps, what do we need to do to keep them secure? It’s a tough, but real question. There are people out there who’s shit hits the fan (SHTF) scenario is to take others’ stuff by force (“I don’t need to store food, I just store ammo”). To share, or not, is a personal choice; however, the decision is one you should be allowed to make, not forced into.

Our neighbors and those around us know that we’re preppers. They see into our garages; they hear us discuss our projects and stores. Some in the prepper community express concern about others ‘knowing too much’; but I believe, with the appropriate caution, we should share our knowledge and set an example, and build community around us.

“When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.” Lack of water kills us in a few days; lack of security can kill us in seconds.

Security involves many technical skills: personal defense, weapons, firearms, and first aid. Almost all require some degree of initial training, and then continuing education to maintain proficiency. It encompasses a lot of things viewed as the ‘Cool Guy’ exciting stuff. Many of us, myself included, enjoy training in personal defense, shooting guns, or learning to treat a trauma wound. But these skills become very serious when lives depend on them.

Being aware of your environment and actions is also a big part of security. Know who’s around, have escape routes in mind, look for potential weapons. Do what you can to avoid dangerous places and situations. Frank Sharpe Jr., of Fortress Defense, teaches “We don’t go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things.”

In addition to the practical skills, there are the moral aspects. While most would agree with defending yourself, and others around you, what about defending your ‘stuff’? Where is the line, how much of your preps (‘stuff’) can you lose before that loss threatens your life?

The Second Amendment affirms our right to “keep and bear Arms.” Firearms ownership in the prepper community is overwhelmingly approved of and encouraged. I believe firearms should be a part of your preps. But everyone must decide what is appropriate for them. If you do choose to use firearms, ensure you have the proper training in safe use and handling.

Whether you choose to use firearms or not, I also highly recommend carrying pepper spray on a daily basis. It’s a non-lethal option that is easy to carry, requires no special training, it’s inexpensive, and very effective.

And finally, first aid training–to keep us secure if/when someone gets hurt– is a topic near and dear to me. After working as a paramedic for almost 10 years I appreciate what can, and can’t, be done.

Firearms, other weapons, and first aid will be the topics of future posts. At this point I simply want to raise awareness. As we strive for self-reliance we know that systems fail–especially in disasters. It is up to us to protect our five basic needs, our homes, and our families.

(Friday: What I Did This Week To Prep)