Keeping a Truama bag on hand.

[Jasonw560]

I agree that I would not render aid to someone that I had to shoot in self defense. I do however like the idea of having a trauma bag/first aid kit of some sort on hand in case myself, a loved one or an innocent bystander is wounded. I picked up a basic first aid kit at a gun show last weekend and have been adding to it. Stuff like Israeli bandages and all sorts of first aid stuff is available through Amazon.com. Of course I'd like to take some training classes through the Red Cross or something similar.

I'm about to do the same thing. I'm looking for a decent starter kit and wanted to find out a good place for general training...I'll have to look into Red Cross, good idea.

You are more likely to need the bag and training for something else, but having first aid training is a good skill to have.

Ya, I agree. I want it more for camping and all that. I looked today and the wilderness one looks really interesting. Although I can't find good info on where to take it and how to sign up :( One spot said it was a 16 hour class, another said it was just an online test... I want to find a good one for me and my wife to take so we are both up to speed.

Did you call your local chapter? Dallas Red Cross or Chisolm Trail in Ft. Worth.

http://www.redcrossdallas.org
Http://chisolmtrail.redcross.org

They should know where to take it.

Eta proper website address

[snatchel]

For what this is worth:

Unless you have some fairly decent first-aid/first-responder training, a lot of the things in a trauma bag will be useless. I took a lot of those classes, and I still would not feel comfotable performing in depth first aid on someone.

For most trauma situations, the idea is to STOP THE BLEEDING. This requires nothing but latex gloves and a couple of heavy duty bandanges. Apply pressure and wait for medics.

A special hint for gun-shot wounds: TAMPONS!

I carried tampons in my MOLLE gear in Iraq, and have seen them used to treat gun shot wounds countless times. Insert tampon, cover wih bandage, and wait for medics.

[Skiprr]

For most trauma situations, the idea is to STOP THE BLEEDING. This requires nothing but latex gloves and a couple of heavy duty bandanges. Apply pressure and wait for medics.

A special hint for gun-shot wounds: TAMPONS!

I carried tampons in my MOLLE gear in Iraq, and have seen them used to treat gun shot wounds countless times. Insert tampon, cover wih bandage, and wait for medics.

Many years ago a guy named Jason advised I add Tampons to my emergency medical kit. Brilliant addition.

[n5wd]

For most trauma situations, the idea is to STOP THE BLEEDING. This requires nothing but latex gloves and a couple of heavy duty bandanges. Apply pressure and wait for medics.

A special hint for gun-shot wounds: TAMPONS!

I carried tampons in my MOLLE gear in Iraq, and have seen them used to treat gun shot wounds countless times. Insert tampon, cover wih bandage, and wait for medics.

Many years ago a guy named Jason advised I add Tampons to my emergency medical kit. Brilliant addition.

And they are a great way to stop a serious nose bleed, as well!

[Dragonfighter]

What if you render aid and he dies anyway?

DA:
Why did you render aid to someone who just, according to you, try to kill you? Or is it that you aren't so sure about your justification?
Did you do something to exacerbate the injury?
Did you simply make sure he would die?

These are all questions I can see being asked if you shoot someone and they die...or don't after you render aid. Call 9-11 report location and call for EMS.

Also: Do you know how to use a clotting agent? Do you know when it is contraindicated (for instance, use on a potential pneumothorax may exacerbate it, causing a tension pneumothorax which will kill pretty quickly unless it is relieved by chest tube or thoracotomy)? Unless your in the sticks applying pressure may be all the time there is before EMS arrives.

[tacticool]

The paid medics won't approach him until the cops make the scene safe, so it would be foolish for me to approach a known threat who might still be dangerous.

However, trauma kits tailored to your skills are good things to have in your home and vehicles. They can be used for self aid, treating your friends & family, and also strangers if you're so inclined. I want stuff to help me control bleeding and relieve pneumothorax. For strangers, I also want barriers (gloves, CPR mask) to protect myself. Suggestions for specific stuff depends on skills, budget, space and weight limits, and other factors. For example, I used to have an Asherman chest seal in my trunk bag, but didn't replace it when it got past date. I do carry a 14ga ARS on body.