Rescue/response gear build out

[Reinen]

First Aid/Responder is never a bad thing to have. A caution though from a.former EMT:
If you have no training and attempt to assist until the pros get there, in PA, under Good Samaritan laws, you can't be sued. If however you do have training, and maybe miss something or make a mistake, you can be sued. In the case of my EMT cert , I'm legally obligated to assist.

Just be aware of the legal side. Unfortunate that that has to be a concern when all you want to do is help

Good point. I should have made that more clear. I was just talking about basic training.
Certification is something else entirely and should be considered carefully.

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[Jtimbrook]

One of the best tools in your vehicle is you. Most have alluded to this tool or that but realistically your intelligence is the most important tool in any vehicle. Take time and getting the necessary training to know how to use your equipment in your vehicle. In all 50 states you're covered under some form of a Good Samaritan Act as a medical provider (yes this includes those with basic first and CPR training) in the case where you must act.
In regard to other tools such as extraction tools most local agencies will be able to help guide you through proper and basic usage and in some cases at no cost. If your area does not have this attend an event like Overland Expo and sign up for the courses available to help build your educational repertoire. Overall, it does come down to the person to make smart decisions for worse case scenarios.

My equipment list that lives in my Jeep at all times:
First aid kit with stop the bleed kit
Fire extinguisher
Window breaker/ seat belt cutter
Flashlight
Thermal blanket
Toilet Paper (way more purpose than just the bum)
Basic tool kit
Water

 

[Gio]

30 plus years in law enforcement, with a year as a accident/crash investigator. My wife was a firefighter/paramedic.

Rarely will anyone be trapped in a car made in the last few decades. And if they are, comfort them until a fire unit arrives. Fires are also relatively rare in modern vehicle crashes. Many people think airbag propellant is smoke, and panic.

The best thing to do is get everyone out who can move on their own, and get them off the roadway. If a vehicle catches fire after occupants are out, let it burn. Do not try to extinguish it yourself, batteries and fuel can explode at any second. An inflated burning tire can throw molten debris many yards when it pops. Once a fire starts, the vehicle will almost always be totaled. Not worth getting injured to try to save it. Save your extinguisher to put out the grass or anything else that starts to burn around the vehicle. I’ve seen batteries burn for hours, even after the FD is on the scene and working on it. If the vehicle is EV or hybrid, just get away from it.

As said above, a pry bar is your best tool. You can move parts with leverage that would otherwise not move. And you can pry metal or plastic away from a tire and make a vehicle drivable again. A battery powered sawzall is another very useful extraction tool.

Be careful of moving those who can’t move on their own. A bad injury can be made much worse, or someone who has their blood flow cut to a extremity could die quickly from a bleed out if you are not careful. Wait for the pros, with the updated training and proper tools to arrive.

Fire extinguishers can do you a little bit of good now and then.
You may be able to get some valuable items out of the vehicle if you knock the flames down early.
Depending on the type of fire there is about a 1% chance you can actually put it out.
The other 99% of the time the fire will restart and take the vehicle with it.

I've seen fire departments dump all kinds of water and foam on vehicles like this.
I've also been called back to the flatbed truck towing the vehicle a few miles down the road and had to recall the FD because the vehicle restarted on fire.

Having some training and a first aid kit can go a long way. So does the ability to call for real help if needed.

I'd never knock being prepared but I've seen enough fire extinguishers NOT do the job, than save the day. That said buying a little time is not a bad idea.

I do carry one now and then.

Having even a little time to smash a window, cut a seatbelt and pull somebody out is certainly worth it.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

One of the best tools in your vehicle is you. Most have alluded to this tool or that but realistically your intelligence is the most important tool in any vehicle. Take time and getting the necessary training to know how to use your equipment in your vehicle. In all 50 states you're covered under some form of a Good Samaritan Act as a medical provider (yes this includes those with basic first and CPR training) in the case where you must act.
In regard to other tools such as extraction tools most local agencies will be able to help guide you through proper and basic usage and in some cases at no cost. If your area does not have this attend an event like Overland Expo and sign up for the courses available to help build your educational repertoire. Overall, it does come down to the person to make smart decisions for worse case scenarios.

My equipment list that lives in my Jeep at all times:
First aid kit with stop the bleed kit
Fire extinguisher
Window breaker/ seat belt cutter
Flashlight
Thermal blanket
Toilet Paper (way more purpose than just the bum)
Basic tool kit
Water

The thermal blanket is a good one. Either in case of extreme cold to cover someone or myself, or if not cold then as something softer to lay on vs the ground if need be. I may have to look into some options for that.

 

[Vatdevil]

Bumper mounted winch, if used safely, with proper rigging, has many uses in emergencies. Also, stop with roll bar mounting extinguishers. Yes it looks cool, but if it pops loose in an accident it can cause serious bodily harm. Floor mount it with metal straps

 

[Jtimbrook]

The thermal blanket is a good one. Either in case of extreme cold to cover someone or myself, or if not cold then as something softer to lay on vs the ground if need be. I may have to look into some options for that.

It can also be used in cases of dehydration for using the Fold technique to bring a person's temp down, so it's very multipurpose in that regard. Amazon has plenty of very inexpensive options.

 

[JPROCKS]

This thread is highly informative and thanks to all that posted. I learned quite a lot. Any recommendations on a pry bar to carry?

 

[Jtimbrook]

This thread is highly informative and thanks to all that posted. I learned quite a lot. Any recommendations on a pry bar to carry?

I carry two standard stick bar pry's of different lengths, I know others carry split style ones, and/ or rescue pry's it's a "what's familiar to you tool"

 

[The Last Cowboy]

A pry bar is also one of the more effective trail tools for use in fixing broken suspension components.

 

[Heimkehr]

Be careful of moving those who can’t move on their own.

A bad injury can be made much worse, or someone who has their blood flow cut to a extremity could die quickly from a bleed out if you are not careful.

Wait for the pros

+10. By way of related example, I've put some variation of the pictured sticker on my helmets (and this thread has reminded me that I need to replace the one that has worn off my primary helmet.) Even the slightest articulation of the patient's cervical vertebrae can unwittingly cause paralytic injury, depending on the circumstances.

 

[Atomic-Mouse]

I have an Estwing Geo/Paleo pick, usually stays in my Jk. It’s ment for dirt and rock but you could definitely use it to pry open a car door or hood if needed.

if you are looking for the real multipurpose rescue pry bar then you’re looking for a Halligan bar. A good one from a reputable company will run you anywhere from $300-$800 depending on size and style. There is a knock off on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Redemption-T...7942&sprefix=halligan+bar,aps,119&sr=8-3&th=1
Another thing to consider is a fire blanket, they don’t take up much room and can be used in many situations and don’t run out like a fire extinguisher. Not going to put out an engine compartment fire but will protect someone during an extraction or smother someone on fire.
https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Emerg...748909459&sprefix=fire+blanket,aps,286&sr=8-7
I carry a MyMedic kit in my Jeeps as well but unless someone is in direct danger my main concern is safety and trying to make them as comfortable as possible without moving them and calling EMS. My JK is equipped with a radio with 6 of the local fire department’s channels, the benefit of being on my town’s volunteer department.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Another thing to have that will save lives more than any fire extinguisher, is a tourniquet. However, if you get one, learn how to use it.

 

[Terrymo]

Another thing to have that will save lives more than any fire extinguisher, is a tourniquet. However, if you get one, learn how to use it.

Along those same lines I’d add QuikClot

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Another thing to have that will save lives more than any fire extinguisher, is a tourniquet. However, if you get one, learn how to use it.

That's probably a good one to snag and carry. My dad actually ended up saving a guy that got impaled by a motorcycle kickstand by fashioning one out of a belt.

 

[NWJeepr]

I've read some very good points already made, so I'm adding my $0.02 and the few things I carry that could be of use for the average person.

Most of the situations you come upon aren't traumatic, heavy-mechanism incidents. The one that you do, unless you practice this sort of thing often, I don't think anyone can be prepared for that, alone.

-A heavy set of leather gloves (heat/cut-resistant) accessible from my driver's seat. I also carry some nitrile gloves, for messy things. It's usually not for someone dying. Animal strikes can be really...juicy...and sometimes the car can still go down the road, but things need to be cleaned off, plastic parts torn off, or zip tied, etc.

-A trash bag. Which, conveniently turns into a rain jacket if you have to walk, or help someone in the rain. But it can also hold wet/dirty clothing, or be put down on your seat when you get back in.

-Something to kneel on, like a moving blanket. But it's also something to shield someone from breaking glass, throw over someone if they're dead, or just if it's wet and you're trying to help a live person on the side of the road. And you will really appreciate it if you have to kneel down, or lay down, to do something to your vehicle.

-A reflective safety vest. I like to keep one in the console or under the driver's seat. Because you can help direct traffic, or just be seen better, or help someone else be seen better.

-Basic tools. Because sometimes roadside is a battery terminal needing tightened or cutting the end off a split coolant hose and re-clamping it. For a long time I carried an axe. Good for prying, good for hitting, good for...cutting. Not a coolant hose, though. Carry a good pocket knife for that.

-A damn good flashlight. With good batteries. Why carry one when your passenger can hold another. If you have another half that travels with you, x2 on things like gloves and a BAMFU/ pry tool. Sunglasses are excellent eye protection in a pinch.

-First aid. Big stuff also helps minor stuff. Big pads, big gauze, big tape, big wrap, even if you're there just to give it to someone who is better trained. Sometimes you're on the road and you get a bad hangnail, and it's nice to have a bandaid, or be able to wrap it with a little piece of gauze and some tape.

-Fire extinguisher. The flat ends of them can break windows and the pointy end can help put out a fire. Who knew.

I'm sure I'll think of more later. You can carry an entire aid car, or engine, and still need two or more of them....

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