Rescue/response gear build out

[Blues Fan 30]

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....

Its definitely tough given the limited space in a wrangler especially if you want to actually be able to haul anything else at all. I'm going to try and get a little creative with my storage ideas for some of these items to maximize space and available tools. Unfortunately I don't trust adding a molle panel with a lot of these things secured to it as they'd likely just end up stolen unfortunately when I ride around without doors and top.

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[Ev08]

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.

Good save by your father. I too wear a "web belt" for that purpose and unfortunately have had to use it more than once. I've given all of my family members tourniquets to keep in their vehicles for these situations.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Keep a good amount of 5/50 cord. Good for so many things, and takes up next to no space.

Also, everyone here always carries a quality pocket knife, right? And always keep it sharp. A knife is for cutting and poking, not for prying or turning screws. Get a Gerber Shard for that.

https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/sh...IsBzSO1lQbzQxRuFbxXAFkeJaZO0osT9vC-G0D7eGH7aI

I always keep a Shard in my pocket for the things you shouldn’t do with a knife. And I always carry a good, sharp knife.

A quality flashlight that is easy to recharge. I have a Streamlight Polytac in every vehicle. Unbelievably bright, lightweight, and reliable. Throw that old D cell Maglite away.

https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/polytac-x

 

[Balor]

If there is a better spot for this admins please feel free to move.

As I had shared in the what did you do to thread I lost one of my brothers to a horrific car accident a couple of months ago. Long story short but I ended up on scene but was prevented from actually going up on scene by a state trooper. There were people who had been there on scene before any first responders though. The whole thing made me realize how horrifically unprepared I was to respond to anything of this nature. I knew I wanted to be ready to do whatever I can should I ever end up coming across people in need. I'm going to try and detail and review the products I'm adding here in case anyone else out there has the same thoughts, or has been in situations before and can share things of value. I hope I never need these items, but if I do I'll be ready.

Fishbone fire extinguisher mount - https://www.quadratec.com/p/fishbone-offroad/fire-extinguisher-holder/black - I like that it comes in a few different colors. I got black for mine and red for my wife's. Super easy install, holds a 2.5 lb extinguisher perfectly, very quick to remove the extinguisher, and has so far held up incredibly well. Recently drove several hours on the highway with the top off and speeds over 70 with zero problem. I am personally running an ABC extinguisher after talking with a first responder on their opinion on best type to carry.

Multi tool window breaker/seat belt cutter - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000IE0F12?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title - I went with the resqme as it had a lot of great reviews. I wanted something spring loaded vs the hammer but may add a hammer as well as a backup. Haven't been able to test yet, but hoping to go to the junk yard at some point and see how well it works for myself.

Led road flares - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B098Q579XJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title- I went back and forth between led and the traditional flares. There are pros and cons to both, but ultimately I really only have space for one or the other. I chose these as they are more effective in a wider range of weather conditions. Tested them out tonight and they are definitely visible from pretty far away. They are rechargeable and don't require installing a bunch of batteries before use.

I've also got Fenix E28R flashlights coming in soon. There are thousands of small flashlights out there and even Fenix has way too many options with similar features. I'll be sure to review once received. I chose this one as its got a magnetic tail end, really solid range, decently long run time, rechargeable, and wasn't too crazy expensive. They also offer 20% off for first responders and teachers (my wife is a teacher) so felt like a company worth supporting.

Going to be getting a high vis vest at some point as well to throw in the jeep.

Anyone else out there run anything you'd suggest carrying?

Blues Fan where did you find the cover on the back of your jeep?

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Blues Fan where did you find the cover on the back of your jeep?

I made it myself. If you search for diy tonneau cover and my member name you can find my various update posts in the what did you do to thread. Its made from 3/4 sanded plywood and wrapped in marine vinyl.

 

[NWJeepr]

Another serious question... for those with former certifications, do you desire to still be first-on to a scene and still carry all the supplies/gear? Why? Or do you feel more of a responsibility that if you happen upon a scene, you'll be able to kickstart things and at least be minimally useful until more help arrives?

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Another serious question... for those with former certifications, do you desire to still be first-on to a scene and still carry all the supplies/gear? Why? Or do you feel more of a responsibility that if you happen upon a scene, you'll be able to kickstart things and at least be minimally useful until more help arrives?

So I know my experience is rather limited compared to others as I was only a junior firefighter and we were limited on what we could do on real calls and whatnot. We primarily ran hose lines and tools as well as assisted in cleanup. We also frequently ran CAD from the firehouse for calls. Also having done ride alongs in an ambulance as part of the semester emt class I participated in. I definitely had a passion for it at one point in my life though. I will say it's not that I want to be first on scene but that if I am first on scene I want to be helpful so definitely the latter part of your questions. Its impossible to carry all of the right tools in a personal vehicle. I'm hoping though to build out something with maximum life saving potential in minimal space. Based on people's ideas and suggestions here I will be adding a blanket, tourniquets, and a pry bar for sure.

 

[Jtimbrook]

Another serious question... for those with former certifications, do you desire to still be first-on to a scene and still carry all the supplies/gear? Why? Or do you feel more of a responsibility that if you happen upon a scene, you'll be able to kickstart things and at least be minimally useful until more help arrives?

I'm a high school coach so I'm required to maintain my first aid, CPR, and concussion certifications to meet my contractural obligations. In all of the years of having them I have used them both for work and outside of work. Thankfully though I've never been in a position for rescue CPR, but I will say confidently if needed I could.
My sister is a director for a Cardiovascular ICU at one of our hospitals in town and she even agrees, it is far better to have the tools/certs and never need them than not have them and need them for the 1 in a million chance.

 

[MntGoat]

As has been said a tourniqert ,buy USA from American rescue, buy cheep tq holders, all vehicles .

 

[Y2KFirehawk]

As has been said a tourniqert ,buy USA from American rescue, buy cheep tq holders, all vehicles .

Thank you for the referral. Ordered!

 

[MntGoat]

Thank you for the referral. Ordered!

No, worries.
Buy cheap holders from Amazon/China so you have money in tournaquets and the holders are the cheap vessel.

 

[Gerry]

I actually was a junior firefighter for four years as a teenager, and took a full semester ems course in college. I was planning on pursuing a career as a first responder, but life had other plans for me. Unfortunately don't have space in the jeep for the jaws lol. Those things are way heavier than people probably realize.

 

[Gerry]

Hi guys, I'm new here glad I found this thread as it rely a lot on what I do. I'm a first responder with Alberta West End Fire & Rescue, we mainly respond to Brushes & Structural fires and EMS Calls. We train 3 times a month Fire scenario - Extrications - Wildlife Collision and Medical training. Got a Jeep 1 month ago so I could carry my Wildland, or Bunker Gear depending of the season. My Jeep is a 2020 Sahara Unlimited. I did modified it in order to go off-road more adequately. My main concern was (Will it fit in my Garage) ? Yes it does with a full 1/4'' space to spare ha ha ... On board I carry my kit + Trauma kit - Spare fuel Tanks - Water tank - Jack on front hood + Attached around the Jeep superstructure a combinations of ropes - Tie Down - additional bandages and most current on hand tools like jump start and ABC Fire extinguisher. I would really like to explore Jeep S&R capacity along with what other thing you guys think should be the most important items to carry along for immediate life saving tools compact enough to carry or strapped in a Jeep.

Cheers

Gerry

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Hi guys, I'm new here glad I found this thread as it rely a lot on what I do. I'm a first responder with Alberta West End Fire & Rescue, we mainly respond to Brushes & Structural fires and EMS Calls. We train 3 times a month Fire scenario - Extrications - Wildlife Collision and Medical training. Got a Jeep 1 month ago so I could carry my Wildland, or Bunker Gear depending of the season. My Jeep is a 2020 Sahara Unlimited. I did modified it in order to go off-road more adequately. My main concern was (Will it fit in my Garage) ? Yes it does with a full 1/4'' space to spare ha ha ... On board I carry my kit + Trauma kit - Spare fuel Tanks - Water tank - Jack on front hood + Attached around the Jeep superstructure a combinations of ropes - Tie Down - additional bandages and most current on hand tools like jump start and ABC Fire extinguisher. I would really like to explore Jeep S&R capacity along with what other thing you guys think should be the most important items to carry along for immediate life saving tools compact enough to carry or strapped in a Jeep.

Cheers

Gerry

I would move your jack off the hood, for many reasons. Ease of access, visibility, and it's easily launched in a collision. If you are using your Jeep as a response vehicle, some moveable work lights mounted on the side and rear of your rack would be good. Also, some LED emergency lights will allow on duty first responders to spot you from far away, and get help to where you are at quicker. I cant tell if that's what you have in the windshield. But you will want them front and sides too.

Also, and I'm going to give you some friendly shit before anyone else does, get rid of the angry grille and eyes. You want to be taken seriously, right? Now get to work

 

[Gerry]

Totally agree with operative 73, Technically if you are a first responder to a scene first and have comms check with your district dispatch if a S&R team are already in route to the scene then provide your immediate observations. Identify yourself as a first responder and if possible identify the most urgent Medical issue that can be relay to the incoming EMT. If not comfortable with providing first aid to injured pers you may begin traffic control while listening to your comms and be prepare to submit a verbal report to the one taking over the scene. ''My 2 cents'' only

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