ER NURSE REVEALS: What I Carry For Emergencies When Hiking, Camping & Backpacking | FAK

[@hoagietime1]

We had a ER trauma Nurse who I think was an RN in my old neighborhood in Philly and that woman was a super hero, NOTHING phased her. She was the first responder from kids scraped knees to an elderly neighbors stroke. So much love for her in our community. Nothing related to your video I just want to show my gratitude to nurses.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I appreciate the support! I'm the neighborhood nurse, and all the neighbors come to me with their medical questions and situations! 🤗 A good nurse is worth their weight in gold!

[@dixiecup3928]

This was so helpful! This really helped me decide what to carry with me and what to leave behind. Thank you for all you do

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I'm really glad it was helpful!

[@brisketchick]

Thanks for the reminder that I need to go re-assess my med kit! Somehow it has grown into an oversized beast. You'd think I was a medical professional or something, but sadly, I'm not.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

If you watch my last FAK video, you'll see the POUNDS of FAK gear I once carried! 😂 It happens. Plus, we're apt to pack our fears, and then we hear a story about someone who XYZ, and then we want to have the stuff we'd need if XYZ happened to us. I still go back and forth on carrying an Israeli bandage... which I didn't cover in this video.

[@brisketchick]

@@WanderingSwitchback I just went back and looked at that video, and I'm pretty sure I packed my kit based off of it when I was first putting it together for my first backpacking trip last year!

[@zafiradaima]

Another great video, thanks! I need to get an "obvious" pouch for my first aid supplies, they're just in a Ziploc. I like the tip on carrying the leukotape, I'll try that.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thanks Zafira! Hopefully, no one ever has to go find my FAK, but I want it to be that much easier if they do!

[@michelstronguin6974]

Great video! Btw if you carry a Suunto compass then it comes with a large mirror, so I recommend using that instead of a dedicated mirror to save the weight.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Great tip! The compass I have doesn't have a mirror, but I've been carrying it for at least a decade. We'll see if I end up upgrading it in time!

[@LP-jn4tw]

So glad you did this video. Say, Switchback... if I carry a roll of Coban and a roll of gauze, is there anything I can't fashion out of those that a triangular bandage is better for? I'll add one if so. Thanks.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Good question! Those would be too stretchy to properly support an arm for a sling. Ideally, a sling will immobilize the arm, including wrist, elbow and shoulder, and be held closely to the body. Reducing stretch will help. Luckily, triangular bandages aren't too heavy! But they're much larger than a bandana, which wouldn't be suitable for the job, either.

[@LP-jn4tw]

@@WanderingSwitchback Ah! Many thanks. Ordering a triangle now. 🙂

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@LP-jn4tw I hope you never need it! 😉

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

This was really good. I was an EMT in the early 80's, and our kits are nearly identical. Such great advice - Carry what you know how to use - so true. I might add for most people - learn to use more!. I have added a Sam Splint ( I have had a lot of ortho accidents) and I use the small eyewash kits (with the eyecup) in lieu of carrying saline. The unopened kit is just sterile saline, If I ever use it, I will replace it. My small Swiss knife blade is altered to look and work like a #11 blade ( I have removed a lot of big splinters). Tourniquets are the most scary piece of gear. If one is needed, it has to be used correctly. If used in the backcountry, you are most likely condemning the extremity. A terrible choice. Funny, the EMT training was not as useful as the NOLS training. Mostly I learned how not to screw up, and how to package for transport. Good stuff, but not "backcountry". Oh, and how to talk to a doctor over a radio... Thank Goodness they invented MICNs. BTW, I am going to be adding that bag. It looks just right.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you for your comment! I keep debating the SAM Splint (I have two in the car), because they're so versatile and of course, it's easy to have an ortho accident in the backcountry. I REALLY want to do the NOLS WFR/HCP training one day when time and budget allow. I have heard nothing but good things, and when people ask about WFA, I always suggest NOLS (or bare minimum, a hands-on course over an online course any day). And I love the bag! I'm really happy with it!

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

​@@WanderingSwitchback The NOLS book, 7th edition, is really exceptional, especially to an already experienced practitioner.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I'll have to check it out!

[@kristymoore7052]

Nice, thank you!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! 🙂

The Art of Emergency Kits -- I've used hours to dial it in and at the same time wishing that I never have to open it.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

💯 I hope to never need more than a Bandaid out of mine!