This isn't necessarily a topic that I typically cover in casual conversations (actually, it might be), but after the recent church shooting in Nashville and, of course, Las Vegas, I thought I'd share a few thoughts. As a country, we seem to be dividing more and more every single day. We can debate laws and rights all day (and believe me, I have plenty to say), but what I'd like to express today is how you can regain some degree of control when threats just seem to compound around you. One thing that we can all agree on is that, whether you're a republican or a democrat, no one deserves to die a preventable death. I want to share with you a few items that I keep in my bag every day. Wherever I go, these items are always with me. I may never need to use them, but should a day come when they're needed, I know that they'll be invaluable. TourniquetI know, it sounds terrifying, but hear me out. Think of the catastrophic injuries that spectators suffered at the Boston Marathon bombing. There is no shortage of videos depicting civilians attempting to treat each other while under fire during the Las Vegas shooting. It's 2017 and, whether we like it or not, this is reality. If these types of attacks still seem unlikely to you, I ask you to simply consider how common a car accident is. Whether you're under attack or simply in the path of a distracted driver, I'm urging you to consider a tourniquet for every day carry, or at least to store in your vehicle. Using a tourniquet is fairly simple and there is an abundance of information on proper use, like this article from Art of Manliness. When in doubt about how to use a tourniquet, ask a medical professional or visit your local Life Saving Crew. The one I have pictured here is a SOF-T tourniquet. The CAT (combat application tourniquet) style is a little more user friendly and you can find them on Amazon. Hemostatic DressingThese products (as mentioned on the package) have been proven effective in stopping moderate to severe bleeding, sustaining the injured until access to medical professionals is available. There are a few different brands to choose from. Quikclot is military tested and highly rated, so that sounded good enough for me. The package is relatively thin and smaller than the size of my hand, so it fits easily into any purse or bag. Clotting gauze is very easy to use; open the package, pack the wound and apply pressure until help arrives. The Journal of Emergency Medical Services has more on hemostatic dressings here. ProtectionIf you want to be prepared to help others, you must also be prepared to protect yourself. Bloodborne pathogens are a real threat that you must consider when treating an injured person. Eliminate the fear by taking measures ahead of time so that your mind is free to focus on helping others. Though I've only assisted with minor injuries in the time that I've carried these items, I can say that I use gloves all the time for non-emergency events. They're just handy to have around. Having a mask readily available has been a blessing more than a time or two as well (ER visit during flu season with a child in tow). It's also worth noting that, though 9/11 may have been a once in a lifetime event, the death toll continues to rise due to the long term effects of inhaling debris. As of 2016, The Guardian reported that at least 1,000 known deaths have been blamed on illness related to 9/11 debris inhalation. Over the next 5 years, the total number of deaths from inhalation is expected to surpass the initial death toll on 9/11/2001, nearly 3,000. Be a lightThese are heavy things to think about, I know, but I believe that preparedness is the most effective weapon against fear and uncertainty. I do not believe that legislation will taper violent attacks (see the Kunming Subway attack). Hate, anger and indifference towards human life are the fuel for such attacks. Those things have always existed and they will continue to exist. You have the ability to express compassion and value for life by preparing to care for your friends, neighbors and strangers in an emergency situation. While there are many more items you can add to your bag or vehicle, just packing these few supplies takes almost no effort and could make the different between life and death for someone. Everything listed can be ordered on Amazon and shipped directly to your doorstep. While a quality tourniquet and hemostatic dressing aren't necessarily "dirt cheap," I like to ask myself "if my child needed this, is it worth the price?" The answer is always yes.
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AuthorSummer Hamrick at Now or Never Gallery |