Autumn

Autumn

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Bits & Pieces

Our weather has turned intensely hot. Late yesterday afternoon a high of ninety-eight laughed at me from the shade and begged me to step outside and play. I graciously declined.

My mother in law called and informed me I haven't written a word in several days....guess I've been a baaaaddddd boy. I beg your pardon. Have I mentioned it's hot....

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Last Sunday the rain moved into our area. Since outdoor work and play was out of the question I chose to take the afternoon and reorganize our 'get home bags.' Mainly my main medical kit. Since we both have GHB's I keep small and light med kits in each but I have one large medical kit that stays in my truck at all times. I transfer it and my bag to our SUV when we travel.

I've been remiss in my routine maintenance. Get home bags should be inspected seasonally, and medical kits (if you have one) are often overlooked.


 Above, here's a little kit I keep in Sweet Wife's personal GHB. I found the container at a local antique shop and just added the contents. I'm not a big fan of box store prepacked 'first-aid' kits. Save money and build your own.

See the two bottles at the top of the photograph, one contains aspirin, the other Advil. When I checked both were at least six years old. Not good. Dump and refresh.


Above, my main kit.

When opened it unfolds into three units.

Contents of unit three. I checked expiration dates and those expired I replaced with new.

Above, a simple surgical kit. I keep six types of sutures ranging from catgut to silk to a plain roll of sewing thread. To the left of the kit is an Israeli battle dressing. I keep about a dozen on hand.

Since we have a trip planned for the last week of June I also dug into our GHB's and did a bit of reorganizing. I'll give you a rundown in a few days.

Until then, stay safe out there.

Stephen

 



 

17 comments:

  1. I was working on a roof the last 2 days and it about kicked my butt, who am I kidding, it did kick my butt.

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  2. Good reminder. I repacked/revised my GHB while in-between vehicles, and was surprised by the items which had expired. That's now fixed, but only because I took the time to look.

    Thanks for the reminder.

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    1. Had to remind myself. I tend to let time get away from me and then find myself playing catch-up.

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  3. I'm doing the same this week. Also looking to pare down the size of the kit I keep in the truck. I tend to over do my preps and the current rig in my truck is more suited to an expedition off world than its actual intended purpose :)

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    1. Me too....I reduced the bag in weight by ten pounds. Then, added eight.

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  4. Stephen is your bag an amazon item?

    I found a nice bag but it's a little too spendy.

    http://www.amazon.com/Maxpedition-Mongo-S-Type-Versipack-Foliage/dp/B003LU3RME/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371055629&sr=8-2&keywords=Maxpedition+Mongo+Versipack

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    1. Matt, for the life of me I can remember where I found this bag, but no, it isn't store purchased. I've always been a big believer in surplus and build it yourself bags, either the get home or bug out versions. Same with my med kit. Our group medic help and advised on its construction. I've had bags for many many years and most of my gear is old but functional. My get home bag began life behind the iron curtain.

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    2. Hey Matt,

      Have you tried looking at a local Army surplus store. I've run across several (new) bags at our that could work for what you're looking for and there not expensive.

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    3. Matt, I took a look at the link for the bag and it's close. I see its a should system and I believe it would work just fine. Reread my answer to you....seems I should have a cup of coffee before I leave replies.

      Sandy, you suggestion to Matt is how I operate...great advice.

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    4. 'your' idea...jeeze, I hate early mornings....

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  5. Should I tell you the weather here in MN?? 74 with humidity. I don't miss Fla. I made up a nice medical box to carry with on our move. Well a couple of months later and its trashed. So I have to redo it. Nothing expired just used up by everyone. I think I'll do 3 up, two for home and small one for the car.

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    1. Currently, 78 here with tons of humidity....thanks, Rob.

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  6. You don't have to remind me of the heat, spent 22 hours over the past 3 days working in it. I see you have one thing missing from you med kit, a spare glock mag, ha ha ha.

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    1. My spare Glock magazines are nestled within the Critter Getter bag....now, go to work.

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  7. Good tips - will update ours this weekend. It has been a perfect day outside - tomorrow, rain and storms. Flood watch is up - again.

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    1. Perhaps you should tie a boat to your front porch....thanks, Sweet Lady.

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