In Case of an Emergency…Be Ready, Matt Mercado

In Case of an Emergency…

So, you’re packing your rig. Do you have your plans set? Does the weather look good? With all of the questions you ask yourself, what are you forgetting? Through the excitement surrounding packing and getting your rig set for the long-haul, what are the small things that you don’t remember to bring?

There’s always questions around what supplies you may need, the big topic with my family is always “what are we going to eat?” The real question is what are we packing in case of an emergency?

Sometimes it seems like this is the topic least visited for many who call themselves adventurers or thrill seekers. How do you even pack for an adventure or that big trip that you have planned? Well, that’s where we start. Having a plan for emergency situations based off your trip and knowing where you’re going, is a big part of it. Knowing the environment that you’ll soon find yourself in can assist you in knowing exactly what to pack as far as her aid is concerned. For instance, where you’re heading, are you considered to be “off the grid“? Are there towers where your cell phone can receive signal? What type of activities do you plan on doing when you get there? What type of terrain, animals, plant life will you be in countering?

These are just a few of the things one should ask them-self prior to heading out on their trip. If you can answer most of these questions, then I feel like it’s the appropriate time to start packing that bug out bag! Knowing the terrain, how far out you may be adventuring, or even the wildlife that you may encounter, it’s so significant to what should be in your bag. For instance, if I’m going hiking, I may want to pack some splints and tape. Thinking about terrain features that you may have to traverse; you subconsciously are subjecting yourself for potential for injuries. Slip and fall, twisting of an ankle over a loose boulder, or even the slightest tweaking of an ankle while walking. You should want to be prepared for anything.

One often forgotten idea while packing is, how far from my vehicle or base camp do I plan on being. This really helps me with my packing, that way I know if I should be packing light or if I should have more equipment with me because I will be further out. Simply put, I may not have the speed or accessibility to get to all the safety equipment that I have back at my vehicle or camp.

There are many medical pouches or aid bags on the market that you can purchase. Lots of them come with similar items, mainly bandages and items to help stop bleeding, splinter removal, to minor pain medicine. One

Be Ready! piece of advice that I always love to give is; know how to use what you pack in your aid bag. Having the equipment is only good if you know how to use it. Don’t be afraid to buy a few of some of these items and practice using them prior to heading out on your trip. One of the most important items that I tell people to carry it may not seem like much of a need, is water. Being hydrated is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. If you were to get hurt, dehydration can be one of the turning points from being lucid and going into shock. Things to pack in your aid bag would be sterile gauze, Band-Aids, bandage tape, bandage scissors Bacitracin, Neosporin (antibacterial cream), and Hydrocortisone cream. Some OTC (over the counter) medicines are packed, including: Tylenol, Motrin, Naproxen, as well as Advil for pain and inflammation. Other potentially necessary over the counter meds include: Benadryl, Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, or allergy meds. Now, if you are into adventuring off the beaten path and are susceptible to greater injury, you may want to pack a tourniquet in addition to what is already listed. These are not highly technical medical devices or medications but they can cause harm if not used in the right manner. When thinking of packing your aid bag, you should be thinking of immediate need(s) and what is necessary to get yourself to the next level of care. One of the most essential, yet often forgotten about items, is freshwater. Depending on your environment something else to keep in mind which is an emergency blanket. They come in various sizes and are great when it comes to maintaining body heat or for the purpose of active rewarming. The foil lining side of the blanket helps to keep the heat in by reflecting it back upon the body. Some emergency blankets have a fluorescent orange backside which helps when visibility is needed for recovery.

The Wrap Up:

The best thing to have when thinking about any trip, packing an aid bag or “bugout bag,” is to have a plan. Having the equipment is great, but having a plan is even better. Knowing what you’re going to do when things don’t go to plan and you need to initiate some sort of care is why we share our knowledge. Don’t forget to let someone know where you’re headed and stay safe.

Matt Mercado

Former Army Combat Medic