Quote:
Originally Posted by Azathoth
I don't want to horrible derail this info on IFAK but the legality argument is really troublesome. The IFAK is as much (if not more so) for someone else to use on me if I am incapacitated in whatever activities that I choose to carry that kit on me for. I would rather have the tools available for that individual to use than to have them needed and not present.
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Not to worry, I don't mind diverting a bit as it is actually a great discussion topic, and it may very well help others who read this later on.
I can definitely see your point about carrying jic. Essentially, I won't be carrying those items based on three reasons.
1) At my current level of training, I cannot perform Needle Decompression, or a Needle Cricothyrotomy. To do so in an emergency situation, could be seen as gross negligence in the eyes of the law, as I would be performing a procedure which is outside of my licensed scope of practice. The situation may be different once I am a registered EMT-P, but until then it is just not worth the risk.
2) The chances of me being injured within close proximity to a person allowed to perform those skills, is quite low. Also, out of those allowed to perform the procedures, the number of those who I would see as being competent in the skills, are even fewer. The vast majority of EMT-P's will go 15+ years without performing Needle Decompression, and the numbers for Needle Cricothyrotomies are even lower. If I do know for sure I will be within reach of someone able to do these skills, then by all means I may add them to the list.
3) We live in a country with quite a vast, and well equipped EMS system. Even if I am going to go biking or "off the beaten path" for a few days, there are organizations in place that are there to get the people we need, to the places they may not usually be able to go. Essentially, if some jack ass ND's into my leg on a range, or I impale myself on my handle bars while mountain biking. this kit will do the trick until appropriate health care providers are able to reach me. It's much the same reason I do not carry a full jump bag in the trunk of my car. It may be a nice feeling to have a ton of toys in your bag, but what a person with a critical injury needs is not usually anything you are able to carry practically. Bandages, gloves, and a cell phone are useful, but at the end of the day, what they really need is definitive medical care, i.e. a hospital.
If you are deployed on a mission, or are in a situation where you may very well need to carry some extra items, then by all means, pack away. After all, the mission drives the gear.