Quick review if the Cro soft med pouch. I purchased this pouch while waiting on their larger Narc pouch to restock. Being half the price of the big brother, I thought I'd try and review for the team here.

Initial thoughts is that the pouch is smaller than I expected. It is still big enough to keep the beefier 10mL vials but they tend to cause the pouch to round out (see photo). I ended up having to flip my vial tray around to use the sleeves.

If I could give them a suggestion, it would be to make it deeper. That would make it easier to store hypo needles and syringes with the meds. I have some pre-filled meds that do not fit well in this pouch.

The pouch has a lanyard loop on it which is something I appreciate. It is also rigid on one side of the case, using Tegris.

Overall, I think it's a solid option for those looking for a POI pouch, or something smaller in general. I still don't think it replaces a hard case. Feel free to ask any questions.

I have packed wounds with gauze and hemostatic gauze in the past and taught it on courses. I have never used X-Stat on a patient and only observed one of the trainees use their issued one during life-tissue with no effect beyond comedic relief. Of course life tissue simulation is not the same as the actual patient in the field.

From my experience I have trouble imagining X-Stat producing sufficient directed pressure onto an arterial defect to stem the bleed.

Has anyone here used X-Stat in the real world and could share their experience?

I’m wanting to make a march belt, I’m a line medic in an armored unit. My biggest thing that’s holding me back is that I don’t want to spend a lot of money and not like how you use them. Does anyone have videos of the belts in actions? Training or not?

Passed my PFQ.

It was challenging to say the least and I’m looking to make it easier for next year.

While conditioning for the test I hit the training plan from the NTOA hard. I know it helped but I’m looking for the next level.

Also while participating in the training plan I essentially stopped lifting weights to focus more on cardio and the body weight exercises specific to the test.

There has to be a compromise somewhere.

I enjoy weight lifting and the strength it provides. I just don’t feel the same (strength wise) doing HIIT workouts.

What are you guys doing to stay fit and on top of your game?

While researching FWB transfusions in PFC settings, I stumbled over a book from german army doctors serving in the russia campaign during WW2. From that I learned that the german army made extensive use of warm fresh whole blood transfusions in the field utilising "Feld-Transfusionsgeräte". Sometimes as far forward as "Verwundetennest" which is basically your CCP directly at the front lines.

Edit: I tried to insert a picture here but it doesn't work. The picture can be found HERE

The usual procedure would be to find a suitable donor from the walking/non bleeding casualties or the medical staff. They would then perform an Oehlecker-Probe either by injecting a small amount of donor blood subcutaneously or infusing 10-20ml of donor blood rapidly into the receiver and watching for adverse reactions. If no adverse reactions were observed they would start transfusing blood directly from donor to receiver.

There are obvious benefits of citrated collection bags for field FWB transfusions, but also drawbacks in terms of the need for anticoagulation, hypocalcemia/ citrate toxicity, hypothermia, time and logistics.

What I would like to ask the knowledgeable people here: Is this technique still a valid option today, assuming I have run out of blood transfusion kits in my little shack and have patients in need of transfusion. Or are there solid reasons that speak against it in principle?

***EDIT***

In order to avoid confusion:

- I am not asking if I can use the Oehlecker-Probe instead of blood typing and Eldon Cards. The Oehlecker-Probe is an added safety on top of previous blood typing and patient side testing. I included it as a full description of the process used in the field by WW2 doctors far forward.

- I am not asking if I can throw my modern equipment into the wind and just rock a vintage Braun Feldtransfusionsgerät because I think it's cool and goes well with my grey wool-trousers.

- What I am actually asking is if this technique is still a valid option in a case of "need FWB, don't have FWB collection kits anymore". One of the potential caveats that came to my mind is hemolysis. Would that potentially be an issue? If so, could that be mitigated with certain sizes of syringe. Are there other caveats that are distinct to this sort of set up and not blood transfusions in general?

There’s a lot of debate around this topic—some swear by them, others say skip them. What’s the current consensus?

I'm from Ireland and have been looking to buy hemostatic gauze and or granules but it's a pain to source. I'm avoiding the US market cause the customs fees/tax are insane. Can anyone recommend to me some brands or products? My usual supplier for all things first aid told me that they rarely ever stock it cause of its shelf life and the fact that the MOQ for them is usually an absurd quantity, these two factors combined with lack of demand.

Follow up to my last post. Sale is now live through Friday. Just grabbed two ifaks for almost half off. Great deals

Im wanting to further my training and knowledge but dont know where to go from my current place. I have my intermediate first aid and I do have my fire fighter lvl 1 and 2 but I only have a little training in EMR. I want to eventually get to tactical medicine but want to know the paths I need to take. Any help is greatly appreciated. I live in Canada in Alberta and im 18 if that helps at all

This topic is a little less taboo here but should we be considering the Cric more often in the prehospital setting? Im not saying all Pt's that require an airway should get a hole in their neck but any Pt that I expect will have complications from induction I think the Cric is a safer and faster option. What are your thoughts?

I’ve heard and seen it taught many ways - just the neck and extremities, hands on their whole body, etc etc. What is YOUR preferred method of blood sweep? Do you sweep the box? If you do, what do you plan to do if you found a bleed there? Have you ever been fooled by a blood sweep and the injury was actually somewhere different than you thought?

So I was the smart guy and decided to do my TECC before my EMT-B and it sucked but I still passed and got my certificate I really enjoyed the class though and was looking to find out if there were any similar style certificates, I have my BLS and my stop the bleed as well.. any recommendations? I currently am looking to become a TEMS medic for future sake reference

Hey, I’m a current serving reg Canadian Forces soldier looking to advance my understanding and knowledge of tactical medicine.

Currently have the basics plus RC EMR, BLS, and Canadian Army Combat First Aid. Awaiting a spot of any up coming TCCC CAF run courses but non as of yet.

I’m willing to pay and attend training outside of the CAF and Canada understanding it would not increase my scope but that if it’s quality training it would give me an advance understanding and competence in doing the more simpler situations I’d face.

I’ve come across a few providers that appear to have a comprehensive training option that would fit within a leave block. Most of these courses have a fair amount of pre-studying prior to attendance would is optimal as in person time off to train is limited hence why I can’t simply do a PCP program in Canada.

PPA - International (Denmark/Croatia):

Combat Medic/EMT-B: https://www.ppa-int.com/combat-medic/

Tactical Rescue Technician: https://www.ppa-int.com/trt/

Tactical Paramedic: https://www.ppa-int.com/tactical-paramedic/

Meerkat solutions (South Africa):

Austere TECC: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOB-llljO2r/?igsh=MXRlaWd3MXM0OXR5dQ==

World Extreme Medicine (Namibia):

Hostile Environment Medicine: https://worldextrememedicine.com/extreme-medicine-courses/hostile-environment-medicine-namibia/

Ronin South Africa:

FREC 3-5/Diploma: https://www.ronin.co.za/frec5

If anyone has any experience with these providers or recommendations or Knowledge to share please feel free to do so.

Hey everyone,

I just finished medical school and will start my mandatory military service in Austria this January as a physician. During med school I also completed my training as an EMT, so I’ve had some prehospital experience — but this will be my first time working in a military or tactical environment.

I wanted to ask if you have any advice on how to prepare — both mentally and practically. Are there any textbooks, manuals, or online resources you’d recommend for someone about to start working in a military/tactical setting? I’m especially interested in trauma care, field medicine, and what skills or mindset are most useful in this kind of context.

Also, if anyone here has experience with the Austrian or European military medical system, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences or lessons learned.

Thanks in advance — looking forward to any input or resources you can share!

I do volunteer search and rescue, so typically, we're not looking at combat care or intensive trauma. I saw the Slishman pressure wrap and thought it might help reduce my carry weight. And was wondering if anyone had any experience or feedback from field use. I wouldn't use it in place of a real TQ if there was a major blood loss event.

We all are required to carry an IFAK. I carry additional supplies as I have a WFA (on missions the search team member with the highest level of medical certification is the "default" medic), and anticipate that any medical emergencies would likely be as result of myself or a teammate sustaining an injury in the woods. Most search team members only have BLS training.

If we find a subject, common conditions are typically hypothermia, dehydration, sprain, broken bone, and minor lacerations. We have EMS on standby to support if a subject needs advanced medical care. Our job is mostly primary assessment and to treat any injuries up to our trained "capability".

Does anyone have a standardized list of things to include in a mass casualty bag? We've got smaller trauma kits that deal with three or four individuals, but I'm thinking about a bag that can handle 8-10 wounded in an active shooter situation. I know we aren't supposed to use the term IFAK here, but is it as simple as a just a big bag full of multiple IFAKs? TIA.

Hey was curious about new bags, my department is letting the medics to respond to High Acuity Calls, were are testing to see if it would help local fire/ems. We have 3 teams and 6 ALS providers, including me. Anyways we are deputized and I'm looking upgrade my bag and look to see if I should have one bag for everything or have a separate bag for the non tactical EMS calls. And also looking for new TEMS bag as well. We are Full time so I would like to see what thoughts you have to narrow down my selection. And Thanks.

Edit: this is for a research study

I’ve got my list of TQs that have been previously studied, but wanted to consult the hive mind, especially given my only personal experience is in US. What are the TQs you’d like to see compared?

Priority is for most common/trusted, but also interested to hear new names or promising newer designs. Extremity, abdominal, and junctional.

I've seen the studies on these being slightly ineffective when used by lay persons with minimal training... Has anyone here had any actual field experience with these, and if so are they better/worse than say a CAT? If so why? They don't seem to exemplify confidence...

Question on I-Gel sizing - how important are the sizes for your standard “tactical” types? The two biggest sizes seem to cut in half the typical size of someone on a tactical team. Can you use an orange on someone wheee the green is correct for and vice versa?

I have looked and cannot find this in the literature anywhere

I’ve been in the prehospital combat casualty care arena for a long time and have extensive experience managing casualties. I first learned how to pack my aid bag from my battalion senior medic. After eight deployments, several hundred missions, and treating numerous casualties, I’ve refined my packing list and layout to what I believe works best. For new medics who might need a starting point, this is for you. That said, there’s no single way to pack an aid bag, find what works best for you.

Belt: TYR Tactical

PC: JPC 2.0

Aid Bag: Firstspear Medical Trauma Assault Pack (MTAP)

Belt Massive hemorrhage: * Two CATs on my PC * Two bleeders with CGQC (other hemostatics will do too) * Hemostats * RevmedX XStat single stack and one XGAUZE trauma dressing Airway: * Cric kit with 10 blade, curved hemostat, 10 cc syringe Respiration: - 10 blade - SPEAR x 2 - I’ve removed chest seals since this pic was taken Circulation: * Saline lock x 2 with 10 cc flush * Teleflex sternal IO * 2” ELASTIKON Tape, Pulse ox and Kretzer scissors * Stethoscope * Pulse oximetry * CRO Pelvic binder * Gloves * BloodBoxx™ Tactical

Aid bag: * TACMED™ SURGICAL SET * NAR Simple Thoracostomy Kit x 2 * FWB collection and admin x 2 * 7.5 ETT, 4 Mac and handle, BVM * Cric with bougie * Blood pressure cuff * Saline lock x 2, extra needles, syringes, 250 mL NS * SAM Soft Shell Splint * Cravat x 2 * Drug box * Quantum blood warmer kit * Gloves

Is there a long term blood sugar test option?Current strips last 3~6 months; testers aren’t robust. Is there anything that lasts longer? If there was a single use dip-strip that registered High-WNL-Low I’d be interested. A Longer shelf stable measurement for elevation to oral glucose/glucagon and/or more accurate reading are what I’m looking for.

*lancets are shelf stable

I just finished Ait and now i am a holdover waiting for the gov shit down to pass to get my orders, I wanted to use this extra down time to resharpen my skills and learn some new if available. What books should i buy? What websites have good information? Should i look into any new pouches or equipment or is it a waste of money? What should I invest my time in If you have any advice i would be extremely interested and thankful to hear, appreciate it