[Paslode]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Does she know how to use everything in the kit?

TR

90%, were working on the GPS and compass/maps and when the other MIOX arrives we'll go over that. The 5 and 7 year old have the MIOX down as far as adding salt, adding water, pushing the button, color coding on the strips and rotation for back up. We still have to do some education on turning a poncho into a shelter.

My wife is instruction oriented, so I am in the process of making a detailed list of instructions.

The weapons she knows how to use, but if time is critical every minute might count and they might get left behind. And as many of you have mentioned they can be used against you. Secondly you have to be willing to cross that line.....gotta think on that one a bit more.

Originally Posted by AF Doc

Nice post.



I'm curious, why a 5 min sync-up? In the advent that you need to escape the city--in the inevitable chaos that will exist--how likely is it that you will meet at a rally point within 5 minutes of each other? Does the 5-minute rally point help you in someway? If so, would 15 min be better? Does the 5 min rally point create a vulnerablity? If so, should it be eliminated? Would it be prudent to leave a signal/sign, e.g. blaze on a tree, to indicate that one of you has reached the rally point and continued on (so the following person doesn't wait around)?

GPS. What if your GPS is not working? Maps? Compasses?

Water. Looks like you plan to make water on site. What if that proves difficult initially? Or you are delayed en route? Do you need some water either cached or with you. (Me, I like having some water in hand.) Frankly, in a civillian emergency, I'd rather carry 10# of water than 10# of weapons and ammo.

Fire: I know everyone loves a Bic, but I'd add some hurricane/lifeboat matches in place of the MRE matches. You can practically light them underwater and they don't go out until they have finished burning down to the end. I remember one very wet camping trip where hurricane matches saved the day for me. My $0.02.

First Aid kit: maybe add some Benadryl or other antihistamine. If anyone is using regular medications (HTN, diabetes, seizure disorder, asthma) it might be a good idea to have a supply pre-packed and ready to go (you will need to rotate this out, however. No point in bugging out with out of date meds).
I don't remember seeing tape in your list. Tape has just under one thousand uses--have medical tape and 100mph/duct tape handy. Also consider some powdered rehydration solution for the kit -- especially important if the immodium doesn't kick in right away.

Just a few thoughts--never had to E&E or bug out myself. Concur x 100 with Reaper: knowledge is more important than gear.

I was second guessing the 5 minute sync today as well. What I was thinking was one vehicle would be good. If the situation is that urgent non-stop for her would be a priority, I ain't worried about me I'll get there one way or the other.

Water.....In the area of travel water is very abundant throughout, but I was thinking some bottled water would be a good very idea and empties could later be used for water storage.

Migraines are the only medical we deal with. Allergies are always a potential issue and I need to add that. First Aid kit is prepack. And out of curiosity how important is the expiration date? Other things I am familiar with have a safety factor built-in, usually 3 to 1 and that has more to do with liability. Rehydration salts...I do have them.

I did forget the tape....Gorilla Tape will be added. I have the blast match but it wasn't on the list.

Originally Posted by Razor

I'm curious what the medical professionals think of having peroxide in a FAK. My simple understanding is that it kills not only germs, but also healthy tissue, and thus isn't the best choice for an antimicrobial. Maybe stick an ACE wrap or roll of Coban in your kit to help with pressure dressings/stabilizing a joint/securing a splint or a cold pack/holding a dressing in place? A 10cc syringe for irrgating wounds is also helpful, and doesn't take up much space.

Even if you're looking to limit the size of the bag, I'd stick a wool skullcap and pair of wool glove liners, plus a pair of heavy work gloves in your BOB. Keeping warm is important, and just the hat and gloves can go a long way in maintaining body heat. The work gloves protect not only your hands, but the wool gloves if necessary.

I agree with AF Doc--5 minutes isn't a long wait at an RP. Heck, moving through the woods on foot (in other words, no traffic jams/accidents/blocked roads to slow you down), a standard wait time at an RP (assuming you don't get flushed by a pursuing force) is 30 minutes. I'd even consider 1-2 hours, depending on your analysis of vehicle traffic routes, potential choke points, and the time required to collect kids and supplies and then travel to the RP. What is the importance of getting more than 50 miles outside the city that quickly?

The wife likes peroxide, its in her kit not mine. Gloves came to mind today as well for various uses including warmth. Skull caps I didn't think of, and would be a priority in cold weather being that most of your body heat escape through the head. Probably add a few more hefty bags becasue they could be used to keep the feet dry and well as several other uses.

The importance of the 50 miles, once you get out of the city 50 miles South it gets rural and the traffic drops off to a trickle of what it is prior to that. If something bad happened during the week between 10:00 Am to 5:00 PM I would surmise those in the Downtwn area would make a mad dash to get home and there would be a chaotic mess.....which might allow a longer layover at the RP. But the idea is to beat the crowd heading to the Lake of the Ozarks and get further South and to get past any obstruction that could be incurred near Ft. Leonard Wood.


Probably never have the oppourtunity to make use of this, but if I do I will be a 1000 times ahead of most.