Prepared for Any Emergency: Your Guide to First Responder Bags and What to Pack
In an emergency, every second matters. This is why when first responders arrive on the scene, they must be equipped with all the medical gear and supplies they may need to deliver prompt, life-saving care. The faster they act in stabilising patients the better their chances of recovery.
Specialised first responder bags are available to carry all the necessary medical supplies and equipment for emergency situations. These bags make it easy for first responders, including paramedics, firefighters, and law enforcement officials to easily reach and use the supplies they need to give people in need quick medical attention.
These bags feature pockets and pouches that help to organise and instantly access supplies like bandages, tourniquets, gloves, airway devices, and more. Which type to choose will depend on the level of care you provide, the settings you operate in, and the types of emergencies you encounter most. Let's take a look at the most commonly used first responder bags so you can figure out which one is best for your needs.
Tactical Medical Bags
A tactical medical bag is specifically designed for tactical medics, including medical squads working alongside law enforcement. These bags feature multiple compartments and elastic loops that store essential items like tourniquets, bandages, shears, and small airway tools, keeping them readily accessible.
Tactical medical bags are compact enough to be worn comfortably during long shifts, with padded straps and back panels that provide a snug fit without compromising comfort. While they may not accommodate larger items or full oxygen setups, these bags are ideal for quick-access trauma essentials and immediate-response supplies.
Oxygen Bags
Oxygen bags are designed for situations where oxygen therapy is required. These bags can accommodate an oxygen cylinder, regulator, and additional respiratory equipment like masks and tubing, making them essential for responders treating patients with breathing difficulties.
The layout of oxygen bags allows responders to quickly grab items, saving valuable time in high-pressure scenarios. Padded straps and ergonomic back support make them comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded. Additionally, the adjustable straps provide a secure fit, and high-visibility reflective strips on the exterior enhance safety during night operations or in low-light conditions. Oxygen bags offer a dependable solution for transporting respiratory equipment in an organised and accessible way.
Cylinder Bags
Cylinder bags securely store compressed gas cylinders, whether for oxygen or other gases, allowing for a safer and more mobile response. They're often used by paramedics and rescue teams who expect to perform more specialised care in the field.
Designed to transport oxygen and other gas cylinders safely and efficiently, these bags contain durable, padded compartments that prevent movement and protect the cylinder from impact. They are often made from heavy-duty, water-resistant materials to keep the contents safe and dry and withstand demanding conditions.
Some cylinder bags include additional pockets for accessories like regulators, masks, and tubing, making them great options for organising respiratory equipment in one convenient place. Adjustable shoulder straps, handles or even backpack-style straps allow for comfortable carrying over long distances or rugged terrain and reflective strips ensure visibility in low-light or emergency situations.
ALS (Advanced Life Support) Bag
ALS bags are designed for paramedics and emergency medical technicians who need a comprehensive range of equipment to manage critical situations. These bags offer ample space for a full array of supplies, including IV kits, airway tools, medications, and trauma essentials. The structured layout includes multiple compartments, pouches, and elastic loops, allowing for intuitive and efficient organisation. In some models, compartments are even colour-coded to help responders quickly locate essential supplies in high-stress situations.
The durability of these bags is exceptional. They are made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials that stand up to harsh conditions and constant movement. Reinforced seams, sturdy zippers, and rugged handles ensure these bags can handle the demands of fieldwork without compromising longevity.
What Should Be in a First Responder Bag?
Your first responder bag should be tailored to the types of emergencies you’re likely to encounter, but some core supplies are essential for providing immediate, effective care. Here’s a rundown of the basics:
Personal Protective Equipment
Before taking care of others, you should first take care of yourself. Thus, your personal protective equipment (PPE) should be the first item you handle. Gloves are sometimes thought of as only a way of protecting against blood and HIV risk, but they are also meant to shield us from all bodily fluids and infectious diseases. So, put on gloves even if there isn't any blood.
Nitrite gloves are a good option to ensure hygiene and reduce contamination. You'll also want to have in your bag hand sanitizer for quick hand sanitizing when soap and water aren't available and eye protection and face mask for protection against bodily fluids.
Catastrophic Haemorrhage Supplies
The initial course of treatment for trauma victims is catastrophic hemorrhage, also known as massive hemorrhage. Materials for dressing wounds and tourniquets should be on hand right away.
Airway Management Supplies
An airway problem can't wait to be addressed. That is why your airway management supplies should be located at the top of the main compartment of your bag or only a zip away. For that you'll need Oropharyngeal (OP) and Nasopharyngeal (NP) Airways to assist in opening and maintaining airways, a Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) for providing ventilation support and a suction device to help clear airways of obstructions. If the bag is oxygen-compatible, a small cylinder for administering oxygen would be helpful.
Breathing Supplies
Face shields are a bit of a symbolic gesture; they make mouth-to-mouth more difficult and are often only a basic gauze filter rather than a one-way valve. Although pocket masks are a far superior option, a bag valve mask is the best option when you have a bag bigger than a bum bag.