All of the level 3 first aid kits now consist of two
seal-dry bags: one with the kit and the other with blankets. The level 3
kits also include the hard collars, suction, and extra blankets that are
included in the transportation equipment. The level 3 kits have been
labeled in two ways in order to keep them together. First of all, the number
of the kit has been written on the bags with black marker, however this will
probably wear off as the season goes on. Secondly, small aluminum numbers
(the kind you put on mailboxes) have been zap-tied to the bags. Therefore,
make sure that your kit consists of two seal-bags with the same little
numbers.
In terms of the condition of the equipment, some of the level 3 kits looked
like they had been tossed around a little and left in the rain a bit too
much last year. As a result I have gone on a plastic bag and zip-lock
rampage in an attempt to reduce the amount of soiled gear. Please try to
make sure that the kits do not get tossed out of the trucks like empty boxes
or left out in the rain for long periods of time. The "tossing
around" is especially important as one of the regulator containers was
completely smashed (fortunately the regulator was intact).
The transportation equipment also needs to be checked every now and then to
make sure it's wrapped up properly and not getting moldy. The transportation
equipment should include a spineboard, 3 splints, and 7 velcro straps (the
balnkets, suction, barf-bags, and collars should be in with the level 3
kits). The transport equipment is usually bundled up in the basket on the
side of the fist so it often seems to get overlooked: last year I found
several sets to be incomplete and I did my best to make sure they were all
put back together properly. It's a bit of a pain in the butt to do it, but
at some point try to make sure that you have what you need in those baskets.
I have also gone a little heavier on the zip-locks in the level ones in an
attempt to reduce the amount of wasted equipment there too. Try to make sure
people know to put the level ones back in the trucks after using them, as we
seem to lose several kits eack year.
I have also re-wrapped the blankets that go with the level ones behind the
seats in the trucks. I hope this will discourage people from taking them out
and opening them up for pillows on long drives.
That's about it for now. Hope you all have a great season I'll see you
out there.
Jordan