When saving lives is your profession, every extra second it takes you to get out the door is a valuable second lost. Whether you respond to a fire emergency, a swift water rescue or other precarious situation, the gear you have with you and the state you keep it in can determine how fast you get to the scene and begin doing what you do best.
But how do you get out the door quickly with everything you need? That’s exactly what we’re here to discuss. Read on for life-saving tips.
It All Starts with the Bag
Trying to shove all your rescue gear, safety gear, and fire gear into the same bag can become burdensome and weighty, and it can slow you down. Instead of putting all your gear in one bag, try out multiple emergency response bags. You won’t need the same gear for that fire rescue that you will for the water rescue, so use a small attachable bag to store these items.
Your packing strategy should go like this:
- Your large bag with a first-aid kit, clothes, gloves, and other items that you can use in all emergencies (preferably with a strapping system to attach smaller bags).
- A smaller, specialized bag for swift water rescue equipment, or fire equipment, or any other scenario you might respond to. If you respond to multiple emergencies, keep as many bags as you need nearby, you can either attach them to your larger bag, put them inside if you have space, or just carry them separately.
The highest-quality emergency medical equipment is designed with space in mind. Don’t skimp on price when it comes to a life. Go for the stuff that will fit perfectly in your bag while still providing you with the best chance possible of successfully performing a rescue.
It Ends with Hustle
You can have the best equipment in the world packed perfectly into your bag, it can be sitting right next to your front door, and you could be sitting vigilant by your pager just waiting for the moment.
But all that will be for naught if you don’t have your routine down pat. Spend a few hours a month practicing for a real emergency when you don’t expect it. Have a friend call or text you with a practice emergency when you’re none the wiser. If you’re caught in the shower, or at the store or in some other situation where you aren't at home, it’ll help you learn how to improve your response time.
After all, when you dedicate your life to saving the lives of others, you can take a break, but you’re never truly off the clock.
