The important thing is that you are all ok- being shaken like that can be very distressing, even if no one was hurt. Good on you for thinking "next step" and then "how can this be better handled next time?"Of course, I speak for all of us when I say I really hope there isn't a next time. It is a bit concerning that you had no recourse but to hike through the woods to get to a bus- these kinds of things (at least around here) are often populated by elderly folks, and I would hate to think of some of my elderly relatives having to take an impromptu hike through the woods. I realize that these kinds of things happen, but I know I would be pretty worried.I second Chako's concerns about a small first aid kit being perhaps on the complete wrong scale for a train derailment, although I suppose having something would be better than having nothing. I'm just not sure what kind of pocket first aid kit you could carry that could help in a train derailment type accident, as those kinds of injuries are usually a bit beyond a band aid and some Polysporin.A good set of mechanic's type work gloves would go a long way to helping in just about any situation though- I am a big fan of them, and I use mine for everything. Plus they are inexpensive (usually between $5-15 depending on what store/type of gloves) and take up virtually no space.Again, I am glad that you guys, and everyone else on the train are ok. It's amazing how much crap can happen, whether you are prepared or not.Def
I question the importance of fire starting gear in these kinds of situations. I would value bringing proper clothing, and perhaps a blanket, much higher. Starting a fire requires gathering firewood, and half the time in Norway everything is covered in snow, the other half everything is soaked, and the rest of the time there is danger of forest fire. Yes, you can start a fire under all of those conditions (especially the third), but is it optimal use of your resources? Help will probably come in some hours. We aren't talking downed bush planes, we are talking rail through countries with relatively good infrastructure. Sure, fire has its place, but if it's raining and I'm shaking and I have only one good hand... Good rain gear trumps fire steel. (And if it's dry and warm, why do I need the fire right away when help is only few hours away?) Also, anyone trying to control the situation doesn't need me starting a fire in his view too close to a train/bus/whatever leaking oil.Chocolate and rain/cold weather gear, those are my solutions for most scenarios. I agree very much on gloves, though.
I just got a new, smaller, EDC bag. Which has got me rethinking my entire bag and contents.I allready carried a small first aid kit which contained: painkillers, numerous bandages, an emergency mylar blanket, surgical gloves, a small first aid manual, a reanimating mask and a tourniquet.This has to be shrinked down now ALOT!Bandages: alot went out, only 1 type remains which is almost like a do-it-all for me. Blanket remained, mask went (mouth to mouth works just as good, only less sanitary), tourniquet went.The tourniquet was a simple change.It's a rubber version and is relatively large and heavy.I replaced it with a long piece of paracord, which can be used as more then 1 tourniquet but also a bunch of other things, while being lighter overall.So throw in that piece of paracord! If someone has an open artery, you'll be able to save a life!
Quote from: Steinar on August 07, 2017, 09:09:51 AMI question the importance of fire starting gear in these kinds of situations. I would value bringing proper clothing, and perhaps a blanket, much higher. Starting a fire requires gathering firewood, and half the time in Norway everything is covered in snow, the other half everything is soaked, and the rest of the time there is danger of forest fire. Yes, you can start a fire under all of those conditions (especially the third), but is it optimal use of your resources? Help will probably come in some hours. We aren't talking downed bush planes, we are talking rail through countries with relatively good infrastructure. Sure, fire has its place, but if it's raining and I'm shaking and I have only one good hand... Good rain gear trumps fire steel. (And if it's dry and warm, why do I need the fire right away when help is only few hours away?) Also, anyone trying to control the situation doesn't need me starting a fire in his view too close to a train/bus/whatever leaking oil.Chocolate and rain/cold weather gear, those are my solutions for most scenarios. I agree very much on gloves, though.I dont completely agree with you here. A lighter is small, light weight and takes very little space. I can light a fire in most contitions in a few minutes, and even in winter it is easy to find firewood quickly if you know what to look for. A blanket can keep one person warm, a fire kan warm a group. Waiting for help for two hours when wet in winter can be deadly. For someone weak from injury it does not have to be very cold before hypothermia can be an issue. Dont get me wrong. Starting a fire isnt at the top of the list of things I will do unless someone has fallen into water in sub zero weather. I totally agree about having good clothes thoug. Also this country of ours can be pretty unforgiving if you are bit away from people. If I walk 10km from my house as the crow flies, I will have no cell phone coverage at all for the next 20-30km. And I live less than a 100 km from the capital. I have experienced this on most of my camping trips around the country, and also at work when we do a job a few km into the woods away from a populated area. Help isnt always as close as you might think.
Glad you are safe that's all that mattersSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hi GrathrGood to know that you, your kids and everyone aboard is safe and sound. Could have been a lot worse.Just some generalities...-A pants belt can be used as a tourniquet-I keep Ace bandage in my backpack. Some of them are even self adhesive, though only due a rubberized compound, so it can be reapplied and is cuttable-I think being prepared to make fire is pretty important because in emergencies, we don't know when help will arrive. I carried Zippo in my pocket for years even though I didn't smoke at the time.-during our 9/11 and Boston marathon incidents, cell phone towers were jammed with traffic and were essentially inoperative. I like to prepare as if using one to call for help is not an option. Of course, they are very helpful if it is an emergency with a lower case "e", as long as you are in range-I wonder which train car in the line was derailed...would it have been possible for the conductors to uncooked the derailed car and have everyone board a more forward car and just move on?-a small frisbee in the pack is great fun and can be used for catching water if you run out in worst case-I carry a SAK on my pocket or pack and a Leatherman on my belt so I always have scissors and a saw as eel as plyers and blades and drivers
Again on the topic of fire, if recent events are any indication of how messed up it can get, do think about the fact that you might have to start a fire with just your off hand. All of a sudden those one hand firesteels don't look so silly any more
How?