How prepared are we ... EDC and real emergencies

[Shuya]

Hello folks,

I feel like I need to write some lines down, hope you dont mind.

Days ago (more than 2 weeks now) I was *lucky* to be first-aider in a car accident. One guy crashed his car head on on a tree with more than 70mph, seatbelt not closed. He was unconscious  and jammed between his seat, the steering wheel and the drivers door. You get the picture.
As soon as I stopped I grabbed the rescue knife I have in my car (had a PST on my belt, too) and rushed towards the car. Some other guys were trying to open the door to get the guy out, with the help of a 6feet prybar one of the guys had in his truck.
Later I got into the car from the other side (that door opened easily) and tried to move the seat. No way.

Long storry short: We were not able to pry the drivers door open with the force of 4 adult men, the guy was dead to this moment as the medics said later.

Wasnt thinking a lot on that day, but as the time passed I thought about my gear and the stuff I carry on me day to day.
We all, especially us MT-addicts have the feeling to be prepared and want to be.
But on that day everything I had with me was quite useless. On that car, the windows were already gone due to the crash, the guy wasnt buckled up so no belt cutter needed. May have been different, I know.

That made me question my gear. Is it really neccessary? Was I trapped by advertisements, false feelings af safety? Have not been in many accidents, but after this, as soon as SHTF, all our pocked equipment is more or less useless. Or am I wrong?

Has anyone else had the bad luck of beeing first aider and really used his EDC? What are our thoughts.

Thanks.
Michael

[Dutch_Tooler]

Wow. From what you describe, this was a high-impact crash even hydraulic prying/cutting equipment would have had trouble to get anyone out of... Pocket tools can only go as far as they go. Nevertheless, they remain potentially useful for smaller incidents, and are regularly carried by / issued to police and ambulance crews for that reason. Think of simply smashing windows and cutting seat belts in overturned or ditched cars.

[Alan K.]

As Dutch Tooler said, it is impossible to be prepared for every situation with just what we have in our pockets.  We have to be satisfied that we carry the tools we have carefully determined will serve for most of what we may reasonably expect to face every day That driver was not going to be saved without professional, hydraulic tools and maybe not even then, but I don't suppose you have a HURST rescue tool  in your pocket.  I don't either.  That doesn't mean you should give up on your knives or multitools and leave them at home, because there are some situations when they will be the only thing that saves your life, or someone else's life, or fixes something that might have otherwise ruined the day. At least you tried, and we thank you for that.

[Vidar]

It sounds like no hand tool would have made much difference in that scenario. They can be helpful in others though.

Most cars do have jack that can sometimes be used to pry things apart. (A jack with a few modifications or extras can be an even handier tool - pry small openings, drag chain or rope, and so on).

As I'm usually on the road in my own car I'm not limited to what I can carry on my person. So especially in winter time I load it up with a few extra things: A bag of extra and warm clothes, a chocolate, warm waterproof boots, some 15 meters of 18mm nylon rope, and a ratchet chain hoist. Most are meant for me as one can get seriously stuck here in -30C if unlucky. The rope and chain hoist are used more to drag up others who are stuck or has driven off the road.

As I've been early to some accidents I also have a first aid kit in the car. Although to be far that wouldn't have made much difference either.

[Mechanickal]

I watched an episode of "Ambulance" last sunday evening.
It's a show about the London Paramedics.

There was a high speed crash involving multiple vehicles.
2 people were killed instantly, 4 others were fighting for their lives.

No less then 125 rescue workers attended the scene. 3 out of 4 victims died before making it to the hospital.

Tools can make a difference between life or death on some occasions, but when you've really drawn the short straw, nothing will be able to help you out.
Not even 125 rescue workers...

[Shuya]

As I've been early to some accidents I also have a first aid kit in the car. Although to be far that wouldn't have made much difference either.

Here in germany it is an obligation to carry a first aid kit in every car (we even have a DIN for the contents of it  ), plus a triangular safety reflector. Police can and will check that in every traffic control.
Not sure about other countries.


Like the Idea of using your wrench to force open things. Didnt think about it in that moment, brilliant idea.

[gregozedobe]

I think in any situation you do what you can with whatever's available there and then. 

In this situation maybe it wouldn't have made a difference to the final outcome ( I simply don't understand why people won't buckle up their seat belt, with inertia reel belts they aren't even that uncomfortable, but that's another story). 

But in other situations, eg rolled car, leaking petrol, danger of fire, jammed seatbelt (because car is still upside down), then a simple serrated blade might be enough to save a life.  A glass breaker (eg RESQ-ME) can get you into a locked car and save a baby's life on a hot day.

So while I don't expect my hand held tools to perform miracles, they are worth carrying in case they might be useful.

[lister]

Let me put it this way. You always have an option not to use what you have with you. You never have an option of using what you don't have with you. So while EDC won't solve everything life throws at you it sure as smurf will solve more than no EDC.   

[pfrsantos]

Let me put it this way. You always have an option not to use what you have with you. You never have an option of using what you don't have with you. So while EDC won't solve everything life throws at you it sure as smurf will solve more than no EDC.   

That's pretty much it...

 

[Aloha]

Unless you plan to carry a lot of tools and train for every emergency, short answer is you cannot be prepared for everything. 

I'm sorry you went thru that but its wonderful you stopped and assisted.   

Our pocket tools more or less are solutions for life's little things.  Yes in some cases they go above and beyond the intended and capability which is awesome.  You said it yourself, 4 grown men with pry tool couldn't open the door.  Its why 1st responders carry very specialized tools for those emergencies.  Here in the US they use the "jaws of life" to cut the car open. 

Don't be too hard on yourself ok?  You did more than most would and your intention and willingness to help is commendable. 

I've come to the realization I am prepared for the most part.  I understand I cannot be prepared for all scenarios.  I will do my best if the situation presents itself with what I have on hand. 

You did good.  You did your best.  Sadly tho, the outcome was not favorable.   

[Vidar]

You did your best.

+1

That is what a first responder once told us. And added nobody can ask for more. He also said it is usually better to act as best one can rather than fear doing anything wrong, and act you did.

[sir_mike]

There is only so much we can be prepared for and there was no way you could have done any more than you did with what you had, heck even if you have more gear the outcome doesn't sound like it would have any better.

As mentioned, we carry small items to help if we can like cutting seat belts, breaking a window to aid in getting someone out, maybe using a knife to cut pant's leg or shirt to access a wound or to cut a strip to use for a tourniquet, flashlight to see, etc.

@Shuya -  that is a good idea.  Does that mean that they require First Aid training for everyone?
 

[Steinar]

Same in Norway, first aid course is required for driver's license and you're required to have a first aid kit in your car. I suspect most of Europe is like that.

[Dutch_Tooler]

Same in Norway, first aid course is required for driver's license and you're required to have a first aid kit in your car. I suspect most of Europe is like that.

I hate to disappoint you Steinar, the only other country I know of is Germany and maybe Austria (?)...

[Steinar]

So, only the well-ordered parts of Europe, then... 

[Antti Lammi]

Sadly, in Finland we dont have such laws but it should be

Only Tools Matters

[Don Pablo]

So, only the well-ordered parts of Europe, then... 

Unfortunately you are correct. 
I am still in awe of the transportation system in Oslo, 8 months on after I was there.

[lister]

Same in Norway, first aid course is required for driver's license and you're required to have a first aid kit in your car. I suspect most of Europe is like that.

I hate to disappoint you Steinar, the only other country I know of is Germany and maybe Austria (?)...

You can add Slovenia to your list. 

[Don Pablo]

Same in Norway, first aid course is required for driver's license and you're required to have a first aid kit in your car. I suspect most of Europe is like that.

I hate to disappoint you Steinar, the only other country I know of is Germany and maybe Austria (?)...

You can add Slovenia to your list. 

Slovenia does that?!

[AimlessWanderer]

Being prepared to help with emergencies, is more about what you carry in your heart and mind, than what you carry in your pockets - although what you carry in your pockets can sometimes help too.

[G-Dizzle]

You did your best and thats all you can do. Just because your tools did not help this time doesnt mean it would not help another time. My takeaway from this: i am putting a big, heavy, long as I can fit prybar in my truck.

[Aloha]

Is there some way to use the vehicle jack ( there are various ones ) to help in provide extra power.  Cleary brute strength wasn't happening.  Proper leverage?   

[G-Dizzle]

Is there some way to use the vehicle jack ( there are various ones ) to help in provide extra power.  Cleary brute strength wasn't happening.  Proper leverage?   

I smell an idea

[Vidar]

Is there some way to use the vehicle jack ( there are various ones ) to help in provide extra power.  Cleary brute strength wasn't happening.  Proper leverage?   

A jack can certainly prodvide some leverage if it fits.

As mentioned earlier a jack could also be modded to also pry, drag and cut. Which could be helpful for many things actually. (Then again you can get a cheap 4 or 10 ton hydraulic repair set which would be even better suited and more versatile? A jack is in the car anyway though, so there is that.)

Sounds like something that should be sketched out for a Kickstart or something. Versatile jack. Hm. I like it.

[MMR]

Same in Norway, first aid course is required for driver's license and you're required to have a first aid kit in your car. I suspect most of Europe is like that.

Denmark too.

I have only ever once been on the spot when an accident took place, which was fairly minor. Just a  driver who fell asleep or something behind the wheel and drove into the ditch in the side of the road. Apart from a few cosmetic things the car was intact and undamaged, so no need for any crazy tools. The driver was free of any harm too

In every car I have ever owned I have had a first aid kit, you just never know what might happen.

I don’t have a car at the moment, but in my last car I always had small tool kit in my trunk as well with me, it consisted of; socket set, vise-grips, adjustable wrench, hammer, bit kit and bit driver and a multi tool. That seems to get me out of most small to medium duty road side and filling station repairs / situations.

To add to it; I had a lugnut tool, air compressor (to inflate the tires), tire patch kit and an assortment of fixes and of course a small jack too

I had one of those glass breaker and seatbelt cutter tools in the center console too, but i never found any need for it


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[ThundahBeagle]

Shuya

What can one say except that it is the epitome of giving, when you have rushed to the aid of those in need who are unknown to you, for no benefit. My hat's off to you, sir.

As other have said, yes we tend to be a more prepared bunch than most. That does not mean we will be at our most prepared at all times, and it does not mean that even if we are at our most prepared, that we won't be faced with something bigger than us. The true heroes and gallant among us push forward even then, as you did.

Society has recognized this, and that is of course why we have organized, dedicated emergency responders.

But folks like you, who "on- sight" incidents like this and step up to help, will very often make the difference. I'm sorry that, this time,  there was no difference to make. Sometimes there is just nothing to be done, though we try everything.

Here in the US, we have no law stating we must have a first aid kit in the car, though I do have one. I also keep a dog blanket, a person blanket, and a tool kit. Sometimes a lot of tools. Tow strap and chain came in handy many a winters day or stormy night,  especially when I was driving the K1500 Blazer, pulling people out of the snow or a ditch. Or just changing a tire.

It never ceases to amaze me here, how many young people don't even know how to change a flat tire. They just call mom of dad or AAA, or a mechanic. I personally think the driving test should include changing a tire, having a first aid kit, and a little bit of what we used to call 'defensive driving'...even just some 'what if...' awareness and first responder training, but what do I know.

Ow im rambling. Didn't mean to hijack. Great work Shuya. You did everything you could.

[Old man Chris]

I’ve stepped up my game . I now carry Quickclot , and a torniquet . I’ve seem some Gnarly accidents  over the years , on jobsites . The Tq. is for Brachial , and Femoral artery issues , that cannot be controled by direct pressure , only. The quickclot is for nasty , hard to control bleeds , from things like saws , large chisels etc . Tq’s are also indicated in some cases of stabbing , and shooting , sadly becomming ever more common .

While you cant be equipped for everything , you can up your game . “Stop the Bleed “ courses are available in both the US , and Canada . IIf none are available near you , , check out U Tube , under Stop the Bleed” , some parts of the US , are having it in the schools .

Best Regards

Chris

[Etherealicer]

Same in Norway, first aid course is required for driver's license and you're required to have a first aid kit in your car. I suspect most of Europe is like that.

I hate to disappoint you Steinar, the only other country I know of is Germany and maybe Austria (?)...

Switzerland... You are required to take first aid classes and you need a first aid kit (Same DIN as in Germany I presume we are kinda lazy that way). Me too, thought that would be an EU thing.

[Dutch_Tooler]

Same in Norway, first aid course is required for driver's license and you're required to have a first aid kit in your car. I suspect most of Europe is like that.

I hate to disappoint you Steinar, the only other country I know of is Germany and maybe Austria (?)...

You can add Slovenia to your list. 

Slovenia does that?!

Same in Norway, first aid course is required for driver's license and you're required to have a first aid kit in your car. I suspect most of Europe is like that.

I hate to disappoint you Steinar, the only other country I know of is Germany and maybe Austria (?)...

Switzerland... You are required to take first aid classes and you need a first aid kit (Same DIN as in Germany I presume we are kinda lazy that way). Me too, thought that would be an EU thing.

OK, so we have some, maybe most or all Scandinavian countries, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

I know the first aid course is not required in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, probably GB... which is a lost chance, I think...

Problem is, even if you've had the course once, you're not required to refresh the knowledge, and everything bejond rudimentary basics will have evaporated after a few years. I profited from sitting in on my oldest son's course when he was taking his licence

[Etherealicer]

As for helping in car accidents... Simply put, do what you can. Depending on where you are, the best thing to do is secure the accident site and call in the PROs.
I highly recommend first aid training for everybody, it might help more than a lot of gear. I would also stack some advanced training on top of that. Especially if you are a gun owner. I read somewhere that many accidental death could have been avoided (death not the accident) if some basic treatment of the gunshot would have been done. This of course applies particularly if you live/hunt/shoot in remote locations.
Good safety training will also teach you a bit about stress (easy to give advice on the internet < performing first aid on a stranger < performing first aid on a loved one) and priorities (e.g. make sure you are safe yourself and don't get run over by the next car, before you help others).

Oh and guys, remember the US has a new law requiring laminated glass on the side-windows of cars (no more glass-breakers) and I suspect Europe will follow (many cars have laminated side-windows already).