Medical Kits While Hunting: being your own first responder

The amount of times I’ve had someone look at me darn near cross eyed when I ask them if they carry a medical kit into the woods makes my head spin. Now that makes me wonder, why is that? Have we all just gotten used to having emergency help coming to us within a matter of minutes? I’m going to give you a couple of examples of why you should have a kit with you, and an idea of a few items to take with you. 

We all know broad heads are sharp, razor sharp, and the ease that an arrow passes through a human leg will astonish you. This can happen from something as simple as falling on your own arrow. Don’t believe me? A quick search on YouTube of broad head injuries will yield more than a few results. Keep in mind a femoral artery bleed can be fatal within 2 and 5 minutes.

This next example has almost happened to me, but I got lucky and distance was my friend. Now I love dove hunting and opening day is the official kick off of the fall hunting season for many. This past dove opener I was shot in the face by another hunter, but luckily I was far enough away to avoid injury. This still hurt like you wouldn’t believe, and could have been much worse if I was a few yards closer. Upland game hunting is good fun, but it usually involves more people being around you. This increases the chances of an accident occurring and you better be ready to help yourself or your buddy.

Now this doesn’t mean you have to walk into the woods looking like a paramedic on your favorite TV show. Carrying just a few items could save not just your life, but someone else’s. A basic first aid kit should be one of the first things you have. Many places sell backpacking first aid kits and these could really help prolong your hunts. The next piece of equipment I highly recommend is a CAT Tourniquet. You can find these for a reasonable price and they don’t take up much room at all. Toss it in your kit and it could save your life. The last piece to gear I recommend is a trauma pack. You can pick these pre made kits at most big box stores and they usually have Quick Clot and gauze. These kits can vary depending on what one fits your adventure. My last bit of advice is to make sure you know how and when to use these items. They won’t do a bit of good if you don’t know how to use your items. Stay safe and hunt smart y’all. 

-Clyde Pratt, Just One Team Member