As an ex-Corpsman, I’ve had my Unit 1 (Vietnam vintage) for about 15 years and I’m looking for a more modern and functional replacement. Preferably one that’s a bit easier to carry/stow and allows for more organization than three large pockets.
Any recommendations or suggestions?
I see a lot of blowout pouches, but I’m looking for something a bit more involved.
To do what? How many patients? Level of care? Duration of care? Devices you’ll carry? How do you want to carry it? Does it need to integrate with other gear?
Think equivalent to the old Unit 1 for squad. 2-10 patients with field care. I’m not looking for super high speed, more generalized gear. Should carry be about the same size/weight and about the same level/standard of care as the old Unit 1. Don’t want the equivalent of a Unit 5.
Battle dressings, gloves, triangular dresings. gauze, surgical kit, stethoscope, airways ( laryng, crikes, whatever fits), SCW setup, sphyg cuff, hemorrhage control, maybe an IV setup.
Integration is somewhat secondary. I’d prefer a bag that can be slung/accessed quickly but out of the way most of the time.
I’m a big fan of the Tactical Tailor First Responder Bag, and use a bunch of them. They may not have the level of organization you’re looking for, though. The new variant of it allows attachment of pouches to the exterior, which gives it greater expanability. Carry strap for waist or shoulder carry, MOLLE compatible. http://www.tacticaltailor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=17
I also like the Eagle aircrew E&E bag as a small med bag.
http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=16156&cat=263&page=1
I saw an ATS Cobra pack set up for med use, and it was also quite handy.
http://www.atstacticalgear.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=ATS-0015!ATS
I ran an Eagle medical bag with a shoulder strap that way for an application.
http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=194&cat=62&page=1
I’ve got various small nylon pouches to organize larger bags without internal organization.
Other choices would be the many small backpack units available from quality manufacturers.
Hope that helps.
May I politely suggest Chinook Medical?
http://www.chinookmed.com/index.cfm/fa/category.display/category_id/12/Containers.cfm
I have an Adventure Medical Systems Mountain Medic bag that is going on 20 years old. It’s quite well made, and still in great shape.
Best of luck to you, and thank you for your service to our country.
Whatever it would be would have to fit in addition to a ruck. I probably should have specified that.
The Chinook Combat Lifesaver and the Eagle First responder seem the most promising. The shoulder strap/integration/fanny carry options is something I want.
I really like the size/versatility/organization of the Chinook. The central organization panel is a great idea especially for airways/IVs.
The Eagle’s simplicity has a virtue all its own. Additional pouches would be needed I’d guess, but everything would be right in front of you. I hate having to dig through a bag.
This looks awesome…but is a bit more than I wanted to spend for just a bag:
Any other thoughts? recommendations for what I should look for.
I appreciate the comments and thank you for any future observations.