preparedness

Over the past few years I have had the fortune or miss-fortune of being at a few semi-major accident scenes. Both times an immobilized skier/climber needed to be secured, comforted for up to 1 hour and supported while waiting for the cavalry to appear. I've been lucky in that others on the scene had a radio or sat phone, guides tarp or other essential tools to get the ball rolling, even if I didn't....

My "FA kit/emergency kit" ready for the pack. A lightweight first aid kit, bivi bag and a 12'' ski strap keeping it all together...

Since then I have put a lot of thought into the minimum "SOL" kit to have on all outings....

The emergency bivi bag from adventure medical kits is a good piece. Super light, reflective, waterproof and a decently effective in keeping one person semi-comfortable while waiting for the sound of the rotor blades. I know people (Rob Owens ;-) that have used it as a full service bivi bag on alpine climbs.

www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?product=144&catname=Shelter&prodname=SOL%20Emergency%20Bivvy

I always bring a light and somewhat minimalist first aid kit with me into the mountains. This with the idea that all we need to do is stabilize the victim and wait for the big help to arrive with more sophisticated tools and means. For long trips I will beef it up (extra gauze, tape to change dressings, more pain killers, antihistamines and maybe wound irrigation) to be more self reliant. I don't typically bring a splint as ski poles, branches, etc are usually available, not ideal but works in a pinch. The below is a list of whats inside, a blend between emergency and FA tools.

1) SPOT transceiver/ELB - There were two uses of this product last year in the Rockies resulting in rescues. It is light and more reliable than radios which rely on line of sight repeater towers for use. It needs a reasonably clear line of sky though..
2) lighter
3) Gauze and tape
4) gloves
5) Moleskin
6) Pain killers (ibuprofen here but I also bring some heavy hitters for major pain management)

Whats not shown here:

7) G3 Bone Saw - This thing is awesome, a great snow saw for pit use and also amazing at wood cutting. last February, I used the bone saw to cut about 7, 10-30 cm diameter trees down to open up a landing space for a 407 which was en route for an evacuation. Great purchase.

8) Voile ski strap, you can use this for binding repairs, splinting and so much more. Last week a boot buckle failed in the field and we were able to use the mighty orange strap as a quick fix. Ivo felt solid enough to keep skiing all day on it!

Jurry rigged boot buckle saves the day!


Happy trails!