Has anyone thought about carrying one of these on their bikes?

[ChrisE]

So I just read the thread on the "We've run out of things to talk about", so I thought I would post this. It's a little bit weird, but here goes.

A long time friend, many years before I met him here in the US, had a motorcycle accident in the UK where his passenger girlfriend lost her leg, supposedly amputated at the scene.

For the last few years, one of my riding buddies in the Nashville area is an amputee, below his left knee, also from a motorcycle accident.

Since moving to Texas, two members of the riding group I've hooked up with, are also victims of recent motorcycle incidents, this year, where they have lost their leg, one on the track, the other on the road.

This has lead me to purchase and carry one of these on the bike, a SOF Tactical Tourniquet, that I hope I will never need for myself or anyone else.
SOF Tactical Tourniquet SOFTT-NH

[Cruiseman]

Never occurred to me. I did not know they even existed. Good information.

[jmohme]

I never really considered carrying a dedicated tourniquet, but always have something with me that could be used for the task.
I just hope to never need it!

Now to stray off the subject slightly. Whats with all of this "Tactical" stuff?
It seems like there are a lot of things that have been around for years that are now produced in black with the"Tactical" name attached.
Watch out for that Tactical Antipersperant. It may actually be a large magic marker!

[Rocky]

You can get one here. http://www.amazon.com/Softt-nh-SOF-T.../dp/B006QLKVSI

[CAC]

Not sure I want to be your friend!

[jmohme]

I just watched the video and I have to admit, it is a pretty slick design.

[bandito]

I dont cary that but I do carry the powder that you pour into a wound to cause clotting. I will check it when I can go out to the bike and post the name.

[kniterider]

I dont cary that but I do carry the powder that you pour into a wound to cause clotting. I will check it when I can go out to the bike and post the name.

Ths powder works much faster with less total blood loss if you can slow the blood flow momentarily,, and this item fills that purpose very nicely with less chance of doing permanent damage to arteries like a shoelace will by limiting the pressure to too tiny of an area

[MMR]

I too carry the coagulant powder. I learned a long time ago to always carry a very good and complete First Aid Kit on every ride. There have been a few rides where I have either offered, or been enlisted, to be the first responder to an accident, and it is good to be preapred. One of the local Wing groups used to sell these really good First Aid Kits for several years, as a way to make extra money for their chapter. In the IronButt Association, you are required to carry, and show, your complete First Aid Kit for certain rallies...to be able to participate in the rally. One of the most beneficial things you learn from "building" your own First Aid Kit is to supplement most of the gauze bandages with Kotex, as Kotex will really absorb the blood well, and you will use fewer gauze bandages in the process.

I have a couple of really good First Aid Kits now in my garage, and I always carry one with me on rides. Bottom line...you just never know when you will need it.

[CaptLen]

Thanks to all for the tips-I have a nice little kit I made up, but I'm always glad to learn more. I'll order to tourniquet and sm interested in the follow up,on the powder. Thanks, everyone

[Kiwi]

I have a mate that assisted a biker that hit something and ripped off his lower leg. He was really bleeding out - fast. He used his belt and a pine cone placed over the artery/vein inside his upper leg/groin area. While its good to have the right gear you can improvise with what is available. Tourniquets are to be used in the most serious of bleeding out situations and may in fact cause the amputation of the limb involved, but if it is serious enough the life is saved. Not to be used as a matter of course for minor bleeding. While it is a good bit of kit it must be used with knowledge that you are saving a life and risking the amputation of the limb. Most people can afford to loose a litre or so of blood with any harm.

[networkguy3]

I too carry the coagulant powder. I learned a long time ago to always carry a very good and complete First Aid Kit on every ride. There have been a few rides where I have either offered, or been enlisted, to be the first responder to an accident, and it is good to be preapred. One of the local Wing groups used to sell these really good First Aid Kits for several years, as a way to make extra money for their chapter. In the IronButt Association, you are required to carry, and show, your complete First Aid Kit for certain rallies...to be able to participate in the rally. One of the most beneficial things you learn from "building" your own First Aid Kit is to supplement most of the gauze bandages with Kotex, as Kotex will really absorb the blood well, and you will use fewer gauze bandages in the process.

I have a couple of really good First Aid Kits now in my garage, and I always carry one with me on rides. Bottom line...you just never know when you will need it.

I don't but since I take a pretty powerful blood thinner it seems like it would be a good idea.

[grannywinger]

I had never heard of the coagulant powder, but sounds like something I want to include in my first aid kit. Where do you purchase this?

[ChrisE]

I had never heard of the coagulant powder, but sounds like something I want to include in my first aid kit. Where do you purchase this?

No experience with this, but QuikClot seems to be the magic search word on Google

http://www.amazon.com/First-Aid-QuikClot-Trauma-Emergency/dp/B00GK6NYQU

[Lone Ranger]

Not sure if these clotting products have expiration dates but if buying from a brick and mortar store examine the packaging, either for powder or sponge, for an expiration date. If buying over the net try calling to determine expiration date before purchasing. Hate to buy the item only to find the vendor was moving his back stock.


Do research before buying any of these products for side effects, i.e. burns, reaction, etc

Here is a site I found, though dated, gives you an idea of what to look for when purchasing products, http://edcforums.com/threads/celox-vs-quikclot.54126/ , I'm sure there is updated info.

I have Kotex in my Bag-Out-Bags for vehicles and bike. Walmart has cheap prices.

[grannywinger]

Thanks for the quick replies. I am definitely going to check into these and get one for my kit.

[Fire trike]

Recent research has shown that using a proper tourniquets (like the one shown) has very little chance of causing amputation if used for less than 4 hours. The military has done so much battlefield research (unfortunately). The next big change is no longer placing all accident victims on long backboards. It is felt that the boards may cause more damage than not "boarding" them. Our department is training on both of the these changes now.

[SMSgt]

The Kotex is a great idea as they serve the purpose of a good trauma dressing. And remember if you aren't qualified don't do it. Good Samaritan laws only cover you if you are qualified to do whatever you are doing. Don't practice medicine if you aren't a doctor. And as things go don't practice first aid if you haven't been trained, if you cause an injury you will be in court defending yourself for being a good guy and there is no defense for stupidity, no matter your intentions.