The Off-Duty Paramedic FAK

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To qualify this post, I work and live within on of the busiest EMS systems in the United States. I enjoy fast response times from both the Ambulance and first responders. Just thought I would share what I carry on me for a FAK. To begin with it is divided into 2 parts, personal and everyone else ( and a range bag, but that is a whole other topic).

Personal
Exedrin—I have headaches, these normally fix them
Aleve— knees
prilosec—–acid reflux is bad when you do not have time to eat
Amerge—-for the migaine that resides in all of us
Band aids–2 anymore and I need something else.
nail clippers—hangnails suck

other people bag
CPR mask—–unless she is my wife/GF/ummmm other SO
gloves—– some people are just nasty

thats it. thats right folks, I carry 2 items to take care of others. Good samaritan laws only go so far, and do not protect medics in my area for advanced life saving equipment used without an authority from a Physician. And that includes giving medications. Basic life support I am covered. On duty I have an entire ambulance to carry my equipment, and the authority to use it.

As a lay person you may be covered differently than I am. Temper your FAK with what YOU need for yourself, your family, and the type of area you are in.

YMMV

Russell

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