What are some good ways you have grown your skill sets in emergency medical preparedness? What are some specific resources the average joe can use to grow in this area? Training programs, online learning, books, etc. What is your experience with these resources, and why would you recommend them? How do you stay proficient?
This should be a great thread Andy. I was an active firefighter, EMT-A back in the 1980-90's and stopped recertification of my EMT in 2000. Man, how things have changed in the medical field. I have a nephew that is an ex S.F. (Green Beret) and he is going with the medical thing in civilian life. He just passed his National EMT and is going for medic next. He is trying to bring me back up to speed. Everyone needs the basics. I may be the one working on him, ya just never know. So, friends and/or family may be the cheapest. Only a few beers per hour, in my case. JCKC
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Here are a couple of great online places to begin for the average joe
Greg is right, we have stop the bleed kits in our school, and I got certified as a trainer last year.
Tourniquet the limbs, pack the junctions, seal the box.
James is a #STUD and may save a life someday
As an average joe you are most likely either come across or be involved in an auto accident or an injury in a garage. Bleeding is common and readily interrupted by this 'average joe' guy. Gauze, tampons, tq's, hell a sammich baggie and duct tape can create a chest seal in a pinch. There is a ton of good info out there - but beware - there is a ton of craptastic stuff also. Stay with well known simple stuff. Start simple and be a sponge - every single one of us are capable of learning enough to save a life...