When I fly, I take notice of any unaccompanied minors and those with other limitations in my area. In the event of an evacuation or crash landing, and I'm capable, I would assist them after anyone else I'm flying with. I remember flying on a puddle-jumper once and thinking if anything happens, the 10-year old in front of me is going to hear "You're with me!" Yes, the flight attendant is responsible for the kids, but they're also responsible for everyone else too. Distributed Emergency Management, that's what this survival thing is all about, right?

Now that is the attitude that more people need to have! Kudos to you!

Wheels, I am curious to know what what your EDC is, & also what you would have in a Emergency Kit or FAK. I am keeping in mind that you have bags of some kind attached to your wheelchair, but overloading might slow you down or otherwise encumber you.

Tim

Tim,

My EDC might seem thin considering I have a bag hanging off the back of my chair (3"x14"x12") - -

Leatherman Charge
Whistle
Flashlights (4!) all mini size attached to various things
Cell phones (2) plus AA powered charger
SAK
Emergency contacts
Tums
Aspirin
Tylenol
Sig (ccw)
Water
Standard wallet stuff incl extra keys
Food (varies)
Lighter
Ipod


When I'm significantly away from home/office I carry a much more complete kit that includes FAK, water purificatin tabs, emergency "blanket," etc that's based on ETS suggestions (2"x4"x5") in a siliconized nylon kit bag with multiple pockets. I also would carry hot hands/toastie toes, hat, sunglasses, and so on depending on what I think I might need.

I try to keep the chair light and rely on being close to my van. A couple years ago we went out west (flew) for 10 days - that was different ... I carried all of the above plus maps, paracord, bandanas, and a couple of FRS radios for my wife and I to use. That all seemed good in hindsight.

From everyone's suggestions I'll add at least an armband light and nitrile gloves.

My FAKs are very complete but nothing special (I have a wonderful company FAK 40 ft from my office). Fortunately I don't have any real health issues (lookin' for some wood to knock on) beyond brittle bones, loose joints, and a fused back. I probably should carry some prescription pain meds but I get by on one aspirin a day a a couple Tylenol a few times a week. Mostly I wind up using my EDC and other stuff to help others
The people I know well ask me for a variety of things all the time. When my wife and I go out I carry her stuff too which sometimes includes her version of an EDC in addition to the usual (contact case/fluid, gum, brush, blah blah blah).

Welcome to the fire, newguy! It seems you have everything well under control. I might suggest a small radio though so you can keep up with any important news. That's my one problem with iPods, they don't have a bilt-in radio.

-Blast

It's kind of self-serving. It'll give me something to focus on in order to take in the situation. I know I have a tendency to freeze (as most everyone does), and with my knowledge and some experience, I need to be in a better position to help. The only way I could think of was to concentrate on someone else.