I saw a spoof on tv last night about a guy without any shoulders. It was much funnier than when I broke my dominant arm this past summer. The experience has given me completely new perspective. Les simulated a broken arm on Survivorman and he gave up pretending because it was just too hard. I don't blame him one bit.

The Accident

It was an emergency situation: I had a freak accident while tubing at a friend's cottage. (Think inner tube with handles, tied to the back of a boat like a water skiier.) Thank goodness for my lifejacket! Three biggest challanges: I passed out for a few seconds, went into shock, and I couldn't get back into the boat. First aid is first aid, although I was in the water, but was up to the people in the boat to get me out of the water. Lesson learned by all: Think ahead! They eventually got me into the boat, and someone could have swimmed me back to the cottage, but a throw rope or life ring on a rope would have been a huge help.

We didn't have a first aid kit either, which is very unlike me. I let my guard down because we were staying within sight of the cottage. We made due without one this time but never again will any of us go out without one. The two first aid instructors on-board are still kicking themselves.


The Injury

I lost the use of my hand, arm and shoulder for a few months, and won't have full use of my shoulder for at least a few more. My entire arm was completely immobilized for almost three months, and the challenges of life didn't stop. You'd be amazed at how many things we need two hands to do. For example, I couldn't open most containers on my own unless I could hold it well enough with my knees. I always had someone around to help but what if I didn't?

It's made me give my survival gear an intense rethink. Here's a few examples from my experience to get us all thinking.


Re-Thinking My Kit

Carry:

*I couldn't wear my regular backpack so switched to a single strap messenger bag, which I usually hate because it's way less stable on me and not condusive for movement other than walking.

*I can use my regular pack again but it's still too heavy with everything that's in it. Rethinking necessity and weight.

*My reach is now severely limited so what I wear on my waist, and where it's placed, has changed


Mechanics:

*I couldn't open my folding knife or Leatherman, so I threw a little fixed blade into my kits.

*I couldn't use a ferro rod or mag stick, so extra lighters and matches were added.

*Buttons were impossible and I couldn't wear anything that wasn't loose fitting so I changed all the clothes in my kits.

*I couldn't hold a flashlight AND do something else at the same time, and I couldn't get my headlamp on without help, so I switched to those lights that slide onto the brim of a baseball hat.


Rethinking YOUR Kit

I could babble all day but my point is this: Have you thought about an injury? Is your stuff one-armed user friendly?