I wanted light sticks because they are EMP-proof.


Everybody in the forum has been telling me to get a headlamp. I finally did, and it's still taking up valuable space in my medical kit, going unused except when I test the batteries.

Are you convinced yet that I don't need it, or do you need me to hang on to it even longer?

Jeanette Isabelle

I've got several headlamps and find them very useful but not a "cure all" for lighting needs. If you can have only one light, get a good hand held flashlight. However, like most of us, you can and do have several lighting options.

A headlamp is invaluable and nothing else works better when you need both your hands to do something and you need light too. In a medical emergency having enough light to see what you are doing is very important while you are using both hands to work on the issue and nothing beats a headlamp.

Also, when I have had to "fix" or repair something and I needed better light to see what I am trying to do (using both hands) again a headlamp was/is the best answer. Heck, I put a head lamp on every night when our little dog and I go out for the last time for her 'personal affairs'. The light lets me see what the Boo dog is up to and I'm then able to "recover" any bio-deposits that may have resulted. I really appreciate the light then!

I have six MAG-LITE flashlights.


That is what everyone in this forum has said. For that reason, I bought one. In my thirty-five years, I never needed to treat myself or anyone else in the dark. Nevertheless, the headlamp is still there, turned on every once in a while to see if it still works.

Jeanette Isabelle

But still you buy Cyalumes in case on EMP because EMP will wipe out electricity.
So you expect all accidents to happen at daylight in a future scenario when there is no electricity because of EMP? Even in daylight there is darkness inside buildings if lamps don´t function,

I have information on an EMP.


A headlamp won't work after an EMP unless it's in a protective container at the time of the event. If I were to keep the headlamp safe in a protective container, it wouldn't be in the medical bag.

Jeanette Isabelle

Not sure you'll need a flashlight if an EMP destroys the one you are carrying.

Two of my flashlights and spare batteries are in an EMP-proof container.

Jeanette Isabelle

I'm skeptical EMP can damage an LED flashlight unless it's also strong enough to also take out humans where it reaches. I'm even more dubious that it can damage an incandescent flashlight. Maybe you can get an old small incandescent with an LED conversion for runtime, but keep the old filament bulb around just in case. The old Tekna Spash-lite might be nice for that.

My headlamp and most of my flashlights don't have a replaceable bulb. I'm not sure what can and cannot be damaged. Nevertheless, I'm taking precautions by storing two flashlights in an EMP-proof container.

Regardless, you gave me a good idea. I need to get spare bulbs for two of my flashlights and put them in an EMP-proof container.

Jeanette Isabelle

An EMP would damage semiconductors (e. g.: LEDs, transistors, ICs). Incandescent bulbs are not vulnerable. My Maglites take both LED inserts and incandescent bulbs. Maybe your´s do too.