Hey, everybody, thanks for the input.

Re training, I took a pretty good first-aid course in college, but that was 20 years ago, so I'm going to find another course locally as soon as I can. Am also signed up for the next CPR class at work.

I know the Heimlich maneuver and actually had to use it at the office this year. It worked. The lady who was choking ended up just fine. The applause when it was over was a little embarassing, but I just ducked outside for a smoke.

Am also pretty well read up on doggy first aid and have practiced some basics there. I hunt with my brothers' setters and retrievers, and don't want anything bad happening to them (dogs or the brothers, but most importantly the dogs <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ). Also had to do a doggie heimlich on my own (since passed) Brittany pup many moons ago. It too, worked.

After the first aid class, I'd like to learn a little more land navigation, such as using topo maps. I think I pretty well understand the basic use of a compass and carry a compass and a small Garmin GPS while pheasant hunting. I just stop and pop in a way point every now and then. I find it kind of fun, but I may be a nerd.

Re cables, flairs, triangles ... yep, cables and triangles.

Re wool blanket, thanks. Will check out a mil surplus store this weekend.

Re the can of Cope, good line, but it's actually just there for an "emergency" dip. I figure you can't be having a nicotine fit and showing a cool head at the same time, so I figured a dip might come in handy.

Thanks again, everyone.