So, I am having problems posting long messages again... so part II of above post:

Take a First Responder class instead, you'll learn more important life saving skills than starting an IV and it is only a 40-60 hour commitment. A Wilderness First Responder Class would offer more pertinent information and training for the survival setting.

Wilderness Medical Associates, Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities and, National Outdoor Leadership School all offer good Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder programs. While I have only taken medical classes from S.O.L.O., I have taken courses from all three of these organizations and can, without hesitation, recommend each of them.

Romania, any good on-line resources for EMS First Responder training? I'd like to get my hands on the materials. I missed the entry last year. I had prior committments, so I couldn't attend enough of the classes to complete the course. I'd like to bone up and read all I can before this year's round.

By on-line, I mean, do they have all the in-class materials posted and maybe even practice exams or at least homework style questions?

Thanks!

EDIT: I'm overtired. I completley forgot SOLO is in Conway, never mind. :P Less than two hours from me, and I'm asking where I can retake the class... *shakes head*

You might consider stocking oral rehydration solution as an alternative to IV supplies. A trained person isn't necessary, which is important if you are not around to administer the IV or otherwise not able to do it (e.g. what if your strong hand were injured?). Of course, in situations when you really need fluids fast, you need an IV, but for conditions like dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea, a supply of ORS should suffice and can be prepared by anyone.

Iron,
No worries... I grew up in Hinesburg, was nice having Conway only a few hours way to take a class

Mascare,
Red Cross has a decent MFR program, but beyond that I don't know of any online resources for MFR. I'd get a copy of the book and workbook that the program you'd like to take is using and do the study questions and workbook. That would be excelent preperation for class, but you can't beat the hands-on experience you'd get in a good class.

Most of the online study resources for EMS are mostly Paramedic Level stuff.

Thanks Romania. I checked online and they are mostly "how to pass" the exam stuff and none of it looked free. I'll talk to the instructor to see if I can get the materials so I can study prior to going to class in the fall.

Being a nurse I'm sure you know that any thoughts in this regard should be for family only. Your license would be at risk were you to try to help non-family and have them (or their relatives) come back and sue you later. That's for LPN's and RN's ... an NP can do this without direct or standing orders, order it yourself (this may depend on your state however.) In a true disaster situation, I guess you could just stick-and-run, and never tell them your name. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

You would also need to find a friendly doc in the ER who might cut you a deal to rotate stock so it doesn't expire on you.

When I was a paramedic way back when (I'm expired now) I never viewed IV's as something necessary for a home kit. The fluids might tide you over for large blood loss until you can get into surgery. But your scenerio leaves you with a lack of medical service so I'm not sure IV fluids would be all that useful for that "golden hour" trauma scenerio. For your scenerio, IV's would fall more into the "convenience" category for dehydration, IMHO. If somebody is sick enough that they are actually dieing of dehydration, then medical care is necessary. A do-it-yourself IV at home isn't likely to fix the problem.

Of course, when your own family is concerned, nothing is too outrageous. So if you can get the IV equipment without stealing, and store it so it remains sterile, and you monitor expiration dates ... go for it. I probably would myself if I lived in a disaster prone area, even though I'm making a counter-argument in this very post.

Question to the medical personel here-

For you guys (and gals), due to your training, would bugging out be considered something akin to desertion?

A lot of my family is medical, but I've never thought to ask this becuase their plan is to be on the a load out with the patients, or then rotate to the fire department.

I'll be headed to the Fire Station if I am able to. My preperation plans and BOB kits are for when I am not in town or going to the fire station isn't an option. In an emeregency my place is on the engine.

I took my Wilderness First Responder from WILDERNESS MEDICAL ASSOCIATES. As an over all couse, it's more rounded and teaches you to think out of the box, than an EMT class. Infact it teaches you things you can't (by Law) use unless your 2 hrs away from definitive care; these are the Wilderness Prodcals.
You even do a live injecting with Saline. This is a very good Course;
The instructor's name was Cabit, and he's one of a handfull of full time instructor's. I think it's better to get a fulltime instructor who really knows and can teach the information