Local Medivac survival kit

Posted by: CJK

Local Medivac survival kit - 02/05/16 01:49 AM

It dawned on me one day that the MEDIVAC chopper in the bay of the building I'm stationed at may allow me to get some hands on with some 'survival stuff'.

The aircrew (all known to me) surprised me by saying that the FAA doesn't require them to have a 'PSK'. Their flights are occasionally over water and they comply with all the FAA requirements.... But the PSK.....Here's their list....

Signal mirror
Compass
Striker
Food (emergency ration)
Fishing kit
2 AAA batteries
Hatchet
Yellow strap and hook
Multi purpose pocket tool
Rescue blanket
2 Drinking water
Plastic canteen
Flashlight
Knife
Whistle
Bug repellent wipes
Signal flare

FAK:
Aspirin
Tylenol
Bandaids
2- 2x2 sterile gauze
Butterfly wound closures
Gloves
1/2 in tape
Antibiotic ointment
Antibiotic wipes
Trauma pad.

This is just the kit on the bird. It doesn't include personal EDC stuff.

I am looking forward to seeing it. They just cracked it open (every 3 months) to check. I'll get to see it at next inspection if I'm lucky. Can't wait to see the quality.
Posted by: barbarian

Re: Local Medivac survival kit - 02/05/16 01:12 PM

I notice a curious lack of water puro. They have included a fishing kit to acquire food, but nothing for additional potable water? That (IMO) is vital anywhere, but especially in an environment such as Florida's.
Posted by: Russ

Re: Local Medivac survival kit - 02/05/16 03:37 PM

Looks like a standard cookie-cutter survival kit. A med-evac helo will not be missed for long and when they are missed the cavalry will be out in force. Assuming an 406MHz ELT is part of the helo's equipment and is activated, they need water, blankets and signaling gear (mirrors, whistles). The pilots should both have personal survival gear in the form of PLB's, signal mirrors, flashlights, etc. Being a MED-evac helo, they should be heavy on First Aid and be able to access additional FA "stuff" from their passengers.

I do not understand food and a fishing kit; is that an FAA requirement or just something they have because "every" survival kit needs food and a fishing kit?

Something to consider would be some form of lighting (strobes/beacons) to designate an LZ for a responding (back-up) helo. If they have an emergency off-field landing (not necessarily an uncontrolled crash) and a second helo responds to pick up their passengers and continue, they should have some way of designating a safe LZ, so there is no time wasted.
Posted by: clearwater

Re: Local Medivac survival kit - 02/05/16 04:10 PM

Not much shelter there. Some medi-vac choppers carry floorless tents that can be set up over victims without moving them. They would also be useful in a PSK.
Posted by: CJK

Re: Local Medivac survival kit - 02/09/16 05:28 PM

The crew tell me that 'there isn't any FAA requirement for a survival kit' so I would assume that the fishing kit/food stuff like everything else in it, is 'personal choice'. Now I haven't found out 'whose' personal choice it is...... I don't know who decided to 'make the kit' or why certain items were chosen to be in it. I'm looking forward to actually 'laying hands on' when they open in a few months for inspection. I'd like to see the quality. I have more questions.

Point made is true. past several years had a medivac go down. Local crews (EMS, FD, PD and PD Aviation) were ALL OVER IT IMMEDIATELY. Crew wasn't in the water long and all were dry pretty quick, But I agree more attention should be paid to water (drinking).
Posted by: hikermor

Re: Local Medivac survival kit - 02/10/16 01:48 AM

Two canteens are listed. They should be filled with H2O, if they are to be useful at all
Posted by: CJK

Re: Local Medivac survival kit - 02/13/16 04:31 PM

Actually only one canteen is listed. It list '2' waters.....I'm still waiting to see it myself..... I applaud their thoughts on being 'pro-active' on having the kit without a specific requirement for it but.... don't know how thoughtful they were in the contents or their reasoning behind them.
Posted by: hikermor

Re: Local Medivac survival kit - 02/13/16 05:39 PM

oops! my bad - mirror is listed!