Statpacks ? review of some of their gear and how it performs in the field
So? On some occasions especially when working solo I prefer to use my own bags. Why? Well I have them packed according to the state regulations with everything I need and not one thing extra. I know expiration dates on my meds, I know where everything is and I know what I have. I looked around for a perfect bag and realized that shoulder carry is not going to work for me. Backpack was the right answer but I didn?t want commando looking pack from Blackhawk. I was eyeballing Statpacks for a while but they were too expensive so when EBay auction came around with cheaper equipment I jumped on it. Special thank goes out to ParamedicPete who recognized my screen name and didn?t bid on the auctions.
So? First item that I bought was a Load and Go pack. All Statpacks equipment is made very well using the most durable fabrics in the industry. Stuff looks and feels solid which is also reflected in the price. First thing you have to learn about Statpacks is that their products appear larger in picture than they actually are. Their gear is designed to be packed tight without any room to spare. Think of them as Ikea of EMS carry. Straps are well padded and wide which helps you to carry and distribute the weight. There is no hip strap. It is good for me since I carry a duty belt but bad for someone who doesn?t have one. There is a chest strap that works fine but I wish they used stretch fabric so harness doesn?t get stiff. Pack is stable enough with wide base to set it up on the floor and work out of it as if you had a crash cart or cabinet with you. Zippers are pretty strong with nice big pull tabs. Handle is big and allows you to grab a pack even while wearing cold weather gear. Side packets are made with mesh and big enough for bulky items. Into mine I was able to fit a BVM and two 1000 cc bags with drip sets.
Inside of the pack is designed to carry either Statpacks modules or your own configuration of items. Inside of the pack is not changeable. Pack is heavy on use of see-thru plastic which is not my favorite due to possibility of cracking in cold weather but it is much easier to clean and work with than mesh netting. I was able to fit inside the pack pediatric module, adult drug module, intubation kit, bp cuff and various trauma/medical supplies with room to spare for other things.
Outside pocket is my quick access storage for basic trauma supplies. Two zippers connected together via handle work just fine and allow me to have everyday items at my finger tips.
For my pediatric module and adult drug module I used Statpack?s Drug Module pouch. It is expendable pouch/case that allows me to carry all the medications and identify them quickly. My first module: adult drug kit had barely enough space for all the meds required by NYC to be part 800. For bigger drugs such as Dextrose and Sodium Bicarb I had to transfer shooters (big syringes) into the backpack. Not a big deal. Pediatric kit which contains intubation supplies, peds drugs, special needles and tubes fits perfectly with room to spare. Bags again are solidly made with nice sippers, reflective. Here?s where usage of see-thru plastic pays off since I can see clearly all the meds from many angles. Bag opens up to provide stable platform. I love working out of it since all my meds are close together. This is not a bag for sloppy care providers since throwing meds around will not allow you to close it. I just wish there was a separate business card size window out there for info card that would distinguish between bags if you use more than one. Big handles allow you to grab the bag firmly or attach it to your belt via carabineer. Also Velcro bottom works just great in keeping the bag in place.
Intubation roll is a great way to keep your supplies organized but in this case it is too small. If it is a set of adult airways that everything fits fine but doing peds and adults together is a no go. Even adult kit had to be striped down without backup. Roll looks roomy in pictures and when you get it but upon filling it up with supplies it?s not that great. I mean you can fit everything if you don?t use the strap to buckle it down. I know I can throw away some stuff and improvise but than I?m not legal with the state eqp check so there is not much room for cutbacks. But it is a good concept that needs to be worked a little.
As a carry device for my oxygen supply I bought Statpack?s Tidal Volume bag. It is designed as a back pack with hand carry possibility or being able to be attached to the stretcher railing via two aluminum hooks (genius). Bag is sturdy with metal bracket inside giving it shape. Tank is secure inside and is also protected by the same bracket that gives bag shape. I have a D size tank in there with adult and peds OPAs, nebulazer with meds, peds bag valve mask, nasal canulas and non-rebreather masks for adults and peds. My biggest problem is not being able to fit an adult bag valve mask. I?m working on it trying to disassemble things and space them around but not having adult BVM there is a big concern. Another thing is that bag uses a plastic ring that holds two backpack straps in place. Metal ring would have been so much more durable or like with my back pack just saw them into the frame.
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I also have their waist pack: Platinum 10 and their IV module kit. Platinum 10 is a roomy first responder pack that I have no use for as of now. Maybe when summer comes around and I be back on EMS patrol. That thing is build like a tank and I would call it a Cadillac of fanny packs. It fits BVM and enough trauma supplies to get you thru until you get hold of your rig or main bag. Now IV module I consider a bit of the waste of money. Honestly I don?t see a point behind it especially since it was designed to carry a big volume bag with all accessories. For big volume bag I need a bag, macro drip set and a needle with a swipe. No need for other stuff. But I?m trying to give it a try in the field lately and there is no chemistry. I mean she looks good but there is something about her <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.
In conclusion: solid equipment for serious people. Obviously some of their staff had previous field experience that allowed them to create bags that work with me not against me. You don?t have to be a health care provider to use their bags. They are great for home first aid kits, BOBs and drug modules can be used to organize little stuff in your big kits. Also their waist packs are amazing, roomy and not military looking. Most important their fabrics are soft and durable and will not cause abrasion or rug burn on your skin. They are on the expensive side and it seems that everyone sells them at MSRP but it is worth it. I mean yes there are bags out there cheaper but you might as well get a duffel bag. It looks like the best deals out there on Statpacks come from the manufacturer themselves who offer discount on shipping and free bonus items.
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