Dr. Anderson:

First, let me say that I do not take your advice as a flame. It is hard to judge tone and intent from printed words on a screen, but I believe I understand your tone and intent as being positive and helpful. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I asked for advice on what was good and bad with the kit. I've talked to some, read a lot, and tried to research every angle. I've had some training too, but not enough. What I didn't have, until your post and others posts, was direct feedback on what I've done so far. Thank you very much.

Second, some additional information that may or may not affect your advice. Firearms training is a more or less regular thing. This can be on the East coast, Southeast, or Southwest. I do spend time outdoors, and when doing so, I'm typically in rural environments. I have had occasion to come across a lot of really bad snakes, spiders, and even crocodiles in the places I've been. And ticks are problem in most of these places as well. Haven't come across mountain lions or bears yet, but that's a matter of time and going farther North and West. And to reiterate, the intent behind the gear is to have everything for any given trip/experience in one place.

Third, I absolutely agree on additional traing. My first responder first aid training has expired and I'm going to get recertified soon. I've thought about an EMT course and volunteer work, but for work-related reasons, probably only the training is possible.

Thanks very much for the first aid kit advice. I will be removing some stuff from the bag. I am not sure about removing the Sawyer Extractor kit, given the bugs and snakes i've encountered, though if I'd be interested to hear your further thoughts, either on or offline, on the subject. Finally, Dr., I don't think your post is long at all. This is great stuff and of value to many others besides me. Again, thank you.

atty_guy

P.S. The SAT strap was givent to me by a Navy Corpsman who developed it in his work. Ex-sanguination is an unlikely thing for me, but I had the device and so put it in with the other medical gear. It beat putting it in a drawer or box somewhere. . . .

Also, I must have played with more mercury as a child than you, I could only get to a J.D., and not an M.D. <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />