Based on a need for a safety hook that would facilitate the remote removal of hazardous items like a S-Vest, or to remotely open a suspicious item such as an IED within a backpack, Zero Point turned to Benchmade. They created the specialized hook knife below. As you can see, it is unlike any other hook knife on the market. Its long length allows it to be inserted into narrow openings and the ridges along to back assist with grip and indexing. Since its inception Zero Point has included this tool in most of their kits.
While the knife was initially intended as an EOD tool, it has recently been released for general sales and adopted by LE, medical professionals, and sports medicine due to its unique size and design. If you are looking for a hook knife that does more than just cut cord and webbing, then this is the one for you.
If you are looking for the best EOD kits out there, then check out Zero Point. www.zeropointusa.com
The Powerheart AED G3 Plus from Cardiac Science is an automated defibrillator designed for use by untrained personnel. It features RescueCoach and a CPR metronome to pace chest compressions. Additionally, the on-board Rescue Ready technology self-checks all main AED components (battery, hardware, software, and pads) daily. It also completes a partial charge of the high-voltage electronics weekly, and a full charge monthly.
To learn more visit booth #53 at the Warrior Expo.
Fayetteville based Combat Medical Systems was founded by Special Forces medics and medical industry personnel and they have assembled an impressive array of tactical medical products and training programs. One of their new products is the fully stocked Mojo Combat Lifesaver kit. It comes pre-packed with the entire ensemble of supplies for a certified CLS. The bag can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder. Obviously, the biggest advantage of the kit is that it is available, on the shelf, right now.
If you want to check out the entire line of Mojo medical kits, stop by the CMS booth (# 187) at Warrior Expo-East today and tomorrow at the Virgina Beach Convention Center.
In conjunction with Army Special Forces units, WV IV PRO., Inc developed the Combat IV Pro Set. The heart of the Combat IV Pro Set is the dome which is crafted from medically approved plastic with ventilation holes to prevent the possibility of bacteria. The grommet snaps onto the IV line, therefore the catheter cannot be dislodged while in transit. Additionally, the strap based attachment system poses a major advantage over the surgical tape typically used by Combat Medics since sand and other debris will not stick to it.
New from S.O. Tech is the BLOCS Quick Eject Tourniquet Carrier (BQETC). Lightweight, the BQETC is designed to fully encapsulate the tourniquet for protection until it is needed. Additionally, the one-handed release mechanism facilitates access to the tourniquet so that it can be applied quickly.
For more information or to order visit www.bqetc.tk
This is another one of the gems I saw at the recent ADS Warrior Expo. Currently used in conjunction with London Bridge Trading’s High Gear brand, the Decon Zone Sanitizing System has also been adopted by military units as well as numerous professional and collegiate sports teams.
Developed by a former Navy diver, the system was initially envisioned to clean his son’s football equipment. It is a completely sealed, green system that produces no waste by-products but rather relies on ozone produced by a lightning-like spark. The ozone kills odor causing bacteria and it is converted back to oxygen at the end of the cycle. Ozone is more effective at killing bacteria than hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and iodine. Not only does bacteria make your equipment stink, it can make you ill. Staph infections and MRSA are becoming more common threats to health. For full details on all of the heebie jeebies that can kill you visit their blog; killbacterianow.com.
The Decon Zone Sanitizing System has already been purchased by a couple of Air Force squadrons and they continue to go strong. They aren’t just using it for armor. It is also being used for mess kits and canteen cups, search and rescue equipment, blankets, clothing, and medical products. The machine’s cycle is 12 minutes of exposure to ozone in addition to the time it takes to reduce the ozone at the end of the cycle meaning equipment isn’t down for maintenance for long. There is nothing to dry and no residual chemical hazards once the items are removed from the machine. An added benefit is that quality of life is improved. Personnel are more comfortable wearing armor and other equipment when it doesn’t smell, not to mention that there is less risk to their health.
So to sum all of the pluses up: Green technology, Developed by a Veteran, Keeps troops healthy, Improves morale. Not bad.
Many military and Law Enforcement organizations are issuing the Combat Application Tourniquet. Unfortunately, a replica product built in Hong Kong by Element Airsoft and made to resemble the CAT has been showing up in medical equipment sets. Organizations and individuals may see a lower price and think they are getting a good deal but according the briefing below, the E-CAT does not perform to the same standard as the CAT Gen III.
We have seen this time and time again and the issue is not limited to just medical equipment. Most companies catering to the mil sim or airsoft markets manufacture to a lower standard than US Mil Spec and use lower quality materials, not to mention that they are not Berry Compliant. When a purchaser chooses to save a few bucks, he also cuts corners that can cost lives. It is imperative that the purchaser realistically assesses his needs and purchases the right product for the right application. Remember, buy quality, cry once.
Tier-One Quality Solutions recently unveiled a new version of their popular Military Emergency Tourniquet, integrating improvements based on feedback from operational use. For example slight material changes have been made to ensure the tourniquet doesn’t loosen after application. The windlass has also been redesigned and is machined from aluminum.
Additionally, the MET is now available in MultiCam as well as AOR1 by special order to authorized customers. They also offer a couple of different color-matched, PALS-compatible sheathing options so it is best to discuss your particular needs with a representative.
This is an indispensable piece of kit when you consider 60% of all preventable deaths encountered on the battlefield are the result of uncontrolled life threatening hemorrhaging at the point of wounding. The swift application of a tourniquet is a critical life-saving measure.
The MET has been awarded NSN 6515-01-537-9259. To order the MET as well as any of their other products, visit www.tqsresponse.com.
Applying negative pressure or suction to a wound promotes healing by keeping fluid from building up in the wound. A few years ago students in an MIT mechanical engineering class decided to work on a pump to provide suction for wounds. With the help of Dr. Robert Sheridan from Massachusetts General Hospital, the students developed a simple, inexpensive, and lightweight version of the system that required no power supply and could be left in place for days. Danielle Zurovcik SM ‘07, was one of those students and not only continued to refine the technology in her master’s thesis but plans make it the subject of her doctoral studies as well.
The pump now has some real world experience thanks to Zurovcik providing 50 of the $3 pumps to Partners in Health for use in the Haitian relief effort. The Partners in Health team was led by led by Dr. Robert Riviello of the Division of Trauma, Burn and Surgical Critical Care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “Our biggest challenge at the moment is ensuring a reliably intact seal on human skin [that can be] easily applied,” Riviello says. “If we can resolve this, then I think there is enormous potential.” There is a new, more compact version of the device in production and Zurovcik plans on further studies in Rwanda later this year.
While the technology is available today in any western care facility, it is expensive, relying on shore power or frequent battery changes. This pump is power-free. It’s one step up from ditch medicine and that’s simply because it’s a purpose built solution, but it remains inexpensive and easy to apply. The new MIT pump offers many advantages for military or wilderness use. With suction applied, dressing can be kept in place longer; in some cases up to three days. This is a boon for situations where supplies or health care professionals are limited.
Nursejoe is a supplier of military and civilian scrubs for working in extreme conditions. They offer a wide variety patterns, colors, and styles. Tops are available with or without name and rank pile tape and there are three styles of pocket choices. They also offer matching scrub pants for most tops. Depending on the style, pants feature an elastic waist band or draw string for comfort. Additionally, most pants also have two side pockets for storing various equipment, pens, etc. Camo prints are their specialty and they offer scrubs in MultiCam, woodland digital (MARPAT-like), the new Navy digital, Air Force tiger as well as UCP, in addition to several other patterns. Sizes vary from XS to 3XL, but beware their sizes run big. They also have scrub hats and surgical scrubs available. So if you are in the market for a set of “tactical” scrubs check out nursejoe.com
In order to help Soldiers survive the “Golden Hour”, that deadline so crucial to the survival of trauma victims, researchers are working on a medicine that will keep certain body functions working. In a recent article in “New Scientist“, Hasan Alam of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston was quoted as saying, “You can’t carry a blood bank into the battlefield. What we’re looking for is a pill or a shot that would keep a person alive for long enough to get to them to a hospital.”
The body defends itself from blood loss by going into shock. Prolonged shock can lead to death. According to the article, “Around 6 or 7 per cent of genes change their expression in response to shock, via the removal of “epigenetic”, chemical additions to the genome called acetylations. As histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can prevent the removal of such acetylations, Alam wondered if these drugs might improve survival after blood loss.”
Based on his hunch, his team took valproic acid, an HDAC inhibitor already used to treat epilepsy, and repeated testing already conducted on rats but this time on swine. His testing showed that pigs that received the valproic acid had an 86% survival rate despite losing 60% of their blood as well as other injuries. He is repeating his trial in order to ensure the valproic acid does not inhibit further healing. If the testing proves successful Alam will seek permission for human trials.
Our friends at Imminent Threat Solutions didn’t just show you how to create a blow out kit they went the extra mile and are offering one for sale.
The kit was assembled by their resident SF medic following Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines. This means that the contents meet the basic standard set for American combat medical treatment. In particular the kit has been assembled to mitigate the three leading preventable causes of death in the field; Extremity Hemorrhage, 60%; Tension Pneumothorax, 33% and Airway Obstruction, 6%. What’s more, the kit is latex free!
Propper International has partnered with Arc’teryx in a licensing agreement to manufacture and sell the Arc’teryx designed USMC Corpsman Assault Pack (CAP) to Military and Government customers.
The CAP features compartmentalization for medical instruments and equipment as well as removable inserts for enhanced, customized mission configurations, and compatible with hydration system. Additionally, Arc’teryx integrated an ergonomic suspension system and made the load easy to manage via compression straps.
The Corpsman Assault Pack (CAP) is planned to be available in Multicam, Tan, Green, Black, AOR1, AOR2, Digital Tiger Stripe and Army Universal.
Propper has been manufacturing the CAP for the USMC since 2003 and looks forward to bringing this battle proven product to additional customers.
Distributors, government agencies and military acquisitions personnel be sure to check out the pack today at Modern Day Marine, Booth # 1553.
Gov/Mil Sales Contact: Greg Graves
GSA purchase information will be available soon.
Note: Propper is not taking individual commercial orders at this time but as product becomes available through distributors we foresee availability coming to retail customers.
Time magazine has published a great article on Warrior Mind Training. Steeped in Samurai Bushido mystique, Warrior Mind Training teaches Soldiers and Marines how to use meditation to reduce stress and improve focus.
S.O. Tech is holding a sale on medical equipment from now until 1 October. In addition to several bags that can be used as medical kits like the Mission Go Bag and Go Bag as well as the General Purpose Pouch and Slim Individual Medical Aid Pouch, S.O. Tech is featuring discounts on a large inventory of combat medical/first aid supplies like the Celox products (Celox Gauze, Celox Granules 35g, Celox Granules 15g), Sodium Chloride 50mL IV bags, Trauma shears, SOF tourniquets, Z-pack Dressings, and more.
Customers will be able to build pretty decent medical kits for their bags out of these individual medical items, or just restock their own storage supplies and medical kits.
Ever since Blue Force Gear released the Denied Area Pattern line, folks have been coming up with new and innovative ways to combine the Dappers to support different mission sets. The Medical Coverage kit is the first in a series of articles.
To build the Medical Coverage DAP, you need the following items:
DAP Pack
Zipper Utility Pouch x 2
Extension Wing
Ten Speed Triple M4
Zippered Admin Panel
Small Accessory Loops x 2
Medium Accessory Loops x 2
Large Accessory Loops x 2
What’s even cooler is that Blue Force Gear packages the entire kit for you and offers it at a 5% discount over MSRP.
The RSS™ Rucksack Stretcher System from the British firm Centurion is exactly what it is called. It is a day pack that converts into a stretcher. There is a removable daypack consisting similar to the Crusader/PLCE design consisting of zippered side pockets as well as a first-aid kit. Additionally, the RSS can be configured with an optional lightweight backboard. There are also integral straps which can be used to immobilize the casualty.
In the stretcher mode, it can be configured for carry by two to four bearers and can be reinforced with makeshift poles.
The RSS comes in Red, Black, Woodland, or Desert but custom colors can be accommodated. Check it out over at rucksackstretcher.com.
Combat Gauze is an advanced hemostatic agent combined with the simplicity of gauze so there is no danger of contaminating arteries with a clotting agent. It generates zero heat, is pliable making it easy to pack, and is easy to remove from a wound. It is also inexpensive enough that it can be issued to everyone.
Combat Gauze
Available from Combat Medical Systems, Combat Gauze has been awarded an NSN 6510-01-562-3325.
S.O.Tech has just introduced the SLIVER Slimline Medical Backpack to it’s line of tactical medical gear. Many of their medical products are already standard issue for USSOCOM medics. The super slimline design (3” when folded) is ideal for medics involved in vehicle or aircraft operations where room is limited. It is also well suited for urban operations where a medic must negotiate tight spaces. The pack zips closed and can be carried with convenient backpack straps, carry handles at the top of the panel, or is designed to integrate as an insert for the current issue Mission Medical Pack or Mission Pack System. Designed to be hung on a wall or laid on the ground when unzipped, the Pack is well organized. To help ensure organization, each of the pouches is identified via high visibility labels. The pack is really a system consisting of a stiffened panel with multiple removable pouches, a Davis Emergency Airway Roll, and the SOF-issue Medical Aid Pouch Insert to allow medics to customize their load. A zippered vinyl window on the outside holds packing lists and other documents. Currently available in Coyote Brown and made in the USA.
The SLIVER Slimline Medical Backpack is available from S.O.Tech.
Tactical Medical Packs offers a variety of first aid products. One in particular is an excellent choice for personnel who may need simple respiratory protection in addition to medical supplies.
The Tac-Pack a pocket size trauma kit used for the emergency treatment of wounds. It’ contains supplies to treat open or bleeding wounds, gunshot wounds, stab wounds, explosive trauma, and certain smoke and dust conditions. Included in the kit are latex-free gloves, roll bandage, gauze, an abdominal pad, an N-95 respirator mask, triangular bandage, tape, occlusive dressing, and a CPR mircoshield. Each pack retails for about $36.50, although bulk orders are available from the website, www.Traumapacks.com.
Blue Force Gear manufacturers of the popular Vickers Combat Cling have released two new products to complement their ever growing line of tactical nylon.
Designed to interface with the SOC-C™ Belt the shoulder area of the Low Profile Suspender is lined with the same flash/flame resistant mesh found in that belt. Additionally, the back of the suspender has an elastic ring to increase comfort. The Low Profile Suspender is available in Coyote and Multicam.
The Boo Boo Pouch is intended as a go to pouch for more common items like band aids so you don’t have to break out the trauma kit for little things. It is available in Black, Coyote, Foliage, UCP, and Multicam.
Either product can be ordered directly from Blue Force Gear.
BHI has introduced a patent pending Integrated Tourniquet Belt crafted to enhance the capabilities of the common rigger’s belt. The rigger’s belt finds its origins in the A7A strap used to rig cargo for airdrops. Unserviceable straps were adapted for use as a more robust belt than the issue cotton web version. Later, purpose built variants were manufactured with life support buckles and “V” rings used to tie the wearer into aircraft. For years the rigger’s belt has been used as a field expedient tourniquet but did not incorporate a windlass nor a buckle capable of maintaining pressure. BHI has solved these problems.
Designed to be manipulated with either one or both hands, the ITB doesn’t pinch, bind, or rope due to the wide Type VII nylon used in its construction. Additionally, the Integrated Tourniquet Belt uses 6061 aluminum to ensure a light, yet incredibly strong buckle and windlass system. The windlass stows out of the way for regular wear of the belt but is right at hand when the ITB is applied as a tourniquet due to the velcro closure system. The buckle is engineered specifically for this application unlike fasteners found on other belts and anchor points are sewn at regular intervals into the belt.
Many field tourniquets can’t be used repeatedly for training but the robust design makes the ITB not only perfect for daily wear but also makes it suitable for regular training. Imagine carrying a tourniquet with you at all times integrated into a common use item.
215 Gear’s Tourniquet Holder was designed as an improvement over the rubber bands commonly in use. It is manufactured from molded plastic and elastic. In addition to tourniquets, the holder will keep many other items handy as well and come packaged two holders per bag.
According an AP article the Army has halted distribution of the recently adopted Woundstat. Apparently, in testing on swine use of Woundstat directly on blood vessels leads to dangerous clotting issues. According to Jack McDonnell, chairman and CEO of Bethesda, Maryland based TraumaCure, Inc there have been no reported incidents or adverse outcomes in humans. Additionally, Woundstat has been approved by the FDA and is in widespread use in US hospitals.
