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Archive for the ‘Medical’ Category

TacMed Tuesday – The Essentials: The TacMed Solutions Operator IFAK

Tuesday, December 28th, 2021

The TacMed™ Solutions Operator IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) is a compact and streamlined combat trauma kit with an optimized interior layout and full-zip opening for rapid easy access to all its components. The IFAK contents allow for the effective treatment of injuries commonly associated with combat trauma without taking up excess space using multipurpose items like the included OLAES® Modular Bandage features a plastic occlusive sheet in the dressing pocket which can eliminate the need for a stand-alone chest seal.

The TacMed™ Solutions Operator IFAK has gripper elastic on the bottom of the pouch that can provide an extra place to store quick-access equipment such as a tourniquet. The IFAK medical kit includes Velcro on the front provides a place to adhere to an ID patch for easy identification if being aided by a partner.

While the Operator IFAK was designed to improve survivability on the battlefield, many law enforcement agencies also utilize it to keep their officers prepared for any situation.

If you are interested in learning more about the Operator IFAK and its kit components, check it out at: tacmedsolutions.com/products/tacmed-solutions-operator-ifak

TacMed Tuesday – Putting the “Solutions” in TacMed Solutions

Tuesday, December 21st, 2021

A key part of TacMed Solutions™ mission is providing customers with a complete solution to equip, train and protect. This means that they try to consider all aspects of potential injuries or events and work to create a complete solution. The team strives to solve problems for both military and civilian missions.

The innovative problem-solving process often stems from a real-life injury or situation and begins by asking if the solutions available, or ones not available, were effective. From this initial insight, the team begins looking for ways to either create a solution or improve an existing one.

Historically, TacMed™ takes on problems that are both industry-wide and problems that are specifically brought to them.

For example, the Tramedic® public access line was a solution created out of industry need. At the time of inception, there was nothing else like it on the market. In a variety of situations, it has been extremely effective in creating a complete solution. In schools, Tramedic® is not just a solution for point of injury care for school shootings. It also prepares the customer prior so that they have an increased chance of success with Tramedic® Training and maintain the equipment through expiration tracking. In addition, there are aspects of the kits that ensure that they integrate with first responders and benefit them. Conversely, the Foxtrot® Litter was designed stemming from a problem brought to them by an end-user.

The solutions provided by TacMed™ all come from vast industry knowledge, understanding the customers’ situations, and even from their own experience.

If you are interested in learning more about TacMed Solutions™, check them out at: tacmedsolutions.com

Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the Third Size of its Tried and True Medic Backpack: the TT Medic Assault Pack MKII L

Friday, December 17th, 2021

The TT Medic Assault Pack MKII L is the largest TT medic backpack designed with an intelligent and clear interior divider system.

Knoxville, Tenn. (December 2021) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., is pleased to announce it now has a third size of its tried and tested medic backpack: the TT Medic Assault Pack MKII L. This is the largest TT medic backpack designed with an intelligent and clear interior divider system. It measures about 4 cm. (one MOLLE strip) deeper than the two smaller, previous models.

The TT Medic Assault Pack MKII L has laser-cut MOLLE on the front and sides and a large handle for carrying when open. The bottom features attachments ideal for storing a rescue blanket. The light, padded shoulder strap carrying system can be removed and stowed in a pocket with hook-and-loop panels in the back if needed. These length adjustable stowable shoulder straps also make carrying large body armor possible.

The TT Medic Assault Pack MKII L can also be converted for plate carriers and vests using the adapter straps supplied with it for direct attachment. The stowable carrying handles help to quickly transport it in emergencies. The pack also features an inner detachable plate with elastic loops and internal variation fixation points to store medical equipment, a scissors bag, and clear inside pockets identified by colored hook-and-loop fastening. There are also integrated visual markers.

Made from Cordura® 700 den, the TT Medic Assault Pack MKII L measures 18 x 11 x 3.5 in. (46 x 28 x 10 cm). With a volume of 19 liters (1150 cubic inches), the pack weighs 35 oz. (1kg.) empty and with accessories weighs 60 oz. (1.7kg). Available in Black, Olive, and Coyote. MSRP $229.00.

Click to see Vol. 3 of the Tasmanian Tiger digital catalog here. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com.

TacMed Tuesday – Innovative Splinting in the Field

Tuesday, December 14th, 2021

The TacMed™ RISE™ is a low profile, rugged splint designed for extremity fractures and pelvic stabilization in the prehospital environment. Born from lessons on the battlefield, it can be intuitively applied under stress to create a straight splint, a 90-degree sprint, or pelvic stabilizer and be easily secured to the patient with items such as an elastic wrap or pressure bandages.

It features dynamic living hinges that allow the splint to collapse for maximum portability and kit space savings while easily form-fitting to the required shape and dimensions for proper upper and lower extremity splinting of fractures. Its one-of-a-kind design is made of a lightweight polymer capable of withstanding surface cleaning and harsh elements, including saltwater, while maintaining its rigidity and durability.

With its compact size, the RISE™ also fits into most individual first aid kits including all standard military-issued IFAKs.

Unique to the RISE™, multiple cutout slots provide you the capability to create a pelvic stabilizer when paired with a windlass or ratcheting tourniquet such as our SOF® Tourniquet. The Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) recognizes splinting and pelvic stabilization application as a critical step to prevent additional injury before moving a casualty.

Whether you’re on the battlefield or a responder here at home, the RISE™ is an advantageous addition to any IFAK for increasing your medical capability at the point of injury when needed most.

If you are interested in learning more about the RISE™, check it out here: tacmedsolutions.com/products/rise

Tactical Strike Cleaner / Disinfectant Effective Against Omicron Variant

Wednesday, December 1st, 2021

[POOLER, GA, November 29, 2021]

As the Omicron Variant comes to US shores, Blue Force Gear wants to remind the public and First Responders of its new groundbreaking quaternary disinfectant Tactical Strike. This cleaner/disinfectant is EPA Registered to kill numerous bacteria and viruses to include COVID and ALL VARIANTS. A partial list includes:

* SARS-Related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, cause of COVID-19)

* Human Coronavirus

* SARS Associated Coronavirus (SARS)

* Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

* Hepatitis B and C Virus

* Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2

* HIV-1 (AIDS Virus)

* Influenza Virus Type A / Brazil, H7N9 and H3N2 (Influenza)

Tactical Strike can be used on soft and hard tactical gear, vehicle interiors, upholstery, hard surfaces, K9 equipment, kennels, etc. Importantly, and unlike its competitors, Tactical Strike was formulated with no dyes or perfumes that will stain, discolor or odorize your equipment.

Packaged in a Ready-To-Use (RTU) formulation that requires no mixing or prep, Tactical Strike is currently being offered for sale in pint and quart sizes with trigger sprayers. Just unwrap and use.  The pint bottle was specifically selected for its sizing that allows storage in vehicle cup holders. Larger or smaller volumes and other packaging formats are available via special order.

Tactical Strike pints are priced at $9.95 and quarts for $14.95.

Available for individual purchase or in case quantities for agency purchase through www.blueforcegear.com/tactical-strike or by contacting BFG Customer Service at 877-430-2583.

TacMed Tuesday – Understanding Litters

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021

TacMed Solutions offers three main types of litters: poleless litters, Foxtrot® litters, and the Rescue Task Force litter. What are the differences between them, and which one works for you?

The poleless litter is offered in the form of the TacMed™ Poleless Litter or the Phantom® Litter. Poleless litters are a form of non-rigid litters that are ultra-lightweight and ultra-compact making it easy to carry for medical operators or individual soldiers. It is durable and has multi-life casualty evacuation capacity. Additionally, it can function as a casualty equipment bag after the casualty has been loaded on a standard litter to hold an individual’s combat equipment or sensitive items, minimizing the risk of loss during the casualty evacuation process. Although easy to carry and store, use of a poleless litter often requires multiple people to evacuate a casualty.

TacMeds Foxtrot® litters are offered in the form of the Foxtrot® Litter and the Foxtrot® DA. The primary difference between these two litters is that the Foxtrot® DA utilizes quick connect buckles that allow strapping in a casualty with a snap motion whereas the Foxtrot® Litter utilizes two metal D-Rings that, although may be slightly slower, often allow for a tighter strap and are more robust. The Foxtrot® line of litters are semi-rigid litters that are draggable and easy to carry. Being designed by a special operations medic, they are specified to meet the applications of quickly moving a target off an objective. It is made of low friction plastic, allowing it to slide easily, that is connected to a rapid deployment drag line, allowing for a single person to sling the strap over their chest and still move the casualty with two free hands. It is the first litter system to be light and compact, being small enough to fit in our ARK™ Bag. A differentiator of this litter is that it is designed smaller and narrower in order to quickly move down bus or airplane aisle, as well as turn corners and fit through doorways more easily. Because it is semi-rigid, the plastic bed is also pliable, allowing the casualty to sit upright in it if needed. Lastly, it has a color-coded strap system, allowing for speed and easy use. The Foxtrot® system is ideal for SOF medics, police, SWAT, or people working in a tactical setting.

TacMed also makes the Rescue Task Force Litter. The RTF litter is designed similarly to the concept of the Foxtrot® system except that it is morphed for a domestic active shooter environment. It is designed with a thicker plastic bed which improved durability and product life when responding to multi-casualty situations. Like the Foxtrot®, it is narrower in size allowing for easy maneuverability through doorways, down aisles, or around corners. It comes equipped with a rapid deployment drag line, but also has handles for the ability to carry a casualty. Additionally, the RTF litter is designed with larger buckles, making it easier to apply while wearing bulkier rescue gloves. The straps are positioned so that one adult or two children could be evacuated at once. The Rescue Task Force Litter is ideal for firefighters, EMS, or police with gear for mass casualties.

VA Adds Six New Presumptive Conditions Related to Service

Sunday, November 21st, 2021

WASHINGTON —

Over the course of the last six months, the Department of Veterans Affairs has begun processing service-connected disability claims for six new presumptive conditions related to environmental exposures during military service.

In May 2021, VA started implementing provisions of the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, adding bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism to the list of medical conditions presumptively associated with exposure to Agent Orange. A few months later VA added asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis (to include rhinosinusitis) on a presumptive basis based on particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas. 

Any Veteran who was previously denied service-connection for any of these six conditions but had symptoms manifest within 10 years of military service would need to file a supplemental claim. Officials advise using VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim, when filing. The claim form should include the name of the condition and specify that the condition is being claimed because of in-service exposure to environmental hazards. 

Officials also advise veterans to stay plugged in to http://www.va.gov for the most recent developments around environmental exposures during military service, as VA is constantly conducting research and surveillance as well as reviewing scientific literature for conditions that may be related to exposure during military service. 

For more information about VA benefits and eligibility, or how to file a claim, veterans and survivors can visit VA’s website at www.va.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

(Courtesy of VA)

TacMed Tuesday – ARK Bag Configurations

Tuesday, November 16th, 2021

One prominent kit from TacMed™ is the ARK™ Active Shooter Response Kit. It’s designed to provide individuals responding to active shooter situations with the equipment necessary to render aid and initiate evacuation of multiple casualties. The design of the bag and its contents allow responders to maximize the resources available on scene and does not hinder or slow down the clearing process of the structure or incident area.

A unique aspect of this bag is that it can be configured as the traditional ARK™, designed for multiple casualties, or the ARK™ Evacuation, which is configured with an evacuation litter that allows for a one-to-one rescuer-to-casualty ratio.

In the main body of the bag, the ARK™ contains seven ARK™ Casualty Throw Kits which hold basic treatment material and simple bi-lingual instructions for providing initial treatment. The throw kit idea was designed assuming that officers don’t always have time to stop and treat, but rather can ‘throw’ kits with instructions to those in need while they continue to clear the area. With multiple storage compartments, the ARK™ is not only for basic treatment. Medics maintain more advanced equipment in the side pockets for treatment of teammates if necessary.

The ARK™ Evacuation configuration is designed to significantly reduce the treatment and evacuation time of seriously injured casualties in a hostile environment. Rather than being stocked with Casualty Throw Kits, the ARK™ Evacuation comes with the choice of including a Foxtrot Litter or a Foxtrot DA in the body of the bag. This configuration provides the necessary equipment for aid and litter teams, combat lifesavers, and medical operators to treat and evacuate a casualty in one compact package.

If you are interested in learning more about the ARK™, check it out here: tacmedsolutions.com/products/tacmed-ark-active-shooter-response-kit-nypd-counterterrorism-unit