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74novaman wrote:First off, thanks to RoyGBiv for his hard work in putting the class together, and to MedStar and our instructor for a good class.

My medical knowledge is limited. I have a first aid/CPS course under my belt, but nothing beyond that. With that background, this class was incredibly useful to me.

I now feel very confident in my ability to properly assess and work a trauma situation and at a minimum limit the damage until the real professionals get there to do their thing. I also have a good idea of what my "shooter's med kit" should look like, and will be putting one together soon based on what we learned in this class.

For 1 day and $50, I couldn't have asked for a better course. It wasn't incredibly in depth, but that wasn't the intent. If you're an EMT or a Doc....this class isn't for you. If you're the average CHL holder who would like to be a little more prepared for anything life can throw your way (an accidental shooting at the range, a car wreck, a coworker's heart attack), this is the best ~8 hours and $50 you can spend to get prepared for medical traumas.

If they hold another course, I'd highly recommend anyone who was on the fence about taking this find the time to do so. It could very well save a life.


Also, lunch was fantastic. The folks who weren't adventurous enough to wander over to the Caribbean place with us missed out on a great meal.

I found the class very much worthwhile, hats off to RoyGBiv for getting this done! Except for a one hour CPR unit in high school PE (back in the 80's) my previous education and experience was nil. The instructor was great at explaining things in layman's terms and giving real world examples of handling trauma cases. If I ever come across a trauma situation I feel I'll be able to assess and prioritize the steps to take to help stabilize a victim until EMT's or Paramedics arrive. I was expecting a bit more hands on training on the floor, per the course description: "INTERACTIVE SKILL STATIONS ( 4 rotating 30 minute stations )." All in all though I was very satisfied with the class, especially for the price. I also highly recommend the class. If anything it teaches you how to think like an effective first responder and gives you a sort of mental checklist to go through.

I have been researching FAK's in general, and trauma kits in particular, for several months. I'm glad I was able to get specific questions answered about specific items, as well as hearing the Q&A from other class members. I'll be able to put together a better all around FAK that I can keep in my car as well as a smaller trauma kit I can keep handy anywhere from a range trip, a bike ride, or wherever.

That Caribbean restaurant was great and the curried goat was amazing. Those plantain strips were pretty darn good too.

RoyGBiv wrote:

Kadelic wrote:just curious if bringing my own kit for specific questions would be welcomed or not appropriate for the setting.

I don't see the harm, as long as you're cognizant about not taking up too much class time on specific-to-you type questions. I'm sure there will be some time for Q&A (certainly during lab time) and a few questions about different types of kit component options would (IMO) be good fodder for discussion.

Just to be clear.. I am not the instructor... just the organizer and a fellow student.

I'll keep a running list of questions and submit them the week before..

Thanks.!

That's totally understood. Thanks for the feedback.

RoyGBiv wrote: Initial FAQ:
What course materials are included?
The NAEMT text is available for an additional $35 fee. The trainer has offered to print the slides for us as a handout (I assume at no added cost, but have not confirmed yet)

I am interested in obtaining a copy of the NAEMT text prior to the class. Is it the book pictured toward the beginning of this thread? http://www.emergencystuff.com/product-p ... 077972.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Any other reading or video resources appropriate for preparation for the class are appreciated.

Can we get a CPR & AED refresher for those who have not had recent training?
A 20-minute refresher can be added to the class at no additional cost.

That's awesome

Do they have an EDC trauma kit or components available for purchase?
No, but we can provide/discuss an inventory list as part of the training.

I've been researching FAK's in general, especially EDC trauma kits. They say not to carry anything you're not trained to use, which is good advice. I'm sure the class will encompass everything needed for trauma events, just curious if bringing my own kit for specific questions would be welcomed or not appropriate for the setting.

Can we customize the class a bit, to focus on particular areas of interest?
There is some leeway to do so. Going too far afield of the regular syllabus might jeopardize the course completion card if we leave out topics that are on the test. This may or may not be an issue for attendees. Let's discuss this when we're a bit further along.

You covered my main reasons for taking such a class in a previous post: "1). A discussion of "What would you have been prepared to do in the aftermath of the Boston bombings?" and 2). What would you do if you witnessed an AD/shooting injury at the range?" An additional areas of interest might cover dealing with an injury to oneself as a victim of a shooting or stabbing, auto accident, etc. In other words, how to increase my chances of survival if I suffer traumatic injuries and I'm alone. I think all other contingencies are covered in your two questions.

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So, my questions for you all are very simple at this juncture:
1. If you are interested (it is understood that this is NOT a firm commitment) in attending this class in the September/October time frame, please reply to this thread and indicate so. (A YES response to this question should NOT be contingent on any changes to the syllabus...)
and
2. After reading the course outline, what areas (if any) might you like to see added or expanded upon?

As mentioned, a discussion and recommendation as to what specific gear a person might EDC and keep in their vehicle to enable a more effective response to a trauma situation.

Thanks again.

I'm paid now too. I asked how many people had registered so far and she said 15, so that's getting close to the max.

RoyGBiv wrote:

Kadelic wrote:I registered easily enough. When I called and tried to pay Lesley didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Plenty of time to work it out I reckon.

This has been addressed... A small lag in communication combined with your being the first to try and pay...
Sorry for any inconvenience

No inconvenience at all. Thanks for coordinating this in the first place.

I registered easily enough. When I called and tried to pay Lesley didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Plenty of time to work it out I reckon.

October 5th works for me, as does any Saturday between now and the week before Thanksgiving.

I'm definitely interested.