First Aid/Fire Extinguisher Identification

[boehml]

Part of having emergency equipment onboard (first aid, fire extinguisher, etc.) is ensuring it is easily identifiable for yourself, passengers or others who may need to access it (in my opinion, anyhow). I see a lot of recovery equipment and first aid equipment obscurely placed in a vehicle surrounded by a myriad of other items and I am curious as to how everyone is identifying this equipment. What is your thought process behind placement, if any?

I like vehicle markings but I am also particular about the things I put on my vehicle (ya, even a sticker... OCD much). I've seen some decals available, but they look like they belong on a work truck in a mine or something, not an overland rig (if you know what I mean). Anyhow, I designed these two markings for First Aid and Fire Extinguishers, where would you put these to identify this equipment on your rig?

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[Downs]

Back hatch. That's where the bobo kit is and the fire extinguisher. I keep a smaller one up front but probably wouldn't bother marking that one.

 

[VI Overlander]

Defiantly not advertising my first aid kit, too much of an investment. My fire/rescue tag is enough. Having a first aid kit is extremely important, but the training for it is even more important. I like the idea of a decal on a windshield showing the medical training level.

as far as extinguishers, ours is very visible and easy to reach. With extinguishers remember P.A.S.S. Pin, Aim, shoot, sweep. Get a couple out of date and practice. The last structure fire had an extinguisher next to point of ignition, pin still in.

 

[LostWoods]

I like the idea of an indicator but I have two problems with it: (1) I don't plan on leaving the side doors on my cap unlocked full time that would allow someone access to my large extinguisher or first aid kit (or the smaller ones in the truck), and (2) I don't want people wasting time trying to get into a vehicle to get to them when locked just because they see a sticker.

 

[smritte]

Both of mine are mounted visibly and easily accessed. There would be no need here. If I had outside accessed compartments that would be different.

Whats funny about people is how they react in an emergency. In the shop, we have something we call "the fire dance". The car your working on just caught fire, you blindly run in circles because you cant find the fire extinguisher you have been working near for years. There it is, hanging on the wall right in front of you with a sign and an arrow pointing at it. What happens next is someone calmly walks up grabs the extinguisher under the sign and puts out the fire.

Signs work good for people to know where something is. As the vehicle driver/owner I know where things are mounted. The sign is more for telling someone else where something is. That can be a double edge sword. If I am hurt in the back country, the people i'm with have their own gear. If I'm alone, someone finding me unconscious would have to think to look for my kit. Now I would need an external sign and hope the rear hatch is not locked.

 

[VI Overlander]

Both of mine are mounted visibly and easily accessed. There would be no need here. If I had outside accessed compartments that would be different.

Whats funny about people is how they react in an emergency. In the shop, we have something we call "the fire dance". The car your working on just caught fire, you blindly run in circles because you cant find the fire extinguisher you have been working near for years. There it is, hanging on the wall right in front of you with a sign and an arrow pointing at it. What happens next is someone calmly walks up grabs the extinguisher under the sign and puts out the fire.

Signs work good for people to know where something is. As the vehicle driver/owner I know where things are mounted. The sign is more for telling someone else where something is. That can be a double edge sword. If I am hurt in the back country, the people i'm with have their own gear. If I'm alone, someone finding me unconscious would have to think to look for my kit. Now I would need an external sign and hope the rear hatch is not locked.

I love the “fire dance”, going to use that one, lmao. So very true though

 

[boehml]

Interesting thoughts. I figure with clearly indicating important emergency items, those in my party could access my equipment if needed (I don't typically lock my doors offroad, but then again I also don't lock my house door half the time lol). @smritte, where do you mount your stuff?

 

[JeepingMike]

Both are visible if you look, especially if the top is down. No outward indicators, I don't have them for others to use without my knowledge. My girlfriend knows they're there if needed for me, otherwise I'll get what I need to assist others.

 

[boehml]

Both are visible if you look, especially if the top is down. No outward indicators, I don't have them for others to use without my knowledge. My girlfriend knows they're there if needed for me, otherwise I'll get what I need to assist others.

Do you ever run in groups of friends or anything where an emergency could affect this? Just curious. Seems like most are in the camp of placing the stuff for their use only.

 

[JeepingMike]

Do you ever run in groups of friends or anything where an emergency could affect this? Just curious. Seems like most are in the camp of placing the stuff for their use only.

If you go looking (i.e., open the back of my Jeep and look) or the top is down, they are both obvious to someone looking for them, especially if I tell someone to get either one. Not intended to be hidden, but also not intended to advertise. So yes, my plan is for my use or the use of those I direct or trust, self-aid --> buddy aid --> general population aid.

To me the bigger issue is people knowing how to use stuff. While a fire extinguisher is theoretically easy to use, I've met too many people that have never actually used one. As for medical gear, some is simple, but doing things correctly (which may be improvisation in the remote setting or with limited resources) can make a big difference in outcomes. Training and experience make a big difference, with or without gear.

 

[Sneaks]

I have two extinguishers currently, I'm planning on adding a third plus a Blazecut. I have a VW, I think spontaneous combustion is forged in the metal. I have replaced all the fuel lines - and will again in 2 years - I'm not taking any chances. I have stickers on both middle windows in close proximity to where my extinguishers are. Will it help in the heat of the moment (pun intended)? I don't know but for $2 ea, it can't hurt.

 

[USStrongman]

Both of mine are mounted visibly and easily accessed. There would be no need here. If I had outside accessed compartments that would be different.

Whats funny about people is how they react in an emergency. In the shop, we have something we call "the fire dance". The car your working on just caught fire, you blindly run in circles because you cant find the fire extinguisher you have been working near for years. There it is, hanging on the wall right in front of you with a sign and an arrow pointing at it. What happens next is someone calmly walks up grabs the extinguisher under the sign and puts out the fire.

Signs work good for people to know where something is. As the vehicle driver/owner I know where things are mounted. The sign is more for telling someone else where something is. That can be a double edge sword. If I am hurt in the back country, the people i'm with have their own gear. If I'm alone, someone finding me unconscious would have to think to look for my kit. Now I would need an external sign and hope the rear hatch is not locked.

But what happens when its you who is the patient (I hate the word "victim") and you are unable to communicate. Your health, when you are injured or ill, falls into other peoples hands. I think thats what the OP is asking.

 

[USStrongman]

Let me start over.

What the OP is asking, is more than "where's Waldo?", its asking are you properly prepared? You are unconscious, bleeding, dead and there are others injured. Your rig is upside down, it has rolled and now your interior contents are strewn about the trail. What then? Is your gear:

Mounted in a highly visible place (tag, red/yellow/orange in color) or is it buried under sleeping bags and last nights leftovers?
Is it secured well enough it will survive an ejection in a rollover intact?
Is is secured well enough to not be damaged during a rollover?
Is your extinguisher up to date and not expired?
Is your first aid kit sufficient enough for the type of travel you are doing?

First aid, fire suppression, burn and trauma injuries never present the same way twice, so being relatively well prepared is important to the safety and survivability of the situation, location or environment you are in.

 

[JeepingMike]

But what happens when its you who is the patient (I hate the word "victim") and you are unable to communicate. Your health, when you are injured or ill, falls into other peoples hands. I think thats what the OP is asking.

Absolutely solid question. First, vast majority of the time my gf is with me and knows where stuff is. Next, if we are with others, typically each has his/her own kit. Third strike, sucks to be me...

 

[Sneaks]

But what happens when its you who is the patient (I hate the word "victim") and you are unable to communicate. Your health, when you are injured or ill, falls into other peoples hands. I think thats what the OP is asking.

I am an EMT so I have trauma, medical jump packs, and AED as well as a "minor injury" first aid kit (band aids, tweezers, OTC meds, etc.) in all my vehicles. The Star of Life is in the back window and my extinguisher decals are combo "First Aid\Fire Extinguisher" ones. In my daily driver, the bags are in the back seat (currently also have in infectious disease response kit with them). In the bus they hang off the back of the front seats. All are clearly labeled. My opinion is you cannot be over-prepared or over-communicate.



Thinking about this, maybe I'll duplicate the decals on the body proper, didn't think about what happens in rollover where the windows might no longer be with the vehicle. Now you got me thinking...

 

[JeepingMike]

Let me start over.

What the OP is asking, is more than "where's Waldo?", its asking are you properly prepared? You are unconscious, bleeding, dead and there are others injured. Your rig is upside down, it has rolled and now your interior contents are strewn about the trail. What then? Is your gear:

Mounted in a highly visible place (tag, red/yellow/orange in color) or is it buried under sleeping bags and last nights leftovers?
Is it secured well enough it will survive an ejection in a rollover intact?
Is is secured well enough to not be damaged during a rollover?
Is your extinguisher up to date and not expired?
Is your first aid kit sufficient enough for the type of travel you are doing?

First aid, fire suppression, burn and trauma injuries never present the same way twice, so being relatively well prepared is important to the safety and survivability of the situation, location or environment you are in.

Well put...
Both are mounted to a roll bar, extinguisher typical red and aid kit marked.
Neither should be ejected, and how well they'd survive a rollover depends on the incident.
Extinguisher is checked regularly and replaced as needed.
Kit is basic trauma/medical backcountry/survival sufficient. Always reconsidering what it has/doesn't have, but at this point I'm satisfied it would do the job needed.

Yes, no plan is perfect, as the plan will fail at first contact with the enemy. However, proper preparation will improve the likelihood of a better outcome or the opportunity for plan B, C, etc...

 

[boehml]

Let me start over.

What the OP is asking, is more than "where's Waldo?", its asking are you properly prepared? You are unconscious, bleeding, dead and there are others injured. Your rig is upside down, it has rolled and now your interior contents are strewn about the trail. What then? Is your gear:

Mounted in a highly visible place (tag, red/yellow/orange in color) or is it buried under sleeping bags and last nights leftovers?
Is it secured well enough it will survive an ejection in a rollover intact?
Is is secured well enough to not be damaged during a rollover?
Is your extinguisher up to date and not expired?
Is your first aid kit sufficient enough for the type of travel you are doing?

First aid, fire suppression, burn and trauma injuries never present the same way twice, so being relatively well prepared is important to the safety and survivability of the situation, location or environment you are in.

Basically, yes. How do we prepare those around us, or those we're with in the event of worst case scenario. I know a lot of first aid kits are either in a drawer system (hard to access in roll over, etc.), so I really like the idea of attaching it to easy to access areas. Agree with everyone on appropriate training for both first aid and fire extinguishers, so crucial.

 

[smritte]

Interesting thoughts. I figure with clearly indicating important emergency items, those in my party could access my equipment if needed (I don't typically lock my doors offroad, but then again I also don't lock my house door half the time lol). @smritte, where do you mount your stuff?

I have two first aid kits mounted to the inside rear pillars with velcro. 1 small first aid kit and another fire extinguisher by my seat. The rear ones are visable fom the inside but my windows have a heavy tint. You cant see them from out side. When I would work at the off-road events, we attached them to the back of our spare tire.

But what happens when its you who is the patient (I hate the word "victim") and you are unable to communicate. Your health, when you are injured or ill, falls into other peoples hands. I think thats what the OP is asking.

I had mentioned that in my first post. If im alone and unconscious, someone could poke their head in my vehicle and see these. Hopefully its not locked.
Odds are, if they had any training at all, they would have their own. I have witnessed or arrived just after a number of crash's off road. Some racing, some recreating, some were being stupid. If there was a first aid kit in all but 2 of them, I never would have found it.
Everyone I go off-roading with have a good kit and their own extinguisher or I dont off-road with them.

 

[MMc]

Interesting thread, thanks. My fire extinguishers are mounted under the drivers seat. I have 3 each of the 3’ size. When you open the door they are right there.The first aid box is behind the drivers seat, it’s pretty big but it might kick loose in a roll over, I’ll check it and maybe make a change. I might put a sticker to let others know where it is, I’ll think about it. I have used both of them on different occasions, I am glad they were easy to access.

 

[smritte]

Is it secured well enough it will survive an ejection in a rollover intact?
Is is secured well enough to not be damaged during a rollover?

If more people understood kinetic energy, they wouldn't be mounting things where they do. 30 mph into a wall, or a rollover at the same speed, a two pound extinguisher sailing from the rear to the front will take your head off as it goes through the windshield. Tool boxs are a personal favorite and you should see what that plastic drink bottle does (empty or not, cap on) when it rolls under your brake pedal.