Med Bags/Go-Bags/Camelbak® Medbak™ Insert

[Hokiecadet88]

Ok so my EMT squad here in the Corps is looking to purchase a few packs to be outfitted as Go-Bags. The purpose of these bags would be so if we had to be On-Duty for an event or our Duty day we would have a standardized bag system where everything is placed identically in the packs. As some of you know this makes for quicker treatment and care of the patient no matter what the situation is. Being the NCOIC I have kinda taken it on my own to look for suitable bags or packs, preferably a backpack. I have taken a look at the following items.

CamelBak® Go-Bag™
http://www.uscav.com/prodinfo/images%5C28559.jpg

CamelBak® MedBak™ Insert (for BFM™)
http://www.uscav.com/prodinfo/enlarged/26456L.jpg
In relation to the Insert above we would then purchase a suitable pack to carry it. Not the BFM due to it being out of the price range.

I know there are EMTs, Paramedics, Medics, and maybe even some Spec Ops Medics on here. So could you help me in the search of an affordable pack. Unfortunately we are kinda restricted in the price. While I dont know the exact parameters I imagine it is not a lot due to the amount of respect we get from the Commandants.

So post your ideas please. It would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Squeezee]

Isn't there a Medic configuration for the ILBE? If not, I suggest an actual SO-Tech Go bag. I know they are not packpack, but you can hold a good amount of stuff in them and they are compact. You can sling it over your shoulder or wear it as a fanny pack. If you have to, it is small enough to be slung on a humvee seat's back. My other idea was this:

http://www.entrygear.com/product.asp?id=4150

Tad bit expensive. My last suggestion:
http://www.desertdeucesurplus.com/servlet/the-686/TRU-dsh-SPEC-GI-SPEC-3/Detail

Was gonna get that one for school, but might have to wait as I got an actual backpack. My last idea is try to get some more ILBE patrol packs on eBay. You might already have them though. Hope this helps.

EDIT: Sorry, I said Humvee because I thought he was referring to the USMC.

[James]

What kind of "Corps" are you referring to? Cadets?

[Hokiecadet88]

What kind of "Corps" are you referring to? Cadets?
Yes. The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.

[Hokiecadet88]

Isn't there a Medic configuration for the ILBE? If not, I suggest an actual SO-Tech Go bag. I know they are not packpack, but you can hold a good amount of stuff in them and they are compact. You can sling it over your shoulder or wear it as a fanny pack. If you have to, it is small enough to be slung on a humvee seat's back. My other idea was this:

http://www.entrygear.com/product.asp?id=4150

Tad bit expensive. My last suggestion:
http://www.desertdeucesurplus.com/servlet/the-686/TRU-dsh-SPEC-GI-SPEC-3/Detail

Was gonna get that one for school, but might have to wait as I got an actual backpack. My last idea is try to get some more ILBE patrol packs on eBay. You might already have them though. Hope this helps.

I actually own the second pack you listed. I have it in black and it definitely under consideration because it a tried and true pack. I use it for everything and has been carried tons of random stuff.

[Maine Finn]

I can't see why you would need a big bag or bag insert unless you were working a large-scale event. Emergency response is generally pretty quick to arrive on scene so the most you would need to do is provide initial first-aid care.

Have you considered getting CLS bags? That's all I've ever carried when providing medical support (granted, I've never been OCONUS, so my experience with other equipment packs is limited by definition) but a well-stocked CLS bag has pretty much everything you would need to treat most injuries or conditions.

[Beowulf]

There are a lot of variables as far as what you are preparing for...type and number of casualties....size/weight limitations...

But in general I think that the LBT 1562 Medic bag is an outstanding piece of kit. Designed very well for medical equipment, and can hold a ton of stuff, in a well organized fashion. http://www.londonbridgetrading.com/m1webgear/ProductDetails.aspx?PartUniqueID=62B5307D-C6AE-4D04-9850-3C6EE489F779

Of course...I got mine for free......

[Sabre]

^ I've got the poor man's version...Blackhawk!

(I've since assumed that the '!' after the name is there to reflect the surprise on the buyer's face when they realise the disparity between the quality level of the kit and the number of beer tokens they just shelled out for it...:( )

The layout is good, in fact identical to the LBT as it's a copy, but I'd rather have the LBT version due to the build quality. I have the smaller LBT trauma bag which is excellent quality, but isn't as capacious.

What kit are you planning to carry? I assume that being cadets you don't have much beyond first aid training?

[Hokiecadet88]

^ I've got the poor man's version...Blackhawk!

(I've since assumed that the '!' after the name is there to reflect the surprise on the buyer's face when they realise the disparity between the quality level of the kit and the number of beer tokens they just shelled out for it...:( )

The layout is good, in fact identical to the LBT as it's a copy, but I'd rather have the LBT version due to the build quality. I have the smaller LBT trauma bag which is excellent quality, but isn't as capacious.

What kit are you planning to carry? I assume that being cadets you don't have much beyond first aid training?
To be on the EMT Squad you have to be certified EMT-Basic in VA. Unfortunately we are not a registered Squad so we dont get state funding. We treat the injured cadets up until Tech Rescue arrives on scene.

[Maine Finn]

To be on the EMT Squad you have to be certified EMT-Basic in VA. Unfortunately we are not a registered Squad so we dont get state funding. We treat the injured cadets up until Tech Rescue arrives on scene.

EMT basics are pretty limited in what they can do for treatments. I don't know that you really need to get a high-speed aidbag - it would be expensive and most likely never really get used. What you pack into your bag also depends somewhat on the terrain, the climate, and the group you're working with. If there's a rescue company relatively close by, you probably aren't going to need a whole lot of kit.

This (http://www.1sks.com/store/elite-force-military-m-3-medic-bag-first-aid-kit.html) is the type of bag that my unit has and uses, and it suits our needs reasonably well. The prices tend to vary from site to site, but if you shop around a bit you could find a price that is within your budget.

I actually prefer the single-shoulder-strap bags because it's easier to get at them in a hurry.