Transitioning to a Seven Day Bug Out Bag, by Firefighter Charles

I was standing in the living room, watching CNN and saw the devastation of Haiti when it struck me how important a bug out bag was..  I listened to how help is coming and arrived almost immediately.  Logistical issues hampered “helps” immediate aiding of the people in Haiti.  Chile got hit  by a massive earthquake as well.  With Chile’s government not wanting any support at first, watched how Chile succumb to riots and looting in just three days after the quake.  Haiti broke down as well after five days of no food, water, or shelter.  Many people in Chile had to sleep in the streets due the unsafe conditions in their homes, uncertain if the structures of their homes were sound.  Many of the Chileans who stayed by their homes, slept outside in makeshift tents that were made out of blankets, sheets and plastic tarps.

In Haiti, hundreds of people made shelters out of wood, clothes, and cardboard boxes.  Needless to say both countries were unprepared.  At least the people in Haiti have an excuse.  Most of the people are poor and or uneducated.  The people in Chile have no excuse.  They live in earthquake country and [since they are more prosperous and better educated] they should have been better prepared.  In the case of Louisiana, people had time to get prepared and chose not to.  I guess most people in Louisiana figured it wasn’t going to get that bad or decided at the last minute to take whatever they needed.  Either way, “help” did not come for them for four long days, in some cases longer.  Many people died from dehydration along with other things such as drowning, infection, and medical complications.

Three Day Kits are Obsolete:

It hit me that the 72-hour Emergency Kit, 72-hour Bug Out Bag, or Bail Out Bag or whatever you call it is obsolete.  I am now convinced that the 5 or 7 day Bug Out Bag is the way to go.  Hurricane Katrina was a huge lesson to the American preparedness community.  We watched while a lot people struggled, died, and became victims.  Our financial situation here in the U.S. is crumbling.  Programs are being cut, resources running low, and politicians don’t ever think a disaster can happen to us or they might not care.  Either way help will be a long way off from three days.

Even if your Bug Out Location is only two days away by car.  Running into unforeseen problems could extend that trip (will discuss later).  For those who have flee on foot, vehicles, and boats having a 5 to 7 day bag might have extended some of these individuals’ lifespan.  Having more is a lot better than having less especially in a disaster situation.  Like many people say: “It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”

The Scenario:

Now FEMA’s response times as we all know is pitiful.  FEMA’s response time also varies from situation to situation. But for our purposes, let’s give FEMA the benefit of doubt.  The scenario i san unlikely yet devastating a 7.5 earthquake in New York City (Manhattan).  I’ll play with the numbers in their favor.  It might take them 8 to 12 hours to figure out logistics and if the area is safe.  It may take them another 10 to 12 hours to mobilize and get to the disaster area.  Then once there, they set up outside of the disaster area, which might take another 8 to 12 hours.  Also having engineers come in to analyze the tunnels and bridges, will further delay the rescue.

Depending on the bridge or tunnel they decide analyze, that only can take up to another 12 hours.  That would be an estimated FEMA’s response time.  You now exhausted your 72-hour bag.  Keep in mind that each disaster warrants a different approach.  Also understanding that getting to the disaster zone would take time because of the possibility of compromised bridges and tunnels, hence the engineers.  The total estimated time would be 62 to 84 hours.  Not including the process time to get into a FEMA camp.  A 5 or 7-Day Bug Out Bag is starting to look real good at this point.

One on One Assistance

Now once FEMA has established itself in, near, and or around the disaster area.  It could take another 12-24 hours to receive one-on-one assistance.  Considering that thousands to Hundreds of thousands will also be on line waiting for “help”.  Now, picture yourself being on line for your favorite band and waiting 10-24 hours to get their tickets.  Now translate that to a disaster relief line.  You exhausted your 72-hour bag and now have to wait in a line for hours maybe even days to be sheltered and fed.  You will be beyond hungry, thirsty and tired.  Knowing that you are so close yet have to wait for hours more, will really agitate you.  Note: That waiting for FEMA support on a line of hundreds of thousands will bring out the good, the bad, and the worst.

Using an earthquake scenario in New York City is one of the ultimate crises for usage of a 5 or 7-Day Bug Out Bag.  You will be using your tube tent, emergency blanket, emergency sleeping bag and or tarp for shelter and warmth.  Collapsed or compromised building will have you setting up a temporary home in Central Park, Van Cortland Park, Prospect Park, Yankee Stadium (Being the only sports arena in the five boroughs) or a safe clearing near the home.  Compromised water lines, the aqueduct, and sewer lines will have you depended on your hydro bladder and emergency water packets in your bag.  Along with using your purification tablets to purify possibly tainted water.

Other Scenarios

There are many other scenarios like a Nuclear Attack (which is less likely), Hurricanes, Civil Unrest, and other disasters that would make a 5 to 7-Day Bug Out Bag desirable.  Keep in mind that you should be sheltering in place for the previously mentioned disasters and have food storage but if you don’t, that’s where your Bug Out Bag can also come in handy.

Now, on the early mentioning of running into problems while you are Bugging Out to your determine location.  You had already picked out your escape route.  Once on the road, you start running into multiple “road blocks”.  Which now alters your escape a few times.  Now the three-day trip has turned into a 4 to 5 day trip.  Again, your 72 hour Bug Out Bag is now depleted.  Having your 5 to 7 day Bug Out Bag during an evacuation will sever you well in the case of major detours.

Keep in mind if you are a responsible prepper your Vehicle Bug Out Kit’s inventory should sustain you for a few days without having to tap into your Bug Out Bag.  I, myself have enough in my Vehicle Bug Out Kit that I would most likely not break into my Bail Out Bags, Start Up Supplies or Bug Out Bag.  Planning ahead with your supplies in your Bug Out Bag will go a long way if you go past your 72-hour mark.  Having more is better.  Having less is foolish.

Is It Really Too Much?

Some people might think that having a 5 or 7-Day Bug Out Bag is over the top but in the field of preparedness.  When being faced with uncertainties nothing is over the top, as long as you keep level headed and use common sense.  You are only adding a few more items to your already existing bag.  If you don’t have a bag of any kind and don’t have a lot of money to build a 5 or 7 day bag out right.  Start with a 3-day bag and build from there.  Make sure you end up with a 5 or 7-day bag, at the very least a 5-day bag.

This or That?

Some people are going to say “Why not just have a 7 day Bug Out Bag instead of a 5 day Bug Out Bag?”  It comes down to how much you are willing to spend on the items in the Bug Out Bag and how much you are willing to carry.  Trust me adding four more 4.222 oz of water packets add up in weight (you’ll feel a slight difference).  Three more (field stripped) MRE meals or canned goods add in weight.  I’m a weight lifter and a firefighter and am use to carrying heavy weight for long periods of time.  For some this kind of weight is not acceptable or doable.

Somewhat Of A History:  

The Bug Out Bag was designed for evacuation purposes.  The Bug Out Bag is portable equipment full with survival to sustain you for 72 hours.  The typical items such as food, water, emergency blankets, flashlight, shelter, weapons, et cetera could be found in most bags.  The Bug Out Bag goes by a few names such as G.O.O.D. bag (Get Out Of Dodge), SHTF bag, Go Bag, Bail Out Bag and the 72 Hour Emergency Kit.  Nobody is sure where it started but some say that it was derived from those used by military aviators.

The New Idea (Somewhat):

My Bug Out Kit is different from most people.  This Bug Out Bag is actually inside of my Bug Out Kit, which is a military duffle bag (sea bag), which also contains my Bug Out Rigging System.  My Bug Out Rigging System is a tactical vest with a 6×6 tactical pouch (emergency blanket, water proof matches, paracord, emergency poncho, food bars, flexible canteen and disposable lighter), fixed blade knife (mounted on the back), folded knife (on front left chest), a copy of the personal document kit (inside the vest behind the ballistic plate), and some items I don’t discuss.

Inside the sea bag is a change of clothes, boots, tactical vest (Bug Out Rigging System), 6 – 0.5 liter bottles of water (to fill the hydro-bladder in the Bug Out Bag), Personal Medical Kit (thigh rigged, part of the Bug Out Rigging system), Main Personal Document Kit (everyone in your family), and a dump pouch (Folded up on my belt).  The Bug Out Bag is the 5.11Tactical brand 72 Hour Rush Backpack (trust me you can fit way more than 72 hours worth of gear in that bag).  Compartmentalize bags are the best option to go with.  If packed right you can get to anything you need without having to dig through it or dumping the entire bag just get one item.  When bugging out, you want to keep moving and create distant between you and the disaster.  So, knowing where the item is or having accessible is important.

Double But Out Bag System

A Double Bug Out Bag system can be another option if you’re strong enough and packed correctly.  A Double Bug Out Bag can extend your bug out time.  It also allows you to carry more food, water, ammo, medical supply and or clothes.  The double bail out bag system does not have to be two big bags but a small and larger or two medium size bags.  Recommendation:  For the second Bug Out Bag I use Maxpedition’s Jumbo Versipack, which is medium size and pack a lot of extras.  Or Condor Outdoor’s Modular Style Deployment Bag, which is small but can pack a lot of extras.  I use the Condor Modular Deployment Bag for medical gear.  Plus, the Modular Style Deployment Bag can be “married” to one of your Bug Out Bags.

Vehicle Bug Out Bag/Bin

A Vehicle Bug Out Bag/Bin is more like a kit that stays in the vehicle and is kept in the back.  It’s a back up kit to your Bug Out Bag.  While you are traveling in the vehicle, you utilize the bag or bin.  The difference in this Bug Out equipment is that most of the contents in that bag or bin will have vehicle related items like jumper cables, road reflectors, tire patching kit, flashlights, flares, ponchos, [12VDC] electronics charger, et cetera.  Not to mention water, food bars, and a back up weapon of some kind.  I own a small one in the back of my SUV.  It’s a bag not a bin.  I do store water and food bars under the rear seat of the last row.  I own a 2004 Ford Explorer so I use every inch of the vehicle.

Recommendation: If you build a vehicular bin, make sure you also add crucial auto parts like a serpentine belt, water hoses, a good set of tools and things of that nature.  Note: Make sure you check your spare tire every six months.  Also have a realfull-size tire as a spare and not a “mini spare” donut.

Bail Out Bag

A Bail Out Bag is what I have design to be for the extreme case that I have to bail out of my vehicle and can’t grab anything else but that.  I keep my kit on the middle console.  My girlfriend’s bug-out bag is on the back of her seat.  In there I have 3 days of energy bars, 3 days of water (if used sparingly), packets of water soluble vitamins, mini flashlight, folded knife, paracord and a map.

Recommendation: I use Condor Outdoor’s Tactical Messenger Bag.  For those that carry firearms this bag is very compatible to those who carry rifle and side arms.  Since I don’t carry and can’t have a firearm here in New York City (Liberals).  With that in mine I have more room to store other items.

A Bug Out Rigging System

A Bug Out Rigging System is a tactical vest and a thigh rig with items that will help during your bug out phase.  As I mention before my vest is more design to the standard of the state/city I live in.  For those who can own firearms strapping magazines to your vest with other survival items is key and adds more ammo to your firepower.  Having a thigh rigging system is also part of the Bug Out Rigging system.  Keeping a personal medical kit (for yourself), sidearm, fix blade knife, collapsible baton, or a 6×6 pouch full of “stuff” will help when needed.  Plus carrying extra food, water pouches, and or ammo always help.

Recommendation: I keep my thigh rigged Personal Medical Kit opposite my baton.  Using a 4×4 or 6×6 pouch would be the biggest I would go with on a thigh-rigged pouch.  Anything bigger will just get in the way.

[JWR Adds: In my experience, gear that is strapped to one’s thighs tends to be fatiguing, when walking long distances. A small “fanny” pack or MOLLE pouch worn in front is far more convenient. They can be re-positioned if you ever need to low crawl.]

High Speed Kit/Bag

A High Speed Kit/Bag is a bag I built with heavy tools, weapons, and a comprehensive medical kit for the small chance of an earthquake, building collapse, or bad hurricane here in the city.  The bag was built to help others.  In the bag I keep a mini axe, Stanley FatMax Xtreme [Halligan Tool], 200 ft nylon climbing rope, fixed blade knife, folding knife, hydro bladder, food bars, and emergency blankets (for trapped people).  The bag I use is Condor Outdoor’s Level 3 Assault Pack.  I came up with the idea to start my own bag after 9/11.  After experiencing not having my own equipment available, I now keep one on deck.

 Recommendation: If you build your own bag, make sure you know how to use the tools and that the tools have a multi purpose use.  Pack enough according your area and the distance you are willing to travel to help.  Note:  A Good set of “irons” (Halligan bar and a full size [firefighter’s] axe) goes a long way.  Carrying them around will tend to weigh after awhile but they are worth their weight in gold.  Note: There are other companies that make the Level 3 Assault Backpack.  Some are less expensive,  fall apart easily and some are just no good.  You have to choose the right one.

Carrying The Load:

Carrying a Bug Out Bag can be heavy.  Let alone carrying a tactical vest, thigh rigged pouch, Bug Out Bag, and a second Bug Out Bag/Kit.  If you are on foot this stuff starts to weigh after a while.  Keeping in shape like Robert Neville in [the movie] I Am Legend is necessary.  I know working out is not a major “to do” on your list but it has to be done in the interest of family and self. Keeping in shape is key to allowing your body to deal with extra weight you might be carrying.  By working out and lifting weights, that allows me to carry a Double Bug Out Bag system.  You have to keep your core tight.  By strengthening your abs, back, and legs, you can do more without risking injury.

Recommendation:  For workout tips read Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Health, or Flex magazine (keep in mind Flex magazine is more for the body builder but they do have good tips from time to time).  You can also read the recent two-part SurvivalBlog article: Fit To Survive.  It’s not a bad read and has good tips on going about getting strong.

Why Do It To Yourself?:

One Person Bug Out Bags are your best choice.  Buying one of those Multi-person Bug Out Bag is somewhat for novice preppers.  Even so novice preppers should actually know better.  You can also look at it as being irresponsible.  Having all your belongings, food, water, shelter, et cetera in one bag is foolish.  Lets say you buy a 72- hour Bug Out Bag built for four people.  You have everything in one bag.  Now a disaster strikes & you have to bug out of town or the city.  What happens if one of the four family members gets separated?  Or the lead person carrying the 72-hour Bug Out Bag built for four gets separated?  Now, the other three family members are SOL. Or the one family member who got separated is now cold, hungry, and alone.

Recommendation:  Every able body should have their own Bug Out Bag.  With children under five years of age I would split their stuff between the adults’ Bug Out Bag.

The Personal Document Issue:

Keeping personal documents safe is another priority all on it’s own.  Make sure everyone in your family has a Personal Document Kit on them & in their Bug Out Bags.  You (the head of the Family) keep everyone’s Personal Document on your person and in your Bug Out Bag.  Everyone in your family should have two full copies of Personal Documents, one on their persons and the other one in their Bug Out Bag.  If you have an infant then try putting on one on them.  Of course, they won’t have their own Bug Out Bag unless they are Spartan.  In any case, the extra copy of the infant’s Personal Documents will be in the mother’s Bug Out Bag.

The reason for putting one on a small child or an infant is in the small chance that you get separated from one another.  Some may say that keeping so many copies of personal documents is unnecessary but in a time of crisis things as we all know never go according to plan.  Having a main copy in your bag is good but with thieves lurking in every corner.  If your bag gets stolen, then at least you have a copy on yourself.

Recommendation:  For every Bug Out Bag, Bail Out Bag, Vehicle Bug Out Bag, & Bug Out System you should have copies of key personal documents in each bag or system.

Conclusion:

The Preparedness field is forever changing.  There is no “set in stone way” of doing things.  Whatever works for you is what you stick to but never be afraid of new and approved ideas.  The different Bug Out Bag systems might work for you.  It works for me and still keeps my hands free.  It might seem overboard but again in the face of disaster, you’ll need as much help as you can safely carry.

For further information:

Letter Re: Feral Dogs and Coyotes in a Schumeresque World

The problem of feral dogs after TSHTF will be a real one. In my part of the country we have a problem with people dumping unwanted dogs. They were cute when they were pups but outgrew the family. Some people would take them to the pound, but with it’s over population and short ‘stay’ led a lot of people think that they were doing the dogs and cats a favor by letting them loose to fend for themselves. This is animal cruelty any way you look at it.

There have been several cases where a feral dog joined up with a coyote. These two are usually natural enemies. But you throw a female in heat into a coy dog’s territory, he may eat her or he may take her as his mate. Now you have the start of a pack that 1) has no fear of man and 2) the natural instincts to hunt of a coyote. These packs will then grow as other feral dogs join.

Now for some food for thought; my uncle was having trouble with a large mixed pack killing off his livestock. When I mean large, I’m talking close to thirty animals. He tried hunting them. The instincts of the coyote kept him from killing more than one or two at a time before the others learned. He tried trapping them using foot holds. Again he did catch a couple before the others started digging up his traps. Snares were not used, being illegal in this state. The way he did finally take care of the rest will be considered inhumane by the bunny huggers. He took large treble hooks and tied them to stout branches using pieces of barbed wire about four and a half to five feet off the ground. He then baited each hook with a chunk of beef. Within a week he had disposed of over two dozen feral dogs, coyotes and hybrids. I know this sounds cruel but look at the alternative. That chunk of meat could have been one of his prize show calves or one of his daughters or my aunt.

As for these working on wolves, I have no experience with them. But I don’t see why not. Just place them another foot or so higher and make sure to secure them to a larger branch.

So I suggest that along with your regular traps and snares, stock up on the bigger treble hooks. You could hang them using bailing wire, wire hangers, barbed wire like my uncle or even heavier gauge speaker wire or some of your used and twisted up non-reusable snares.

One word of warning though. These will catch any canine that can reach them including yours and your neighbors’.

That’s my pre-1982 penny’s worth. Keep your head down and your powder dry. – “Okie” in Muskogee

JWR Replies: Documented instances of feral dogs “packing up” with coyotes are very rare. So it is not realistic to think that this will be a common threat in TEOTWAWKI. However, feral dogs just by themselves will likely be a significant threat, since millions of pets will surely be turned by their owners in the event of a nationwide disaster. It has also been well-established that wolf packs proliferated and expanded their territory in the aftermath of the Black Death in the 14th Century. At one point there were packs wolves heard howling just outside of Paris. We could witness something similar in the event that there is a population crash–wolves, coyotes, feral dogs and other predators will probably all expand their territories and hence there will be more attacks on humans. And people ask me why I have so many traps and store so much ammo…

Letter Re: Home Packing Five Gallon Food Storage Buckets

James,
Thanks to your blog, I now know where I can get cheap (or free) plastic [food grade] buckets. I’ve been building quite a pile of them, and the time it takes to wash them is minimal. I mainly plain [to pack] Pinto beans, rice, flour, and pasta. How do I make sure that I won’t open them up someday, and find them full of weevils? That would be a disaster, especially if I really need that food when it all hits the fan. Thanks, – Randall W.

JWR Replies: Insects and their larvae can’t survive without oxygen. Two different oxygen-free bucket packing methods are detailed in the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, which is presently offered at a sale price for a short time. The same information can also be found in my book “How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It”.

Economics and Investing:

R.D.H. sent this: Gold Rises to Record on Demand for Haven From European Crisis.

Reader David S. suggested this piece by mainstream economic journalist Scott Burns that was surprisingly frank about the possibility of an economic collapse: The Future… as a Large, Sullen Stranger

G.G. liked this commentary by Robert Barone: Forget PIIGS, US Debt is Out of Control

Brian B. sent this item by our friend Bill Bonner: US government is killing its own economy

J.D.D. highlighted this: Long-Term Unemployed Now 46 Percent of Unemployed, Highest Percentage on Record

Items from The Economatrix:

Increasingly Hawkish Fed Ponder Raising Rates

Secretive Bilderberg Club Said to Decide Fate of Euro

Greece to Sell Assets to Help Pay Down Deficit

Spain, Italy Sink from Contagion

Eurozone Jobless Rate Hits Record High

ECB Warns of More Bank Loan Losses

GM’s Fast Turnaround Slams into the Euro Crisis

Odds ‘n Sods:

Here is “must read” article: Societal Collapse Due to Peak Oil ‘Inevitable,’ According to Researcher. (Thanks to Chris H. for the link.)

   o o o

Reader RBS recommended a link to some free greenhouse plans, over at Vibration Nation.

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Kevin S. suggested this from New Scientist: The wisdom of herds: How social mood moves the world

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I noticed that even more counters have been automated at the U.S. Debt Clock web site.

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 29 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include:

First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $400, and B.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 29 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Treatment of Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis in Austere Conditions, by D.P.A., EMT

This article will provide background information on allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, and overview the initial management , or “buddy care”, of these conditions. Some of the procedures described in this article will require additional medical training in order for the provider to become proficient. These conditions range from mild to life threatening.

After a societal collapse which results in austere living conditions, definitive medical care would not be available. As a result most life threatening pathologies would not be treated. The good thing is that allergic reactions are readily reversible, in most cases, with prompt treatment. In these cases definitive care can be administered in the austere environment, so it is worth the expenditure of valuable medical supplies. Medical specialists cannot be everywhere, and some of these reactions must be treated immediately, so others should have some basic knowledge of how to treat severe allergic reactions.

Background and Signs and Symptoms of Mild Reactions
Allergic reactions are a hyper-stimulation of the body’s immune system to an antigen (foreign protein). The reactions range from mild signs and symptoms, such as with hay fever, to a life threatening condition called anaphylaxis, common with bee stings or specific medications. Both mild and severe forms require that the patient be sensitized (first exposure) to the foreign protein so that when exposed the second, and subsequent times, a response is mounted by the immune system. Allergies are very common in the general population. They include food, medications, soaps, insect bites and pollens.
The body’s reaction can begin as mild signs and symptoms and then progress to anaphylaxis. Mild allergic reactions usually manifest with urticaria (rashes, redness), hives (raised bumps in skin), edema (swelling), resulting in itching to the exposed areas of the skin. This is common with poison ivy, soaps and certain medication reactions. Itching and mild edema to the eyes lids, nose and throat, with rhinorrhea (runny nose) and lacrimation (tearing) can occur with pollens and inhaled antigens.

Although not life-threatening, mild allergic reactions are annoying and can disrupt activities of daily life. The ability to use scopes, night vision, binoculars and even maintain attention span can be limited by them. Rashes can worsen under hot, humid conditions and limit the ability to wear boots, protective clothing and remain outdoors for extended periods. Mild signs and symptoms also result in manual scratching as well as contact with mucus membranes, which can become sources of infection. This can be counter-productive and dangerous when living and operating in an austere environment such as a retreat, therefore justifying treatment and resources.

Treatment of Mild Reactions
Mild allergic reactions can generally be treated with antihistamine medications (oral and lotions) and oral over the counter (OTC) sinus medications. These are cheap, easy to store and have long shelf lives. Stockpiling these are easy and administering them requires no special training other than to know when to use them. Your medical specialist(s) will be able to handle the treatment of mild reactions as they are not time sensitive.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine and a mainstay of the treatment of allergic reactions. Histamine is a substance that is released by the body during an allergic reaction that results in the above sign and symptoms. Benadryl actively antagonizes the release of histamine providing relief. It is packaged in 25 mg tablets. The dose is 25-50 mg orally for mild allergic reactions every 4-6 hours. The chief side effect is drowsiness which can most easily be limited by drinking coffee.

There are several OTC medications for hay fever and the associated signs and symptoms to the eyes, nose and throat. The key ingredients to look for are pseudophedrine or chlorophrenamine. For those with high blood pressure pseudophedrine preparations should be avoided if possible as they can raise blood pressure (BP). Neosynephrine nasal sprays can aid in relieving nasal congestion and swelling. Loratadine and Zyrtec are two other popular long term antihistamines that do not have the side effect of drowsiness

Background and Signs and Symptoms for Moderate to Severe Reactions
More severe forms of allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can manifest with itching, urticaria and hives that proceed from a local reaction to a systemic (body-wide)reaction with the addition of difficulty breathing (wheezing, increased work of breathing, increased respiratory rate); and difficulty swallowing.  Stridor is caused by edema (swelling) to the upper airway (inspiratory and expiratory noises when breathing, swollen tongue). Signs and symptoms of decreased BP (from dilated blood vessels) can also occur such as cool, clammy skin; decreased mentation; and weak pulses. This is a life threatening condition that can rapidly lead to death if not treated.
Anaphylaxis can be functionally divided into two forms in terms of signs and symptoms and treatment: moderate and severe. Both forms will require the provider to be able to administer intramuscular injections (IM); and the latter, potentially perform advanced airway maintenance as initial care for anaphylaxis.

Note: These procedures require hands-on training and initial instruction on how to draw up medications and inject them safely. These should ideally be performed by your group’s medical specialist if available, but could be considered buddy care in austere conditions. EMT and paramedic courses cover the treatment for this in comprehensive detail. Your medical specialist (paramedic or RN) can also teach these procedures and oversee practical training. Volunteers and oranges can be used for practice administration. Instructional videos can be found online. All medication doses are adult dosages. All pediatric doses should be weight-based and referenced prior to preparation. ]

Moderate anaphylaxis is characterized by a body-wide rash/urticaria as well as difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; but no signs of decreased BP. The patient will be in considerable distress but will be awake and conscious at this point but unable to exert themselves.
Severe anaphylaxis can occur within minutes of some exposures (such as with bee stings) or can be a continuation of mild anaphylaxis that does not respond immediately to treatment. This is the most lethal form of allergic reactions and results in a patient becoming unresponsive; severe difficulty breathing; failing respirations; bluish-color skin to the face and neck (cyanosis- lack of O2);  and low BP. These patients can die within five minutes without further, prompt treatment.

Initial Treatment for Moderate to Severe Reactions
These patients need two medications rapidly administered via intramuscular (IM) injection: epinephrine and Benadryl . If a patient is not responding to these medications quickly, they must be evacuated to more definitive care by your medical specialists. Those providers would establish IV access and may proceed with IV doses of these medications plus a steroid medication (anti-inflamatory) as available.
Benadryl is same as the oral version but in an injectable form for more rapid absorption. 50 mg is needed to be given via IM injection, between the hip and knee, in the outer aspect of the thigh of the patient. Drowsiness may still occur and may manifest more rapidly than the oral version.
Epinephrine is derived from the same adrenal hormone in our body. It caused blood vessels to constrict (raises BP); decreases swelling and edema (from vasoconstriction); and dilated bronchioles (eliminates wheezing). It is given IM in the deltoid muscle (anterior upper arm) or in the opposite outer thigh. The dose is 0.5cc of a 1:1000 preparation. This can be repeated once in young, otherwise healthy adults. It should be used with caution in older patients with cardiac disease. It does not have a long shelf life and if it turns brown in color it has expired.

Basic Procedure for Preparing IM Medications
1. Ensure the rubber-topped vial is epinephrine or Benadryl
2. Cleanse the rubber top of the medication vial
3. Use a 3cc syringe with a 22g needle and puncture the rubber top; keep the bevel of the needle in the solution to avoid drawing up air
4. Steady the vial upside down with your non-dominant hand and expel the medication into the syringe with your dominant hand. Draw up the necessary amount of medication; draw up slightly more than needed.
[Benadryl is usually packaged 25 mg / cc and epinephrine (1:1000) is usually 1 mg/cc- check all medication concentrations prior to use to know the dose/amount for what you have on hand]
5. Remove the syringe from the vial and push the plunger of the syringe up to expel any volume of air or large air bubbles, while ensuring the correct amount of medication is left in the syringe
6. Re-cap needle safely

Basic Procedure for Administering Epinephrine and Benadryl via IM Route
1. Expose the outer aspect of the patient’s thigh
2. Locate the site which is the outer aspect of the thigh mid way between the hip bone and knee
3. Cleanse the site with an alcohol prep in an up & down fashion and then with outward concentric circles
4. Re-check the that the medication is correct and amount drawn up is correct- usually this will be 50 mg Benadryl in 1or 2 cc and 0.5 mg epinephrine in 0.5 cc (depending on the concentration on hand)
5. Uncap the needle and inject it into the site at a 90 degree angle with your dominant hand
6. Steady the syringe with your non-dominant hand and pull back on the plunger with your dominant hand; and aspirate for blood (if blood returns this indicates you are in an artery- if so, withdraw the needle and re-inject about 1 cm away from it)
7. Inject the medication fully into the muscle and withdraw the needle
8. Apply pressure to the site with an alcohol prep for 1 minute to assist in absorption
Emergency Airway Management for Severe Reactions
If enough swelling and edema occurs in the upper and lower airway of a patient with severe anaphylaxis, emergent airway procedures may be needed. This will be evident in the patient by audible stridor and severe respiratory distress. Essentially the edema blocks off the larynx from its ability to exchange air and prevents ventilation. Death can occur in 4-6 minutes. The procedure of surgical cricothyroidotomy can be used to place an emergency airway for these patients. Basically this is putting a tube through the “Adam’s apple” of the patient below the level of the swelling.  This airway compromise may be present within minutes of the start of the reaction, or happen if the swelling is refractory to medications. Early epinephrine administration and Benadryl should begin alleviating s/s within a few moments so further interventions will not be necessary.
There are several ways to perform a surgical airway. Again, formal medical training is necessary for success and safety with this procedure. There are prepared kits as well as alternate methods to do this procedure. I will detail the latter later in the article. Although an advanced procedure, surgical airway insertion is very time dependent and more thoroughly trained personnel may not be immediately available, so it can be considered buddy care in austere conditions. This procedure should  be ideally performed by your medical specialist if available.
Caution: Movies and television show other heroic methods, such as using Buck knives and pens. These methods do not work and are dangerous. This is a procedure that must be kept as sterile as possible and be functional for 24- 48 hrs. Plus there are limited ways to treat infection and pneumonia in the austere setting, and saving a patient only to lose them to blood loss or infection is overtly counterproductive.]
 The key to this procedure is locating the cricothyroid membrane. You will need to look at anatomical pictures and find this location on live people plus use animals for further practice. Pig tracheas are very similar to humans and can aid in this process (they are also thrown out by butchers and can be harvested for training).
The larynx (“Adam’s apple”) is located to the front of the neck. It is the large, rigid structure sitting on top of the trachea. When palpating it, the superior hard ridge at the top is the thyroid cartilage (upper landmark). The next hard ridge blow the thyroid cartilage is the cricoid cartilage (lower landmark). Below that are the more pliable tracheal rings. The cricothyroid membrane is located between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages on the anterior aspect of the larynx. (It is the spot where if one presses on it, it feels like you will suffocate.) This is where an opening is made and an endotracheal (ET) or tracheostomy tube is placed in order to open an airway.
Note that locating the landmarks requires practice to be successful. The actual procedure is easy once the correct location of the cricoid membrane is made. A surgical airway should only be used in a last ditch effort to save a life after all other pharmacological options have been used and are not working. This cannot be over-emphasized.]

Basic Equipment Needed for Surgical Airway
Alcohol preps
Betadine preps
Scalpel
#6 ET tube (preferable- alternates will be discussed later)
4×4 gauze
1” medical tape
Adult bag valve mask (BVM) – if available

Procedure for Surgical Airway:

  1. Wash hands if at all possible or wipe with hand sanitizer; use gloves if available
  2. Determine need for procedure
  3. Place patient’s head in the sniffing position (place rolled blankets under the shoulders of the patient and let his head hang dependent)
  4. Prepare all equipment(kits can be assembled ahead of time)
  5. Locate the cricoid membrane as previous
  6. Cleanse the site with alcohol prep in concentric circles moving from center of site to about 3 cm outside- repeat with Betadine prep
  7. Stabilize the  cartilage with one hand
  8. Puncture the cricoid membrane with the scalpel to approx 1 cm depth
  9. Remove the scalpel
  10. Insert the #6 ET tube through the hole into the trachea approx 4 cm
  11. Listen for air exchange and respirations through the tube plus chest rise
  12. Pack the edges of the site with 1-2 4x4s to control any bleeding
  13. Tape the tube in place by taping around the tube 1-2 times at the level of insertion in the larynx, and then by encircling the neck 1-2 times and finishing with tape to the tube
  14. Reassess for improvement in the patient
  15. Ventilate (breathe) for patient through tube PRN or at 10-12 b/min
  16. Move patient to more definitive care by your medical specialist

Caution– You must successfully identify the landmarks for the cricoid membrane. Any deviation can cause catastrophic bleeding (and death) as the carotid arteries and jugular veins lie on each side of the larynx. The thyroid gland also is present behind the thyroid cartilage (the upper landmark for the cricoid membrane) and is rich in blood supply.
There will be some bleeding but this should be minimal so long as you do not deviate from the landmarks for the cricoid membrane. Stridor should disappear after the tracheal tube is inserted and the tube should fog from the condensation from respirations. The cyanosis should also decrease and the patient’s respiratory distress should decrease as well.

Back-up Surgical Airway Methods
If a commercially made endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube is not available then a barrel of a 1cc syringe can be used as the tube. This will need to be held in place after taping it like an ET tube, as it is shorter and non-pliable, until given to definitive care.

Another back-up method to do a surgical cricothyroidotomy is to use the drip chamber form a 10 drop IV tubing set. The barb from the drip chamber that is used to puncture the IV bag can be uncapped and used in lieu of a scalpel. You will need to cut the drip chamber in half in the middle of the chamber to act as a tube. Landmarks and procedure are the same as before, but here you use the sharp barb to puncture the cricoid membrane at a 45 degree angle towards the feet of the patient. The hole is large enough to allow for air exchange and standard BVM will fit the end of the drip chamber that was cut, in order to facilitate ventilation. It will also need to be held in place and taped as above, as it is also shorter than an ET tube.

The above two back-up methods are only for use if the standard equipment is unavailable. All medical kits should have a surgical airway kit set up from the supplies listed previously or have a commercially prepared cricothyroidotomy kit (that will have all supplies in it that are needed).Your medical specialist will know what the indications are for removal of the tube and the after-care that is needed for the site.

Although anaphylaxis can be successfully treated and all group members should know the buddy care for this condition. However, prevention is the best way to avoid death from anaphylaxis. All people who are allergic to known substances (foods, medications) should first, avoid them, and then advise all medical providers of their presence. Severely allergic people should have access to antihistamine tablets (Benadryl) and have access to Epi-pens (self-injectable syringes that contain 0.3 cc of 1:1000 epinephrine) for self-treatment. Anaphylaxis can have a high recovery rate but the treatment must be initiated early for optimum results.

Letter Re: Recent Ohio and Michigan Tornadoes

Good Morning Jim,
Well the Schumer Hit The Fan here in northwestern Ohio and southeastern Michigan this past weekend with a rash of tornados. We lost seven lives and countless buildings in the area.

Tornados are a scary reminder of how quickly bad things happen and how a survival / preparedness mind set is important. One case in particular caught my attention that prompted this quick message from me.

One man lead his family to the safety of his basement before the storm hit. While waiting the power went out so he went upstairs with his dog to start his generator. Seconds after he went upstairs everything down to the carpet and padding was stripped from the first floor deck and scattered across the town.

There is a time to act and a time to hold your ground in every survival situation. To those with a plan in this world, as I am sure this man had one, make sure yours places safety and survival well ahead of any type of amenity or convenience. He and his dog would still be with us today had he waited for the storms to pass. Yours in Christ, – Buckeye Ken

Letter Re: Refilling Small Propane Cylinders

Jim:
One-pound propane cylinders are easily refillable if you use a couple of tricks. A filling adapter is available for under $20 from [Harbor Freight and other merchants.
You need a full 20# cylinder as the "donor". Place it in a warm place or in the sun for a couple of hours. Chill the empty one-pound cylinders in your freezer.
Join the cylinders. using the filling adapter. The filling procedure is that you invert both of the joined cylinders and open cylinder valve. Refills take about one minute each. Regards, – Rob S.

Economics and Investing:

Several readers sent this: U.S.’s $13 Trillion Debt Poised to Overtake GDP: Chart of Day

Brett G. sent us this: Experts: Europe to Push US Back Into Recession

Mac F. liked this essay by Monty Pelerin: Worse than a Depression

Complexity and Collapse: Empires on the Edge of Chaos by Niall Ferguson. (A hat tip to Thomas P. for the link.)

Laura Bassett reports: Disturbing Job Ads: ‘The Unemployed Will Not Be Considered’ (A hat tip to Simon J. for the link.)

Items from The Economatrix:

Central Bank Gold Holdings Expand at Fastest Pace Since 1964. (Why do central bankers buy high, and sell low?)

The Great Wobble (The Mogambo Guru)

Making Ends Meet in the Great Depression

Bernanke: Important Concerns Remain About the Economy

Late Slide: Stocks Fall Last Hour, Dow Down 115

Dollar Surges to Four-Year High Against the Euro

Euro Sinks to Four-Year Low as Hungary Fears Being the Next Greece

Consumer Borrowing Up Slightly in April

Pump Prices Leveling Off After 20-Cent Drop

Banks Profit From Near-Zero Interest Rates

Gold is a Great Safety Net if Things Go Wrong

UK: City Watchdog Fears Euro Disaster

Odds ‘n Sods:

A bad portent of future lawlessness, in hard times: The End of Empathy. “A University of Michigan Study of nearly 14,000 college students has found that they have less empathy than college students did during the 1980s or 1990s. In fact, today’s college students scored about 40 percent lower in empathy than their counterparts did 20 or 30 years ago.” (A hat tip to Rebecca S. for sending this link.)

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Jeff B. flagged this troubling news story: Mystery Crop Damage Threatens Hundreds of Acres.

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Reader James C. pointed us to a YouTube “low tech” instructional video: Homemade 12 VDC Coffee Can Heater. (A Strong Proviso: I linked to this just to show some “outside the box” thinking–not to encourage anyone to build one. All the usual safety disclaimers apply. This gent’s project has some serious safety issues!)

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Will somebody please tell Al Gore: Pacific islands growing, not sinking

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More tricks from the gun-grabbing Chuck Schumer: Making NRA Membership Lists Public. (Thanks to P.D. for the link.)

Announcing a New Preparedness Television Show in Development — Seeking Prepper Families

I have been asked to be the primary on-air subject matter expert for a new reality/documentary television series that is now in development. This should be an awesome show! It will be a great way to get people not just thinking about family preparedness, but going that crucial step further and actually training and preparing.

My involvement in the show will be as its narrator/commentator, critiquing and making suggestions on how the families can improve their preparedness, in voice-overs.

Here is their preliminary “Casting Call” announcement:

Are you a self-sustainer, survivalist or a squared away preparedness family?
Do you have a retreat, an underground bunker, reinforcements, a militia or an organized self-sustaining community?
If so then you may be right for a new Television Series that instructs America how to survive the coming collapse.

Please submit a short bio of family members along with photos and a video showing your preparations. If you are trained in weapons, hand-to-hand combat, medical, agriculture or possess a set of survival skills please describe them in your submission. Send all submission materials to:
TEOTWAWKI.casting@gmail.com
or, via U.S. Mail to:
Producer, P.O. Box 1848, Santa Monica CA 90401

For video submissions acceptable formats are VHS, Mini-DV and DVD–or just a link to a video already at your web site. Tapes will not be returned unless a self-addressed stamped envelope is included.

The producers have promised to do their utmost to protect your privacy. They won ‘t mention your real name, or your location.

 

Letter Re: Advice on Storage Food Shelf Lives

Mr. Rawles:
There is so much in your blog about stocking up, and it is appreciated, I can tell you. But I haven’t seen all in one place any big reference on how long I can expect things to last. Some of the “shelf life” info out there [on the Internet] is unrealistic. (Do they pull these numbers out of the sky?) This info is also scattered on dozens of websites, not all in one place. Can you recommend any one good reference? Is that info in any of your books? Thanking You In Advance, – Lydia. J.

JWR Replies: The detailed shelf life reference information that you are seeking can be found in a 15-page long appendix that is included in the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, which is presently on sale, for a short time.