SAFARI PLANNING 3: Self Drive Safari Medical Pack
Vehicles roll over, lions nibble, monkeys throw . . . stuff. Why not be prepared? Just a quick follow up video that I let run while I was making final packing decisions on our medical bag . . . and this is the back-up medical kit. I am going as our second medic, with my focus on logistics and team lead. One of our other team members is going as our lead medical officer and medic. And yes, we take this stuff seriously.
I just wanted to give an idea of the kinds of things that could make a difference in you having a successful trip, cite some gear that can have you prepared for the small and the BIG stuff, and just get you thinking about one more layer of deciding to do a self drive safari.
We believe in hoping for the best and planning for the worst, having and not needing, and little green men from Mars . . . so short of our phaser guns, we are ready. :) We hope to truly only get into the pharmacy and general medical bag for minor stuff, allowing the rest of our gear to simply go unused.
Seriously though, just 3 days ago (we leave to meet up with him and get our trucks tomorrow) the tour operator that is renting us all of our gear and safari vehicles contacted me to say that one of our Land Rover Defenders had been in an accident and rolled over on some deep gravel roads near the Ngorongoro crater area. He is swapping out one of our trucks for an HZJ78 Land Cruiser and had to let us know . . . but listen folks, this stuff happens for real . . . case and point.
In this video I break down our thoughts into 5 sections:
1. Kit Separation 1: Bleed management . . . and I mean massive trauma bleed management. CELOX, Pressure bandages, C-A-T, etc. More than bandaids.
2. Kit Separation 2: General Medical Kit . . . the bag you will be getting in and out of on a more regular basis, and the kit with specialty instruments and interventions.
3. Kit Separation 3: Pharmacy Bag. There is no CVS or Walgreens where you are going (at least not on the Serengeti plains). Have what you need to get through the day, whatever that might be (note to self, remember to bring the flask.) :) kidding.
4. Kit Separation 4: Breaks / Fractures / Sprains . . . Orthopedic and splinting bag.
5. Kit Separation 5: Professionals only . . . Airway Kit.