On Saddle Blood Stopper Pouch

[Chris Schultz]

The pouch that my blood stopper/trauma kit lives in is shit.... it attaches with one tiny little hasp. The problem is the Velcro that holds the flap closed is so stout it would be impossible to open it one handed in a emergency with it flopping around like a fish out of water. I’ve lived with this for too long, and now I need to upgrade the pouch. Hoping someone in treebuzz land can recommend something that works for them, even better if you’ve got a spare you wanna sell! I’ve got a monkey beaver saddle..... and the descriptions online I’ve found about attachment style are weak/vague. I want that pouch to be squarely and securely attached so one handed opening is possible. THANKYOU!!!

 

[Stumpsprouts]

The pouch that my blood stopper/trauma kit lives in is shit.... it attaches with one tiny little hasp. The problem is the Velcro that holds the flap closed is so stout it would be impossible to open it one handed in a emergency with it flopping around like a fish out of water. I’ve lived with this for too long, and now I need to upgrade the pouch. Hoping someone in treebuzz land can recommend something that works for them, even better if you’ve got a spare you wanna sell! I’ve got a monkey beaver saddle..... and the descriptions online I’ve found about attachment style are weak/vague. I want that pouch to be squarely and securely attached so one handed opening is possible. THANKYOU!!!

I have that style pouch, I think. I recently switched harnesses and remounted the pouch on my left leg loop with the pouch facing toward my bridge, which I think would allow for easy deployment in a one handed situation. The velcro is pulled through a loop on the harness and comes over to secure the pouch.. the pouch is nested under another loop which keeps it very sturdily mounted even when you pull the Velcro open. A picture would explain that, but I’m still on vacation. I’ll try to remember to upload one when I get back.

I also switched to a spray version of blood stopper, which I’d be curious to know what others think about. I think it would be easier to deploy one handed? I just carry that and bandage wrap. I had a tourniquet but that wasn’t fitting anymore so that’s going to live on the ground.

 

[Chris Schultz]

I have that style pouch, I think. I recently switched harnesses and remounted the pouch on my left leg loop with the pouch facing toward my bridge, which I think would allow for easy deployment in a one handed situation. The velcro is pulled through a loop on the harness and comes over to secure the pouch.. the pouch is nested under another loop which keeps it very sturdily mounted even when you pull the Velcro open. A picture would explain that, but I’m still on vacation. I’ll try to remember to upload one when I get back.

I also switched to a spray version of blood stopper, which I’d be curious to know what others think about. I think it would be easier to deploy one handed? I just carry that and bandage wrap. I had a tourniquet but that wasn’t fitting anymore so that’s going to live on the ground.

Having a hard time picturing your setup.... enjoy your vacation! Maybe I’ll see some pics in the future.

 

[Jonny]

Yes CAT tourniquets are kinda awkward and bulky to stow on a saddle, but in my opinion, worth it. I’ve had to use them before, I have seen them save lives, and there’s nothing I trust more to stop severe arterial bleeding. They’re reliable, and with just a little practice, a person can apply it to their own arm or leg with one hand.

Feels like it’s obvious but important to point out that the first emergency care a climber might receive would come from themselves.

There’s an order to control severe bleeding, and it does make sense in many situations, but it sometimes depends. If I get cut pretty bad, but have no sign of arterial bleeding, I likely want to get to the ground immediately and then apply pressure and dressings or Celox. But if a climber is at height and squirting large volume of blood, maybe it’s not wise to fuck around with pressure, and dressings, and blood stopper products. Get the tourniquet on, get down safely, and get an ambulance or transport to an emergency room.

I REALLY don’t want to be rescued up in a tree by the local volunteer fire department. Much love and respect to them, but I don’t trust that they’re trained for such a rescue.

Apologies if I’m straying too much from topic... kinda relevant though. I’ll go get a pic of how I stow my tourniquet.

 

[Phil]

Have you looked at a different style pouch altogether? Look around for molle pouches that may fit your harness better.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XO9U0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RAR9N60T6E21ZBWBQFG0

Sizes and configurations vary. Can find even more not in amazon.

I used to use an old zip up camera case.

 

[Chris Schultz]

Have you looked at a different style pouch altogether? Look around for molle pouches that may fit your harness better.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XO9U0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RAR9N60T6E21ZBWBQFG0

Sizes and configurations vary. Can find even more not in amazon.

I used to use an old zip up camera case.

I would shitcan that pouch in a heartbeat if I found the right replacement.

 

[SomethingWitty]

The pouch that my blood stopper/trauma kit lives in is shit.... it attaches with one tiny little hasp. The problem is the Velcro that holds the flap closed is so stout it would be impossible to open it one handed in a emergency with it flopping around like a fish out of water. I’ve lived with this for too long, and now I need to upgrade the pouch. Hoping someone in treebuzz land can recommend something that works for them, even better if you’ve got a spare you wanna sell! I’ve got a monkey beaver saddle..... and the descriptions online I’ve found about attachment style are weak/vague. I want that pouch to be squarely and securely attached so one handed opening is possible. THANKYOU!!!

I used one of those pouches. It sucked until I sewed in onto a leg strap with the holes in the TM rubber material. Then I could reach it with either hand and rip it open no problem.
I have never been okay with the center of the back placement that seems popular.

 

[Jonny]

Weaver ditty bag with first aid pouch. A piece of Velcro keeps it closed. Very easy to open with either hand.

 

[Marshy]

This might be a little off topic but, does anyone have an easy way to lanyard off the tourniquet pouch so if you fumble it taking it out of the pouch it doesnt drop to the ground? I was thinking some packaging tape and some light cord...

 

[Stumpsprouts]

Here are two awkward photos that might help explain my current mounting for first aid kit. It does make the leg loop a little stiffer than I’d like, but I do like the easy deployment.

The edelrig treerex harness has a very cool first aid kit deployment system I saw on their promo videos.

I was talking to my rn mother about this when I was on vacation. She told me to suck it up and find a spot for the tourniquet excited to see how you stow it, @Jonny

 

[Jonny]

It’s on post 8 @Stumpsprouts
Little bit of Velcro keeps it closed. Easy to open with either hand, and a little shake will open it up.
Worth mentioning, you might only have 1 hand available to put it on, and the tourniquet itself goes above the wound, not on the wound, so this doesn’t need to be sterile, and the moment you really need it, is a poor time to be fiddlefucking with plastic wrap. Take it out of the wrap and practice a little, and when you stow it, don’t cinch it tight and close the Velcro on the tourniquet itself.

Or such was the US Army instructions for CAT tourniquets like 16 years ago.

 

[Marshy]

It’s on post 8 @Stumpsprouts
Little bit of Velcro keeps it closed. Easy to open with either hand, and a little shake will open it up.
Worth mentioning, you might only have 1 hand available to put it on, and the tourniquet itself goes above the wound, not on the wound, so this doesn’t need to be sterile, and the moment you really need it, is a poor time to be fiddlefucking with plastic wrap. Take it out of the wrap and practice a little, and when you stow it, don’t cinch it tight and close the Velcro on the tourniquet itself.

Or such was the US Army instructions for CAT tourniquets like 16 years ago.

Great advice. I was thinking about buying a second one to open and practice with but your advice about not having to open the package never crossed my mind. Thank you.

 

[climbstihl]

View attachment 75220View attachment 75221
Here are two awkward photos that might help explain my current mounting for first aid kit. It does make the leg loop a little stiffer than I’d like, but I do like the easy deployment.

The edelrig treerex harness has a very cool first aid kit deployment system I saw on their promo videos.

I was talking to my rn mother about this when I was on vacation. She told me to suck it up and find a spot for the tourniquet excited to see how you stow it, @Jonny

The treerex deployment method is cool, but the pouch is tiny. A 4" Isreali bandage would be tight already, definitely not getting a tourniquet in there.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

I would be curious to know any tales folks may have of a climber using their first aid kit aloft. In my travels I have not heard of any.. not saying I don’t think we should keep things on hand, just wondering how those real world scenarios actually play out.

 

[Boomslang]

I've taken a few whacks from my handsaw, countless stabs from nubs and dead branches, and had my fair share of bark burn. The first thing I always reach for when blood is flowing is my shirt. Anything more serious than that can handle and I can guarantee I'm not taking the time (or probably in the frame of mind) to fiddle around with a first aid pouch and unwrap the bandage. I'm getting the fuck out of the tree and dealing with it on the ground. First aid kit in the work area, yes, first aid pouch on my saddle, no.

 

[Reach]

I've taken a few whacks from my handsaw, countless stabs from nubs and dead branches, and had my fair share of bark burn. The first thing I always reach for when blood is flowing is my shirt. Anything more serious than that can handle and I can guarantee I'm not taking the time (or probably in the frame of mind) to fiddle around with a first aid pouch and unwrap the bandage. I'm getting the fuck out of the tree and dealing with it on the ground. First aid kit in the work area, yes, first aid pouch on my saddle, no.

I’m with you there, to a point. I carry a bloodstopper pouch on my saddle for when I get hurt AND stuck up in the tree, the time when bailing out is not an option. If I have a major injury and am pinned in place somehow, that pouch may be my only chance of survival.

 

[climbingmonkey24]

I've taken a few whacks from my handsaw, countless stabs from nubs and dead branches, and had my fair share of bark burn. The first thing I always reach for when blood is flowing is my shirt. Anything more serious than that can handle and I can guarantee I'm not taking the time (or probably in the frame of mind) to fiddle around with a first aid pouch and unwrap the bandage. I'm getting the fuck out of the tree and dealing with it on the ground. First aid kit in the work area, yes, first aid pouch on my saddle, no.

I've never carried a first aid pouch into the tree, but that's only because I never had a saddle that had the place for it. As I just got a new saddle that has the draw string on the back, I'm thinking about getting one just to have. I like the concept of having it for an "in case" you need it scenario, but my focus is going to be to get to the ground and treat the wound in a more clean environment after cleaning hands and wound to remove dirt / debris, etc.

However, in the event of a major wound where you may only have seconds or minutes to react to prevent catastrophic blood loss, I can see the benefit of having something up in the tree with you. The time it takes to descend, especially if you are in an awkward position and have to reposition your line and everything could be all you have to react and treat the wound in whatever way possible. And what if you can't descend for whatever reason and have to wait for someone to get you?

Although I'm not sure how effective the blood stopper pouches and other tree-related first aid products actually are for treating major wounds, etc.

if anyone has anything they’d recommend for carrying on the saddle for treating deeper / major wounds, please share.

 

[Jonny]

Direct pressure on the wound. If you got sterile gauze pads or other dressings and bandages, good, but your bare hands applying pressure is effective too, depending on the damage. Israeli dressing and other pressure dressings are good. Direct pressure is always the first step.

I’ve read about some climbers carrying Celox, and it’s available at most drug stores. I’m not very familiar with it, but Google will probably fill you in. Not sure if QuickClot is available to the public, but it works really well. It’s fast. US Marines were issued it first in Iraq and some of them were idiots or did stupid shit when bored. Trying to be funny putting it on shaving cuts and hangnails. Causes a chemical reaction, burns on the skin, and some necrosis.

If QuickClot is available, it’s probably worth keeping in the truck first aid kit or maybe the saddle. Tourniquets are really good for arms, legs, feet, and hands. QuickClot can be poured into/ onto any other cut that a tourniquet won’t work for. Head, neck, torso, butt, or whatever.

 

[climbstihl]

Direct pressure on the wound. If you got sterile gauze pads or other dressings and bandages, good, but your bare hands applying pressure is effective too, depending on the damage. Israeli dressing and other pressure dressings are good. Direct pressure is always the first step.

I’ve read about some climbers carrying Celox, and it’s available at most drug stores. I’m not very familiar with it, but Google will probably fill you in. Not sure if QuickClot is available to the public, but it works really well. It’s fast. US Marines were issued it first in Iraq and some of them were idiots or did stupid shit when bored. Trying to be funny putting it on shaving cuts and hangnails. Causes a chemical reaction, burns on the skin, and some necrosis.

If QuickClot is available, it’s probably worth keeping in the truck first aid kit or maybe the saddle. Tourniquets are really good for arms, legs, feet, and hands. QuickClot can be poured into/ onto any other cut that a tourniquet won’t work for. Head, neck, torso, butt, or whatever.

Quickclot is available to the public.

 

[ghostice]

The pouch that my blood stopper/trauma kit lives in is shit.... it attaches with one tiny little hasp. The problem is the Velcro that holds the flap closed is so stout it would be impossible to open it one handed in a emergency . . . .

Had a bag we bought in Europe one time for an extra napsacky kind of thing while over there. It had velcro that needed vice grips to open. Our solution was to take a razor blade to some of the hooks, starting on the end that opened first. We just shaved away carefully at the hooks row by row until the thing was openable (is that a word?) by normal mortals.
In my pouches and first aid kit, I carry Celox bandages (powder, bandages and syringes for punctures) - military field dressing that works at stopping bleeds quickly. Just Google Celox - can still get it at retail as far as I know.