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Flu Pandemics of the Past 110 Years

Posted on January 25, 2019 at 6:00 am.

In This Article

Spanish Flu (H1N1)
Asian Flu (H2N2)
Hong Kong Flu (H3N2)
Mexican Flu (aka “Swine Flu,” H1N1)
Near-Misses
Sidebar: Smallpox
What Can You Do to Prepare?
Update: Coronavirus / COVID-19

This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.

Spanish Flu (H1N1)

1918-1919
20-50 million deaths

One of the deadliest outbreaks, ever — not just in terms of the number killed, but also in how quickly they were killed. It is estimated that one third of the world’s population was infected, resulting in 20 to 50 million deaths (some researchers peg the number closer to 100 million). Not only that, but the virus killed mostly healthy young adults instead of the old and weak, who are usually more at risk with influenzas. The death toll in the U.S. was roughly 675,000. Just as quickly as it laid waste to the globe, it disappeared. Its exact origin remains unknown and a topic of debate.

Asian Flu (H2N2)

1957-1958
1-4 million deaths

First identified in China, this influenza A virus killed an estimated 1 to 4 million people, including about 70,000 in the U.S. It was relatively less lethal and mostly affected children and the elderly, with an estimated fatality rate of less than 0.2 percent. Vaccines were developed within about three months, but took some time longer to manufacture in quantity. Two waves of infections hit the U.S., a reminder that even when things seem to be getting better during a pandemic, another surge might hit.

Hong Kong Flu (H3N2)

1968-1969
1-4 million deaths

Originating from Hong Kong, another influenza A virus spread across the world. An estimated 1 to 4 million people died, about 34,000 of whom were in the U.S. As with the previous Asian Flu pandemic, the fatality rate was also relatively low, at less than 0.2 percent. Additionally, better medical care and antibiotics that helped fight secondary bacterial infections were able to soften the impact.

Mexican Flu (aka “Swine Flu,” H1N1)

2009
150k-600k deaths

A new strain of the H1N1 influenza virus from the early 1900s returned in 2009, resulting in an estimated 150,000 to 600,000 dead with a 0.03-percent fatality rate. It hit young people, in particular (5 to 30 years old) with even the very healthy potentially developing pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. The CDC estimates that in the U.S., about 9,000 to 18,000 people died, out of 43 to 89 million who had H1N1. The virus originated in Mexico, apparently from a combination of pig, bird, swine, and human flu viruses. But, despite the “swine flu” moniker, it had nothing to do with eating pork.

Near-Misses

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

2002-2003

In 2002 to 2003, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) hit Asia and was a huge scare. Caused by a coronavirus, it resulted in life-threatening atypical pneumonia and respiratory distress. SARS is believed to be transmitted by human-to-human contact, and a quick response by governments, agencies, and citizens helped stop it from spreading and becoming a pandemic. Still, the WHO estimated a 10-percent mortality rate among those who were infected, nearly 800 out of 8,100 across almost 30 countries. Another type of coronavirus, known as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), appeared in Saudi Arabia in 2012. So far, it has remained relatively contained to the Middle East and has not proven to spread rapidly, but it is being closely monitored.

Bird Flu (H5N1)

mid-2000s

You may also remember the Avian Flu (or Bird Flu) from the mid-2000s. This strain of avian influenza (H5N1) was detected in birds, and cases were confirmed in countries across Asia and Europe. It is not considered a pandemic because it lacked means of efficient human-to-human transmission, and total reported cases are relatively low (641 as of October 2013). However, the H5N1 virus is believed to be highly lethal (nearly 60 percent, according to WHO estimates), and if it eventually mutates sufficiently to allow airborne transmission between mammals, it would be extremely dangerous and could quickly rise to pandemic levels. As a result of this looming threat — considered by many to the largest as of today — research and preparation continues in hopes of keeping up with the mutations. Still, keep in mind that it could take several months for production of a new vaccine just to ramp up, much less reach such volumes that they could be widely distributed around the world. And if that wasn’t enough, new variants continue to appear, such as the H7N9 virus that emerged in China in 2013 (as of press date, H7N9 had not yet shown to be transmitted effectively between humans).

Sidebar: Smallpox

Smallpox isn't a form of flu, but there's still much we can learn from this devastating disease. It is caused by the Variola virus, spread by human-to-human contact (e.g. from coughing or exposure to smallpox scabs or contaminated clothing). Initial symptoms typically include fever, vomiting, fatigue, and aches, followed by the infamous rash and bumps spreading from the face to arms and legs. An ancient disease at least 3,000 years old, smallpox killed an estimated 300 to 500 million people in just the 20th century, and it had an estimated mortality rate (depending on who you ask) of 30 to 40 percent among those infected. At least it was a purely human disease, so it could not be transmitted via other means like the bubonic plague.

It is also the only human disease that was defeated by a massive global vaccination campaign. This cross-border achievement, accomplished through cooperation among many nations, is heralded as one of the great triumphs of medical science.

The smallpox vaccine that was developed, comprised of live vaccinia virus, was very effective, but had potentially severe and even fatal complications. Live animals and non-sterile conditions were used to manufacture the vaccine, which would not cut it for current standards. Routine smallpox vaccinations have not been administered for decades. Even if you were vaccinated as a kid, the vaccine requires periodic booster doses to maintain full effectiveness. So the only people walking the streets today truly protected against smallpox are those who already had the disease and survived.

Once smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, all known stocks of the smallpox Variola virus in laboratories around the world were destroyed or transferred to high-security facilities in the United States and Russia. These are the only official locations that maintain a supply of infectious Variola virus, and research utilizing these samples is tightly restricted and monitored. The World Health Organization and many scientists have urged that the remaining virus stocks be destroyed once and for all, but the U.S. and Russia have resisted, citing research needs.
So, does that give you the warm fuzzies? Yeah, that’s what we thought. So what can you do about it? Follow the same recommendations in the main article, and take some comfort in the fact that smallpox can only be transmitted by person-to-person contact.

What Can You Do to Prepare?

These infectious diseases are viruses, so you can’t stock up on antibiotics or other drugs to combat them. You can’t protect against a virus that doesn’t yet exist. However, there are some things you can do to try to stack the odds in your favor:

Maintain your physical condition. Better yet, improve it — exercise and eat healthy. The stronger and healthier you are, the stronger your natural immune system. Keep up to date on your flu shots.

Practice good hygiene. You don’t have to act like Howie Mandel, but wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer), especially after coughing or sneezing, contact with other people, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid the same from others. Properly dispose of tissues and wash your hands afterward. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. For those who hunt or have regular contact with animals, take precautions whenever possible to limit exposure to wild animal blood and bodily fluids, especially if you have any injuries, cuts, or scratches on your hands or arms.

Work to increase your self-sufficiency and preparedness. The more prepared you are with food, supplies, water, and so forth, the better you will be able to wait out quarantines, subsist, and survive during the tough times that may come during a serious and wide-spread pandemic. Try to keep cash and barter goods on hand, since financial services may be disrupted. If you require medications, be sure to keep sufficient stock.

Develop contingency and communication plans for your family. Plan ahead for how to keep in touch, who is responsible for what, and how to corral all your family members.

Distance yourself socially. This is a tough one given the realities of day-to-day life, but avoiding crowds and reducing travel will help decrease your risk of exposure. Try to keep at least a yard away from people who are showing symptoms of influenza-like illness, such as coughing or sneezing.

Keep up to date. Before planning travel, check the latest reports of disease outbreaks: For the U.S., http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm, and internationally, http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html.

Stock up on N95 respirators. NIOSH-certified N95 respirators or medical masks can help reduce potential exposure, though by no means can you rely on them to fully protect you.

Avoid urban areas. If possible, residing in areas with a lower population density will reduce your risk to some extent. However, note that in this day and age, even people in rural areas may also travel frequently. You also need to balance population density against having access to quality health care.

It would seem that living like a reclusive hermit might be the safest course of action, but we also can’t live our lives completely in fear. So be smart, stay informed, and be prepared.

Sources

World Health Organization > www.who.int
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services > www.flu.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention > www.cdc.gov
Disaster preparation > www.ready.gov

Update: Coronavirus / COVID-19

Although it falls under a different classification than the forms of influenza discussed in this article, the 2019 novel Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is rapidly developing into a large-scale pandemic. For more information on Coronavirus symptoms, detection, treatment, and prevention, refer to our recent article, Coronavirus: How Concerned Should We Be? by Dr. David Miller.

Preparing Your Home for a Backup Generator

Posted on January 24, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Planning & Preparation
Generator Basics
3 Considerations for Running a Generator

This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.

With our cities weathering everything from natural disasters to an aging infrastructure, power outages are becoming an all too common occurrence. Aside from needing power to run everything from lights to microwaves, many people depend on electricity to run critical medical equipment and refrigerators for medicines. If the power does go offline for a few days or more in your area like it did during the large-scale blackout of the Northeast in 2003, do you have a plan to get your home up and running?

Having a power generator handy is definitely a great idea and should be on the top of every prepper’s must-have list. We’re going to take it one step further than to simply have a generator at your beck and call. We will prepare our house so that it can accept power from a backup generator much like how a hospital or supermarket has theirs. Do you know if your home is prepared to run off a generator safely and efficiently?

Above: This EF6300iSDE generator by Yamaha cranks out enough power to get equipment like well pumps going as well smaller items such as TVs and computers.

Planning & Preparation

Before we begin, let’s get the legal stuff out of the way first. There is a federal code that regulates electrical construction in the United States. In this article, we will cover the ways to legally get your home back onto the grid in case of an emergency. A dangerous practice called “back feeding,” which is where you simply make a male-to-male extension cord and plug it into your house, is often illegal and can be very dangerous. Don’t do it that way. Before SHTF, take the opportunity to set your home up properly to accept generator power before you really need to.

The first obstacle to tackle is making a priority list of appliances that your family will need to run in case of a power outage. I recommend involving as few people as possible in this process. Trying to convince your better half that the wine fridge and flat iron are not necessities can be a battle that is better avoided. My house is small, so the big ones for my family are the refrigerator, Internet, and TV, and I picked one room that I wanted lighting in. In my case, I chose the living room because it is on the same circuit as Internet and TV. Your essentials may vary. If you have a deep freezer, live in an environment that the air conditioning is a must, or get your water from an electric well pump, you should definitely take all these necessities into consideration.

Above: Transfer switches allow you to safely switch between your primary sources of power like the city’s grid to a backup source like a portable generator without danger of energizing unwanted circuits.

Getting the house itself ready takes a little effort, time, and money, but is well worth the trouble. Being entirely self-sufficient during dark days is priceless. Federal code requires that you install a transfer switch before connecting any generator to your house. In some areas, your local code may require you to use a licensed electrician. If you are one, then kudos to you. If you aren’t one, get a pro to install it for you. A transfer switch allows you to safely switch between your primary sources of power to a backup source without danger of energizing unwanted circuits. There are two different kinds of switches available. Manual switches, which require you to manually turn the switch to the generator position and start your generator, and automatic transfer switches which can be coupled with an electric start generator that detects a drop in current and automatically switches to and turns on your generator. The transfer switch can be set up to power the whole electrical panel or only specific circuits.

Generator Basics

Let’s talk generators. This is a subject that could make up a whole article by itself. For the scope of this article, I am going to cover just the basics. After analyzing your electrical needs list, you will have to figure out if you are only going to run 120-volt appliances, such as lights, TVs, or small appliances, or if you are going to need to run larger 240-volt appliances like washing machines and some water heaters and air conditioners. You will then need to add up the voltage required for all your appliances measured in watts to get the approximate size of generator you will need.

Generators will usually have two ratings:

Running wattage, which is the amount of power it can generate for a sustained period of time
Surge wattage, the amount of power a generator can produce for a short peak of demand

Above: Generators should be used in a well-ventilated area and never inside your garage or house. Even when installed outside, be mindful to avoid placing it near air intakes and windows.

Once you have all this information, you can start searching for a generator that fits your needs. In some cases, it might be better to purchase two generators. Many manufacturers offer kits that allow you to connect the generators together so they can run in parallel. This will allow you to run more appliances and put less of a load on each generator. The added bonus of this is you have a built-in backup in case one generator goes down, as well as a source for spare parts.

If you have done everything to prepare your home in advance, all you will have to do when the power goes out is turn your transfer switch to the generator position, plug in your generator, and start it up. If you opt for an automatic setup, it’ll start up all by itself when it detects a power drop. Once you have a proper power generator setup in your home, you can rest easy and continue life as usual the next time the power shuts off.

3 Considerations for Running a Generator

Carbon Monoxide — Always run your generator in a well-ventilated area and never inside your garage or house. Try to avoid placing it near air intakes or windows. According to the U.S. Government, approximately 170 people die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and about half of these deaths occur during power outages.

Power loss — You want to use an extension cord as short as possible to avoid losing power between your generator and transfer box. In this case, the less length, the better.

Security — Generators make noise. Even the quietest models can draw unwanted attention, especially when no one else on your street is running one. If your house is the only one prepped for power, it can make you a target. At the very least, you will probably want to chain your generator to a large object so someone does not just
walk off with it.

Infographic: The Survival Rule of 3s

Posted on January 23, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

Despite all our advancements in medicine, science, and technology, the human body is still a relatively fragile system. Those who have endured a survival situation will be acutely aware of this fact. Whether you're up against a large-scale natural disaster, injured on a solo hike, or stranded by a vehicle breakdown, knowing your physical limits can help you prioritize tasks and stay safe. There's no sense in hunting for food if you're going to die of dehydration, and it's unwise to search for a fresh water source if hypothermia is already setting in.

Photo Credit: Spc. Liliana S. Magers, U.S. Army Alaska Public Affairs

One easy way to remember the hierarchy of survival risks is known as The Rule of 3s. The simplest version of this rule tells us that 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, or 3 weeks without food can be fatal. An expanded version of the rule also includes suffocation in 3 minutes without air. Additionally, 3 days without sleep can lead to delirium, an extreme decline in mental function and motor skills. Of course, differences in physical fitness, age, health, and the surrounding environment can skew these figures, but the general rule is intended as an estimate for the average individual.

The following infographic from Issue 1 of our magazine provides a visual reference for The Rule of 3s, as well as some other important human body tolerances to keep in mind. Click here to download a full-size printable version of this infographic.

Biodiesel: Free Yourself From the Fuel Supply Chain

Posted on January 22, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

What Is Biodiesel?
Why Biodiesel?
Do It Yourself
Emergency Sources
Biodiesel Engine Prep
Living With Biodiesel

Photography by Trevor Reed, and courtesy of AMC, The Department of Energy, Diesel Power Magazine, and the manufacturers.

This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

Unfortunately, it’s not very hard to imagine a scenario where the fuel supply system breaks down. In 2012, the closure of just two refineries in California caused fuel prices to skyrocket and some stations to close in a state with more than 38-million people. Now, picture every refinery in the entire country, or even the whole world, shutting down, and record-high prices will seem like a minor inconvenience as supplies of ready-to-use fuel disappear. One way to insulate yourself from this kind of disaster is to learn how to find and make your own fuel before it happens, and biodiesel is your best bet for self-sufficiency.

Photo Credit: Ben Leuner/AMC

Above: You don’t need to be an expert chemist or wear a hazard suit and mask to make your own biodiesel at home. Friends may be tempted to call you Mr. White when you start creating batches of crystal-clear biodiesel, but you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank, when your fuel costs drop below $1 per gallon.

What Is Biodiesel?

The “bio” in biodiesel is there because the fuel comes from biological resources, instead of petroleum. Biodiesel can be made from a number of sources, including vegetable oils, animal fat, used deep-fryer grease, or even butter. It’s made by brewing these substances and then adding chemicals and water to maximize consistency and strip away impurities. The byproduct of this chemical reaction is glycerin, which can be used to make soap, lotion, and other products, or sold to recoup your production costs.

Why Biodiesel?

Availability when petroleum supplies are scarce is not the only reason to choose biodiesel as your fuel of choice. Imagine a substance that doesn’t need to be made at a refinery, that’s more powerful than gasoline, gets more miles per gallon than gas, while costing and polluting less than diesel, and you have biodiesel. In addition to powering a vehicle’s engine, biodiesel can also run a diesel generator, or be used as heating oil. Diesel engines are known for being powerful, efficient, and durable, which makes them ideal for an emergency situation. That’s the reason tractors, heavy equipment, and semi-trucks run on diesel.

Petroleum-based diesel fuel contains more power per gallon than gasoline, and biodiesel is just as potent, but you can make it at home. Plus, engines that run on diesel aren’t nearly as picky as gasoline engines when it comes to the fuel you can use, which means they can be a lot more flexible, and useful, during an urban emergency. A diesel engine that’s been prepared to use biodiesel can also run on numerous petroleum-based oils you may acquire during an emergency.

Do It Yourself

In addition to costing significantly less per gallon than petroleum diesel, you don’t need a Ph.D. in chemistry to make your own biodiesel. The government may even subsidize some of your equipment costs with alternative-fuel tax breaks. All you need is a processor kit, which you can buy ready to use, or make for yourself, and some methanol and lye to mix with your source material. The size of your operation can range from about 40 gallons per batch to more than 400 gallons, depending on how much space you have available and how mobile your setup needs to be. Other than methanol and lye needed for processing, the only limitation to your biodiesel production will be how much organic material you can cultivate or obtain.

Above Left: This processor by Biodiesel-Kits-Online is made in the USA and can produce as much as 135 gallons per day. It has everything needed to convert biodiesel at home from start to finish. The company also makes a larger three-tank unit that can make as much as 270 gallons per day.

Above Right: The BioPro line of products by Springboard Biodiesel automates the production process to the point where the user only has to interact with the machine one time after it’s started. The BioPro 190 seen here can make 50 gallons per batch, and there is a larger model that can make 100 gallons per cycle.

Above: Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply designed this system for a customer, using parts that can easily be repaired or replaced. The 80-gallon processor is made from an electric water heater, and the wash tanks are made from poly barrels. Quick connects are used to make operation a breeze and the wash tanks are mounted on a cart with wheels, so it can be easily moved to where the fuel is needed.

Emergency Sources

Under normal circumstances, there are quite a few legitimate sources for the ingredients to make biodiesel. Many businesses such as restaurants, buildings with cafeterias, and food-processing plants pay to have waste oil removed and will allow you to take it for making biodiesel. You can also grow your own sources, including seeds or vegetables that produce high levels of oil you can convert. These include, but are definitely not limited to, peanuts, sunflower seeds, olives, canola, and soybeans.

During an emergency, fuels that can be used in a diesel engine can be found in numerous places, including unused vehicles and equipment, and diesel generators from abandoned buildings; there’s even mineral oil in high-voltage power line transformers that are no longer in use. Like biodiesel, oils can be combined with petroleum diesel to extend the range of a fuel tank. With the right preparations, there’s hope you won’t have to resort to scavenging for fuel sources and can rely on your own stockpiles and even grow your own fuel supplies.

Above: Heads up! During an emergency, fuel sources for diesel engines can be found in lots of unexpected places. Power line transformers are full of mineral oil that can be used as diesel fuel if times become desperate. Of course, obtaining this type of fuel is illegal, and much more dangerous than making biodiesel, which is fairly safe. But in a long-term grid-down scenario it may be an option.

Cooking oil often has just one ingredient: soybean oil. This makes it an ideal candidate for making biodiesel, because it’s simple and clean, compared to used oils. Unlike used oil, cooking oil is not free for the taking, but it can be bought in bulk, and during an emergency, abandoned businesses may have lots of it on hand.

Sometimes biodiesel vehicles are called “grease cars,” because used cooking oil and grease can be converted into biodiesel. When used cooking materials are collected, they are first run through a screen to remove debris, and any particles that are not removed during the biodiesel conversion are caught by a filter when the fuel is transferred to a storage tank.

Biodiesel Engine Prep

Most modern diesel engines come from the factory ready to accept either 5 or 20 percent biodiesel, known as B5 or B20, mixed in with petroleum diesel. That means even some of the most advanced diesel engines will require no modifications to run diesel, which has been combined with biodiesel, and can extend your funds and your supplies. When it comes to using pure biodiesel, called B100, it’s best to make some modifications to your fuel system to ensure reliability.

Above: The famed Cummins B-series engine has just six cylinders, but it is world famous for its strength and durability. It’s not uncommon to hear about these engines lasting for 200,000, 300,000 or even more miles. These “bullet-proof” engines can be found in vehicles ranging from pickups, to motor homes, and heavy-duty trucks. With more than 2 million of these engines built for Dodge Ram pickups alone, there should be plenty of spare parts available during an emergency.

Low temperatures cause the most problems for vehicles running B100 because it can turn into a gel and clog fuel lines, injectors, and filters. These problems can be avoided with the help of products such as an electric heater in the fuel tank, insulation, and an inline heater in the fuel line. People who run straight vegetable oil (SVO), which is oil that has not been converted to biodiesel, will sometimes employ a two-tank system that allows them to flush regular diesel into the engine at start-up and before the engine is stopped to prevent gel from forming in the fuel system while parked.

Another concern about using biodiesel is the potential for water or debris to be in the fuel. While correctly processing your own fuel can minimize the chances of these substances making it into your engine, it’s better to be safe than sorry. This can be prevented with the use of a fuel/water separator, along with a fuel filter designed to screen out the smallest of particles that may be found in biodiesel.

Above: Diesel Power magazine’s project “Doomsday Diesel” is a study in how to build a vehicle that can reliably transport six people at least 1,000 miles during an emergency. In addition to lots of zombie-proof parts, it’s been equipped with a 12-valve Cummins, which is a mechanical engine that doesn’t rely on electronics to operate. To make sure Cummins can run on multiple source materials, the fuel is routed through a heavy-duty Nicktane water separator before travelling through a 2-micron Caterpillar fuel filter on its way to the engine.

Living With Biodiesel

Many people believe biodiesel works better with older diesel engine designs, but with the right preparations, even modern diesel engines can work reliably with biodiesel. The attraction of older designs is they require fewer, or even no electronic parts, and they only need to put biodiesel under a fraction of the 30,000 psi of pressure used in current diesels. The tradeoff is that newer diesels are much more powerful, run cleaner, and are more fuel efficient than ever before.

: Cleaning out your vehicle periodically is another way to reduce the risk of spreading germs.

Above: Whether you need a sedan that’s rated to get 43 miles per gallon, a truck that can pull a house off of its foundation, an SUV for off-road capability, or a van for secure cargo transportation, you can get one with a diesel engine. With diesels available in each vehicle category, you should be able to switch your family fleet over to diesel while meeting their vehicular needs. Plus, it shouldn’t be too hard to convince them to switch once you are making biodiesel that costs less than a dollar per gallon.

Diesel engines are also available in a wide range of vehicles, giving you the options of driving everything from a midsize car that gets more than 40 mpg to an off-road-ready SUV, a motorhome, or a pickup that can tow a gigantic fifth-wheel trailer. Biodiesel can also be used to cleanly power a generator to keep your home powered in an emergency, using the same fuel that runs your vehicles. So, if you decide to prepare with biodiesel, you’ll not only have a renewable fuel source that’s always at your disposal, you’ll also be ready for an emergency.

Above Left: Diesel engines may have a bad reputation for blowing smoke and polluting, but the Department of Energy has found that biodiesel burns much cleaner than petroleum diesel. (Data Source: Chapter 2.6 of the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS2) Regulatory Impact Analysis. February 2010. EPA-420-R-10-006.

Above Right: Biodiesel production rises when the economy drops, so making your own fuel can help insulate your family from the volatility of the markets. It can be stockpiled for later use, or sold for goods and services. You might say it’s good as gold, except the value of gold recently dropped, and biodiesel is still gaining popularity. (Data Source: EIA Monthly Energy Review, Table 10.4)

New: Magpul Rigger Framelock Knife

Posted on January 21, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Magpul has developed a surprisingly wide range of gear, from the ubiquitous PMAGs and MBUS sights to items you may not be familiar with, such as sunglasses, gear pouches, and suppressor covers. Despite all this, the company hadn't ventured into the knife market — until now. Magpul recently announced the launch of a new limited-edition folding knife called the Rigger, which will go on sale starting in mid-2019.

The Magpul Rigger is what knife guys refer to as a mid-tech, meaning it's somewhere between a standard production knife and a hand-made custom. It's designed by the Magpul team, made in the United States, and uses the type of materials you'd expect in a premium folder. Namely, the blade is CPM S35VN, one of our favorite EDC-friendly steels as a result of its excellent toughness and edge retention. The handle and reversible tip-up pocket clip are lightweight 6Al4V titanium. All parts are coated in a stealthy Blackout PVD finish.

The Rigger uses a frame lock with a Secondary Locking Feature (SLF). This lever can be engaged to prevent accidental disengagement of the frame lock during hard use.

Magpul calls the blade a modified Wharncliffe, and it features a near-straight cutting edge and sharp piercing point. A flipper allows for quick opening of the knife and is aided by a ceramic bearing pivot. When the blade is open, the flipper acts as a guard and extension of the forefinger notch, preventing the user's hand from slipping forward. Blade length is 3.4 inches; overall length is 7.59 inches.

Magpul Rigger framelock folding knife edc tool blade flipper S35VN 4

The reversible clip includes an integral lanyard hole.

The Rigger will be available in “a series of short, serialized production runs,” each with some unique variations. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but the mid-tech designation and limited production suggest it'll be $500 or more. Magpul plans to announce the first of these Rigger production runs in spring 2019.

For more on the Rigger and an interview with several members of the Magpul project team, check out this article on RECOILweb.com. You can also watch a teaser video from Magpul below.

Review: Streamlight ProTac 90 and Siege X USB

Posted on January 19, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Streamlight ProTac 90
Streamlight Siege X USB Lantern

Monday is the beginning of SHOT Show 2019, the world's largest shooting, hunting, and outdoor trade show — check OFFGRIDweb.com tomorrow for a live photo gallery of the guns and gear we see at the show. Many of the products that will be unveiled at SHOT are still strictly under wraps, but we got a special opportunity to evaluate some pre-release samples of two new lights from Streamlight.

Although the ProTac 90 and Siege X USB aren't on sale yet, we've already spent a few weeks using them. Read on as we share our impressions of these new lights.

Streamlight ProTac 90

If you're familiar with Streamlight at all, you're bound to know the ProTac series. It's one of the company's most popular lines, making use of sturdy aluminum construction and simple yet versatile controls across a range of EDC-friendly models. Personally, I've been using a ProTac 2L frequently for more than 5 years, and it's still going strong.

The latest addition to the Streamlight ProTac series is the ProTac 90. As anyone who didn't sleep through geometry class can guess, the “90” is an indicator of its 90-degree right-angle head. We've written about angle-head flashlights in the past — while this design still isn't for everyone, it offers a number of considerable advantages.

Like a traditional flashlight, the ProTac 90 can easily be carried in hand. Streamlight designed the ergonomics of the light to fit this use case, placing the raised push-button switch near the head at a 45-degree angle. This permits the user to hold the light in a handlebar-style grip and operate the switch with a thumb. It's also substantially more comfortable than the top-mounted switch on the PolyTac 90 we previously reviewed.

If you've done any low-light shooting drills with a handgun and pocket flashlight, you may be used to aiming your light with one of a few popular grip styles: neck-index (over-the-shoulder), Harries (crossed wrists), or Rogers (between the fingers). The ProTac 90 allows for some interesting alternatives, and we found it felt surprisingly natural when used alongside a weapon. It's especially well-suited to the Harries grip or simply being held close to the body at chest height.

As with other ProTac series lights, the switch can be used in either half-press momentary mode or full-press constant-on mode. It also includes Streamlight's TEN-TAP programming system, so you can select from one of three activation patterns:

High/strobe/low
High only
Low/High

Cycling through these modes requires short half-presses of the switch, then a hold or full-press of the switch once the desired mode is reached.

Like the popular ProTac 1L-1AA, the ProTac 90 is a multi-fuel light. It can use the included CR123A battery or a single AA (either alkaline or lithium). We definitely appreciate this option, since CR123As may not always be available, but you can find AAs in any grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station. The drawback to using a AA is its reduction in output and/or run time. Here are the specs from Streamlight:

Battery Type	Output – High	Output – Low	Runtime – High	Runtime – Low	Runtime – Strobe
CR123A	300 lumens	40 lumens	1.75 hours	14 hours	2.5 hours
AA Lithium	125 lumens	40 lumens	5.5 hours	15 hours	8 hours
AA Alkaline	125 lumens	40 lumens	2.75 hours	8.25 hours	3.5 hours

Given the recent proliferation of 1,000-lumen pocket flashlights, 300 lumens might not sound like a lot. But as is often the case with good-quality flashlights, the optic design makes this output appear brighter and more effective than you'd expect. Streamlight calls it a “blended beam,” meaning that it has a smoother gradation between the central spotlight and outer edge. Compared to my old ProTac 2L, the ProTac 90's spotlight is slightly larger and noticeably softer. The ProTac 90 has a mild yellow-green tint — a warmer shade than the bluish output of my 2L, but less warm than a modern Surefire.

The ProTac 90 is constructed from machined aluminum with an anodized finish and a shatter-resistant borofloat glass lens. It's IPX7 waterproof (1-meter immersion for 30 minutes) and impact-resistant to 2-meter drops. It also features a removable, bi-directional pocket clip. Unlike other Streamlight clips that are held in place by spring tension alone, this clip has a clasp that prevents it from popping off the light. I've noticed that's a common problem with many other Streamlight models, including my ProTac 2L, so I'm glad to see it's not an issue in this case.

The clip allows this light to be attached to a pocket, belt, or even the brim of a hat for hands-free illumination. It also works well on backpacks, harnesses, and other MOLLE-compatible gear.

Overall, the ProTac 90 is a welcome addition to the Streamlight tactical line. It's not a replacement for the traditional ProTac 1L-1AA, but rather a complement to it for those who prefer the right-angle style. It works well in concert with a handgun, as a hands-free utility light, or simply as an everyday flashlight. MSRP is $68, and we expect street prices will be roughly half that as is usually the case with Streamlight products.

Pros:

90-degree layout works great as a hands-free light or weapon light
Switch placement and tactile feel make it easy to use
Optic produces a clear, even beam pattern
Accepts multiple common battery types

Cons:

Use of a AA battery dramatically limits output
90-degree head takes up additional pocket real estate
Not effective as an impact weapon due to its length and layout

Streamlight Siege X USB Lantern

The second new release from Streamlight is a compact yet potent multi-function lantern, the Siege X USB. Since it shares a name with the original Siege and Siege AA, you might think this is a slight revision of these pre-existing camping lanterns. However, it's a substantially different design with a smaller footprint and several new features.

Measuring in at just 2.1 inches in diameter and 4.4 inches in length, the Siege X fits nicely in hand or in a backpack pocket. It's IPX7 waterproof and impact-resistant to 2 meters. Like the original Siege, it uses an array of LEDs inside a polycarbonate diffuser lens to produce a smooth area of illumination. It also features two hangers for suspending the lantern.

First, a folding handle swings up from around the lens. This can be used as a simple carry handle, but there's a notch in the middle that hooks onto ridgelines, railings, door frames, tabletops, or other edges.

Next, there's a spring-loaded D-ring on the opposite end of the lantern. This is ideal for attaching the light to smaller cord loops, such as the loop at the apex of a tent.

Pressing the button on the side of the lantern turns on the light and cycles through output levels; holding this button down switches between three modes: white lantern, red lantern, and flashlight. The flashlight beam is projected from a separate LED inside an optic at the top of the lantern. This beam pattern is actually similar to that of the ProTac 90, albeit slightly more diffuse and pure white in color.

Here's an overview of the output modes and run times:

Light Mode	High	Medium	Low	SOS
White Lantern	325 lumens / 4.5 hours	170 lumens / 7.75 hours	30 lumens / 25 hours	N/A
Red Lantern	1.6 lumens / 22 hours	N/A	N/A	1.6 lumens / 90 hours
Flashlight	300 lumens	N/A	40 lumens / 25 hours	N/A

A single 18650 lithium battery or a pair of CR123A batteries can be used to power the Siege X USB. However, as you might guess from its name, the retail version of this lantern will include a special 18650 battery with a built-in Micro USB charge port directly on the battery. Our sample didn't include this new battery, so we used a standard blue Streamlight 18650 we already had on hand — it's still rechargeable as long as you have a charging cradle or another 18650 flashlight with a built-in USB charging port.

Streamlight ProTac 90 Siege X flashlight lantern review light EDC 25

The Siege X USB will include one USB-rechargeable 18650 battery.

The power button contains a battery life indicator that changes from green, to yellow, to red, and finally flashing red as the battery charge depletes.

We've used a variety of camping lanterns over the years, and the Siege X USB strikes us as an impressive package at its $75 MSRP. It's extremely compact, unlike the bulky incandescent lanterns of the past — you could even fit it in a pocket if necessary. The primary lantern output is enough to light a whole room at full blast, and more than enough for a small campsite or tent. Runtime is respectable in either mode, and the battery indicator ensures it won't go dark unexpectedly. Although we didn't get to test the new 18650 with built-in USB charging port, the light works great with a standard 18650 or two CR123As.

Here's a recap of our thoughts about the Siege X USB:

Pros:

Surprisingly powerful for its handheld size
Always-on battery indicator eliminates worries about remaining runtime
Dual hangers leave no shortage of suspension options
Flashlight offers a long-distance illumination option

Cons:

The flashlight works fine as a backup, but it's still not as effective as a dedicated flashlight or headlamp.
Battery cap pops off with a quarter-turn and little effort. We'd prefer slightly more secure retention.

For more information on the new ProTac 90 and Siege X USB, go to Streamlight.com.

Plug ‘Em Up: Puncture Wound First Aid

Posted on January 18, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

“The Golden Hour”
First, Gather Information
The Basics of Treatment
Special Situations
Simplified Treatment
Medical Kits
About the Author

This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

WARNING: This article is meant to be a quick overview and not a detailed guide on procedures relating to the treatment of puncture wounds. To be prepared for any emergency, we encourage you enroll in a certified medical course or, at minimum, a familiarization course, which will deliver comprehensive knowledge of how to treat different types of puncture wounds.

The unfortunate reality is that injuries may occur to you or those around you at anytime and without warning. One such type of injury is a puncture wound. How you deal with a wound of this kind and how quickly it is dealt with can save a life, allow time to get someone to safety, or at least prolong the victim’s survival time for help to arrive.

The definition of a puncture wound is: “A traumatic injury caused by skin penetration by an object, such as a knife, nail, or slender fragment of metal, wood, glass, or other material that does not move laterally from the point of entry.” Puncture wounds come in various forms and severities. A post-disaster urban environment is fraught with dangers that can contribute to puncture wounds. Fallen debris, broken glass, and exposed rebar are just a few of the dangers in which you could be accidentally injured. More lethal manmade varieties of puncture wounds, including wounds caused by a bullet, a knife, or an arrow are hazards you should be prepared to deal with, as well.

The severity of a puncture wound greatly dictates the actions that should be taken. Some minor wounds that are non-life-threatening can be treated in the field, using basic supplies that allow the patient to be stabilized for long periods of time. Other wounds can be very traumatic, making it imperative that the patient receives more advanced care. The goal in the field is to provide treatment to extend the survival time of the patient until proper help can arrive.

“The Golden Hour”

The human body has the remarkable ability to compensate for many types of injuries in order to keep the body alive. Despite its best efforts, the body can only compensate for so long and its ability to do so is dependent on the severity of the injury. Emergency medical personnel generally have one hour, which is referred to as “the golden hour,” after a wound is created to stabilize patients and reduce the amount of trauma to the body for the best chance of survival. When treating a puncture wound, remember that time is of the essence, so fast action is imperative. If the proper decision is made for the type of treatment in relationship to the type of injury, survivability may increase.

First, Gather Information

If you come across a situation where you need to treat a puncture wound, there are a few pieces of information you need to determine first before proceeding with treatment.

Wounding Object Depending on what kind of object that created the wound, you will either need to carefully remove it or leave it in. If it is easily removed, carefully remove the object from the victim. If it is something, such as a serrated knife, that might create more harm by its removal, then leave it in. However, when in doubt, leave the foreign object alone and bandage around the object.

Blood Loss
Most puncture wounds will not result in massive blood loss. Application of direct pressure followed up by a proper bandaging job should stem the blood flow until further care can be given. If massive blood flow is experienced, then a tourniquet might need to be employed, as well as a hemostatic agent. We go further into tourniquets later in this article.

Bleeding
There are three types of bleeding that can occur, depending on the situation and location of the injury to the body.

1. Arterial bleeding occurs when an artery is damaged. The blood is under high pressure, and the bleeding that occurs will be bright red in color. This type of blood being under high pressure will cause spurts with every heartbeat. Blood loss with this kind of bleeding is profuse and needs to be stopped as soon as possible.

2. Venous bleeding happens when a vein is punctured and is more of a steady flow of blood that is under low pressure. This blood is darker in color and will have a steady flow. Don’t be fooled, because blood loss from this kind of low-pressure bleeding can be quick, and fast action is required.

3. Capillary bleeding oozes from the wound and is under low pressure. If you have ever skinned your knee or cut yourself shaving, you have experienced capillary bleeding. The blood that comes from this kind of injury is bright in color, but is mostly superficial and not life-threatening.

Number of Punctures
In some cases, puncture wounds can have an entrance and exit place on the body. Not all projectiles causing puncture wounds will simply enter the body and stop. You may have to stop the bleeding in 2 or more places. You must be prepared for more than one area of damage to the body.

Puncture Location
Wounds to most extremities such as hands, feet, arms, and legs can be taken cared of with basic treatment, as long as the punctures do not hit any arteries. When dealing with this particular type of injury, simply applying direct pressure, using gauze, and wrapping the wound, or using a pressure dressing, will usually stop the bleeding. In the event the bleeding does not stop and the first bandage soaks through, then a tourniquet may need to be applied.

Above: Not all projectiles causing puncture wounds will simply enter the body and stop. Some puncture wounds can have an entrance and exit point on the body.

The Basics of Treatment

First and foremost, the following treatments are temporary and only delay the loss of blood until proper help can arrive. Call emergency services as soon as possible, if these treatments need to be administered. Although there are many variations for the treatment of puncture wounds, the basic idea is to stop the bleeding.

Above: Wounds to most extremities such as hands, feet, arms, and legs can be taken cared of with basic treatment, as long as the punctures do not hit any arteries.

The following steps can achieve stopping the bleeding, but an extreme amount of blood loss occurring may dictate you go directly to the use of a tourniquet.

Direct pressure
Pressure bandages
Tourniquets
Hemostatic (clotting) agents

Direct Pressure
Applying direct pressure to most puncture wounds will help slow or stop the bleeding. Placing a sterile barrier between your hand and the wound, such as gauze or a bandage, helps reduce the risk of infection. Wearing a protective latex-style glove is ideal. Keep pressure on the wound until bleeding stops. If it does not stop, apply a pressure bandage.

Above: Applying direct pressure to most puncture wounds will help slow or stop the bleeding.

Pressure Bandages
Pressure bandages compress the wound to help slow or stop bleeding to allow for clotting. Adhesive-backed pressure bandages are for application on areas such as the chest or the hand, while rolled bandages can be wrapped around wounds on limbs or the head. Gauze should be placed between the bandage and then wound to help soak up excess blood prior to applying the bandage. If bleeding continues, add more bandages, but do not remove the soaked bandage. If bleeding does not stop after multiple applications, the next step is to apply a tourniquet.

Above: Pressure bandages compress the wound to help slow or stop bleeding to allow for clotting.

Tourniquets
Tourniquets are deployed to stop excessive bleeding from a limb wound. They should be thought of as last resort options, since they completely stop blood flow to the limb and can result in the limb tissue dying, forcing an amputation of the limb.

There are four primary areas to apply a tourniquet: the brachial arteries (arms) and femoral arteries (legs). The objective and placement of the tourniquet is to get it as close to the core or torso as possible. You must apply the pressure in such a manner that the hose or artery is compressed against a bone. When you apply the tourniquet, the objective is to apply pressure and maintain that pressure until the blood flow slows to a minimum or ideally stops the blood loss from occurring any longer.

Above: There are four primary areas to apply a tourniquet: the brachial arteries (arms) and femoral arteries (legs).

Remember, a tourniquet is not to be used to stop bleeding from the head, the neck, or the torso and is to treat the major loss of blood from the extremities only. It is better to lose a limb than lose your life in worst-case situations.

Hemostatic Agents
Hemostatic, or clotting, agents should be used based on severity. If in the event that the injury is severe enough, high-pressure blood is being discharged from the body and applying a tourniquet is not completing the job, then a combination of a tourniquet and a hemostatic agent should be used. If there is no tourniquet available, but you have a hemostatic agent, then the agent becomes the first line of defense with some sort of a pressure bandage working in conjunction.

Improvised Supplies
Bandages: Tear up any kind of material, such as clothing, towels, or sheets, to use for bandages if proper bandages are not available. Clean strips of cloth are important, but when in a pinch, use whatever you can to stop the bleeding.

Tourniquets: A belt can be used as an improvised tourniquet in a pinch, or anything wide and flat that can be wrapped around an extremity.

Special Situations

Chest Wounds
Puncture wounds to the chest region may be more difficult in nature as the type of wound could affect the lungs or even the heart. If you’ve seen the movie, Three Kings, you might be familiar with the segment of the movie where they show a penetrating wound from a bullet that resulted in a “sucking chest wound.” A sucking chest wound is no bueno! As time goes, air enters the chest and starts to compress the lung resulting in a pneumothorax, which is the phenomenon of excess air creating space between the lung and chest wall which makes normal breathing difficult to impossible.

Head Wounds
This is one of those areas that are very hard to assess and treat. The only true life-saving technique is to apply direct pressure and quick transport to a hospital. Any object that punctures the head must be stabilized in the position found, so do not remove it. A trauma center is the only possibility that will save this person’s life.

Simplified Treatment

Without getting into too much detail and any form of advanced treatment, the objective is to apply an occlusive dressing to the chest area that has been subject to the wound. If this wound is in fact a sucking chest wound and if there are obvious signs of labored breathing, such as air bubbles and blood coming from a hole, then the occlusive dressing should be applied. The military is currently employing HALO chest seals. This is a large piece of clear plastic material with a very strong adhesive.

There are two issues that must be addressed with applying a chest seal of some sort. Now, if you do not have a HALO seal, you can use a piece of plastic and tape all sides down. But, if you do have a HALO seal, then make sure you wipe away as much blood as possible first, and then apply the seal. Check the back or the front of the victim, and look for an exit hole, as well. If there is one, apply a chest seal to that area, as well. Once the seals have been applied, you will have to monitor the person and possibly burp or release pressure by lifting up one side of the dressing.

Medical Kits

There are several different types of kits on the market. The first question you need to ask yourself is: What’s my level of training? There is no point in purchasing a trauma surgical kit, if you are not trained how to use it. But, a good blow-out kit, a first-aid kit, a vehicle medical kit, or a home medical kit will be a good thing to have. Actually, it would be best to have several kits listed above in those locations. For more on blow-out kits, take a look at our articles on pocket-sized trauma kits and basic first aid kits.

About the Author

Certified as an EMT-I since 1994, Charles Ferrera spent eight years as an EMT-I on emergency transport units for a fire department. He also has eight years experience as a firefighter and is currently a government contractor for the U.S. State Department High Threat Division. Assigned to Baghdad from 2006-2009, he served in Iraq as a PSS/EMT-I under a U.S. DOS contract. Aside from being an American Heart Basic Life Support instructor for health care providers, he is ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified and is currently a firearms and tactical medical instructor for Falcon Operations Group (www.falconops.net).

Avoiding Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion, & Heat Stroke

Posted on January 17, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Dehydration
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
General Rules For Treating Heat Illness
About the Author

This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

What is heat stroke or even heat exhaustion? How many of you reading this article have experienced body overheating in one form or another? Can you specifically recall a time and place and how you felt during that situation?

A simple yet effective way to identify heat stroke or the potential of becoming a heat casualty (there are three forms of heat-related issues) is to keep in mind whether or not you’re urinating within a reasonable amount of time after consuming fluids. Basic rule of thumb, if you’re not peeing, you’re not drinking enough.

The three main types of heat-related issues are dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These three types are listed here in severity from least damaging to the worst possible scenario.

Dehydration

Signs of Dehydration:

Headache
Dry mouth
Potential diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Excessive sweating
Cramps
Dizziness

Dehydration is losing more fluid than you are taking in. If your body doesn’t have enough water or fluids such as Gatorade, Propel, or another type of fluid that has electrolytes, sodium, and potassium, then dehydration may occur and occur rapidly.

Don’t be fooled by the weather. People don’t just suffer from dehydration in searing heat. It could be a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit out, but you can still suffer from dehydration if you are doing strenuous activities. One can perspire and not realize it until it’s too late. If your activity level is high, then you are burning calories and utilizing fluids; no matter if you feel hot or not — you are sweating. Those fluids must be replenished.

Signs of dehydration include headache, dry mouth, potential diarrhea, vomiting, fever, excessive sweating, cramps, and dizziness. In mild to moderate cases, the ability to reverse this problem is simple. Attempt to remove yourself from the heat exposure if possible and drink plenty of fluids. There is also such a thing called an “Oral IV,” which can be found at some sporting goods stores and will assist your body in rapid or increased hydration. They are great to have for emergency situations.

Heat Exhaustion

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

Dizziness
Weakness
Paleness
Heavy sweating
Moist skin
Nausea
Vomiting
Fainting

Flickr.com/sworldguy

Heat exhaustion occurs when being exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time. It can be the precursor to heat stroke and is identified by dizziness, weakness, paleness, heavy sweating, moist skin, nausea, vomiting, and even fainting. A person suffering from heat exhaustion can also have a fast and weak pulse. The best thing to do is to get the person affected to a cool, shady place, have them drink plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids, and have them take a cool shower or bath.

Heat Stroke

Signs of Heat Stroke:

Headache
Dry mouth
Potential diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Excessive sweating
Cramps
Dizziness
Confusion
Disorientation
Loss of consciousness
Seizures

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is similar to running a high-grade fever, which can and will eventually result in damage to the brain and other vital organs. Each year during summer, we hear on the news that an elderly person died from heat stroke. Normally, this affects older people, but it can also affect an athlete hiking in the mountains on a nice warm summer day just as easily. It should be treated as a serious type of medical emergency. If you discover someone suffering from heat stroke, call 911, because this person is more than likely disoriented and needs IV fluids as soon as possible.

Heat stroke usually occurs with a steady progression from mild dehydration to serious illness. So, all of the signs and the symptoms listed for dehydration apply, as well. Adults can also experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, disorientation, and loss of consciousness, all the while experiencing seizures. Oh, and let’s not forget one of the telltale signs, a throbbing headache the size of Texas! In more extreme cases, heat syncope, loss of consciousness, or decreased LOC (level of consciousness) may occur, as well. In children and infants, we see febrile seizures, which are convulsions brought on by fever.

So, why does the body shut down, and why does high body temperature affect the brain and other organs? There is a thermometer in the brain called the hypothalamus. This is the portion of the brain that helps regulate body temperature, and if you overload this monitor built into your brain, it simply shuts down. Typically, this will occur around a core body temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

General Rules For Treating Heat Illness

Treatment for heat-related issues are pretty straightforward, unless you do not address the situation in a responsible amount of time. But, as with all emergencies, playing it safe and calling 911, if possible, is not a bad idea. In the event that you are in a remote area with no cell phone reception or emergency services are unavailable, there are things you can do. Following these simple steps will help:

Move the patient to a cooler area and away from direct sunlight/heat.
Have the patient drink plenty of fluids, both water and sports-type drinks. As mentioned earlier, an Oral IV is a great item to have.
Monitor the amount of fluid intake and the amount of urination.
Remove any unnecessary clothing when in a cooler environment.
Fan the patient while placing wet clothing, wet sponges, or even ice packs on the armpit, the groin, and the back of the neck areas.
If possible, submerge the patient in a body of water that is not too cold, but don’t shock the body from one extreme to the other.

Tools to always have with you:

Hydration pack of some sort.
Plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement fluids.
Oral IV.

When caught early, heat illnesses can be stopped and its effects can be reversed. It is a good idea to monitor how the patient feels and make sure they follow up with a visit to the doctor, just to make sure that everything is fine. Remember that prevention is the best medicine; don’t forget to drink the proper fluids when you are active.

About the Author

Video: Peeling & Eating Barrel Cactus

Posted on January 16, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In the desert, the sandy landscape may seem like it contains few of the resources needed for survival, but that's not necessarily the case. Keep in mind that many Native American tribes thrived in this environment for centuries — with the right knowledge and skills, you can do the same. Most of it comes down to making the most of all the resources you can get your hands on.

Cacti are one valuable item you'll find throughout the desert. These plants can be a bit tricky to deal with as a result of their spines, but many contain useful moisture and edible pulp. In the video below, Texas-based survival instructor Bob Hansler shows how he safely prepares a small barrel cactus.

Before we proceed, an important note: while many species of cacti are edible, you'll need to be cautious how you prepare them and how much you consume. The flesh and juice of many succulent plants contains acids and alkaloids that can make you sick. Some species of cactus are relatively low in these substances and can be eaten raw in limited quantities, while others have higher concentrations that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Cooking can break down these substances to increase edibility, and distillation can be used to isolate potable water from the cactus juice.

You should always check guides on local wild edibles and/or consult experts before consuming any cactus, especially raw. In an emergency, sampling tiny amounts via the Universal Edibility Test can also help you avoid adverse effects.

That said, the small barrel cactus Bob picks is easy to process using nothing but some gloves and a sharp knife. He says the pulp is similar to a cucumber or underripe melon, but with a slightly gritty texture. That may not sound particularly tasty, but as we said before, you need to make the most of what you've got. Watch the full video below:

New: UCO Ware All-in-One Mess Kits

Posted on January 15, 2019 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

When you're hiking, camping, or backpacking far from civilization, meal time is sacred. Sitting down to rest and enjoy some hot food provides an opportunity to recuperate from many hard miles on the trail. You're not exactly going to whip out the lace doilies and salad fork in the backwoods, but that doesn't mean you need to eat like a savage, either. A good mess kit serves as a vessel for your food and offers utensils to eat with. These items must also be lightweight, durable, and easy to clean.

UCO has released some new all-in-one mess kits that are intended to meet these needs, while also acting as a self-contained storage system for leftovers or other tools. The Four-Piece Mess Kit is built from tough polypropylene, with anti-slip TPE (thermoplastic rubber) grips. It consists of a bowl and a lid/plate that fit together like a clamshell, plus a UCO utility spork. These pieces are held together via a stretchy shock cord tether that runs through holes in the spork and around the plate/bowl handles, creating a leak-proof seal.

The second option from UCO is the Bamboo Elements Mess Kit, which is composed of a blend of natural bamboo fiber and corn starch stabilized into a hard polymer. That might sound like a strange combination of materials, but when we handled it at a recent trade show we found it to be surprisingly sturdy-feeling, much like fiber-reinforced nylon.

Left: Bamboo Elements Mess Kit / Right: Four-Piece Mess Kit

Like the Four-Piece kit, it includes a bowl, a plate/lid, a spork, and a shock cord tether. However, the spork is a two-piece Switch Spork, which serves as a knife, fork, and spoon.

UCO ware mess kit food plate spork bowl meal camping 3

A line of UCO Utility Sporks, with Switch Sporks at top and bottom.

MSRP for the Four-Piece Mess Kit is $15; the five-piece Bamboo Elements Mess Kit is $20. Each kit offers several color choices, ranging from plain grey or tan to high-visibility blue or orange. These kits will be available starting tomorrow, January 16th, on UCOgear.com.