Page 211 – RECOIL OFFGRID

Build a WWII-Style Bunker Snow Shelter

Posted on December 12, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Think fast — where are the hardest places to survive a winter? The odds are good that Russia is near the top of your list. Russian winters are known to be bitterly cold, especially in northern regions. In fact, the inhospitable conditions there are often seen as one of the deciding factors of World War II. Hilter’s Wehrmacht was caught unprepared during their winter invasion of Russia, and many historians agree that the cold had a dramatic effect on their eastward progress.

A YouTuber known as Survival Russia often travels into the cold northern region of the country to practice his survival skills. He also has a stated interest in WWII — specifically, how soldiers managed to survive the extreme winter conditions back then despite limited supplies. In the video below, this Danish-born survivalist uses his knowledge of history to build what he calls a “WWII bunker snow shelter”. It appears to have been inspired by the various types of dugout shelters constructed during that time.

This design is low-profile and blends into a snow bank, while providing substantial protection from the elements. It’s based around a frame of logs or saplings, notched and stacked log-cabin style. Blocks of snow are cut from underneath the center of the frame with a large snow shovel, and arranged on the top and sides of the frame. This creates a dugout snow shelter that’s wide enough for several adults.

It’s worth noting that this structure will only work in specific circumstances. First, you’ll need a deep layer of hard-packed snow, as this will form the blocks around your shelter. You’ll also need a saw or an ax to gather large logs, and a wide snow shovel to dig out blocks. However, if all these requirements are met, and you’re patient enough to build this bunker snow shelter, you should have an extremely strong and spacious structure that can last you all winter.

Trayvax Wallet Review: 3 Minimalist Wallets for EDC

Posted on December 11, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

About Trayvax Wallets
The Trayvax Original
The Trayvax Axis
The Trayvax Element
Conclusions

Think about the most essential items you carry in your pockets every day — the items you’d never leave home without. This answer likely won’t be exactly the same for any two readers, but there is some common ground. For most of us, those the cornerstones of every-day carry (EDC) include a cell phone, keys, and a wallet. It’s generally wise to carry some sort of knife, and many of us also use items like a flashlight, multi tool, or pen. But the absolute essentials are almost always the same three items.

Despite this information, we sometimes feel that EDC loadouts overlook the importance of these cornerstone elements, especially the wallet. We’ve seen way too many people carry $300 folding knives and fancy titanium tools one pocket away from a fat wallet that has “back problems” written all over it. A beat-up old billfold looks neglected next to other high-end gear, but more importantly, it’s not a very efficient use of pocket space.

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The slim Trayvax Element wallet is dwarfed by a normal leather wallet.

EDC fans may want to think outside the box when it comes to their wallets, and Washington-state-based company Trayvax claims to have developed a solution that improves upon the traditional billfold formula. Actually, they claim to have developed several solutions. The Trayvax wallet line consists of five different models, each offering an innovative approach to storing cash and cards.

About Trayvax Wallets

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From left to right: the Trayvax Axis, Original, and Element.

The concept for the Trayvax wallet began in 2013, when founder and inventor Mark King was attempting to create — strangely enough — a “reusable plastic bag carrier”. This plastic bag device didn’t work out as planned, but the machined aluminum shape gave Mark a new idea: a tough metal-framed wallet. After many protoypes and revisions, the Trayvax Original wallet was born, consisting of steel and aluminum plates, some elastic, hook-and-loop fabric, grommets, and paracord.

Since 2013, Mark has grown his business to include four more wallet designs and a variety of parts and accessories. The very first wallets were made in the USA, and the company has stayed true to this ethos — all of Trayvax’s products are still American-made to this day.

After hearing about the success of this company and its wallets, we recently requested a sample to test out, in order to see if it’s all hype or if it’s truly EDC-worthy. Trayvax was kind enough to send us three of its most popular wallets, the Axis, Element, and Original. They even threw in a Keyton bottle opener keychain. Read on for our opinions on each of these items.

The Trayvax Original

In order to get a good feel for these wallets, we started at the beginning. The Original wallet is available in five colors: black, grey, blue, orange, and bare sandblasted aluminum. Each Trayvax Original wallet is available for a very reasonable MSRP of $30, and is composed of a sheet of anodized aluminum sandwiched atop another sheet of cold-rolled steel.

The two pieces are loosely joined by woven paracord on two edges, and by a piece of elastic fabric with hook-and-loop/Velcro material on the third edge. To open the wallet, peel away the hook-and-loop section. This releases tension on the elastic, thereby releasing tension on the two metal plates. Cards slide into the center of the wallet, and cash can be inserted underneath the elastic strap on the back side. Listed capacity is up to 14 (yes, fourteen) cards and 5 bills, or you can expand it further with a Trayvax High Roller extended strap (but that seems to defeat the purpose, in our opinion).

Like all Trayvax wallets, the Original has some hidden tricks up its sleeve. First of all, its metal construction is RFID-blocking, so it can prevent wireless identity theft and credit card skimming. The leading edge has a built-in bottle opener, as well as an attachment hole for a lanyard or small carabiner, such as the Trayvax titanium carabiner.

Our experience with the Trayvax Original was positive for the most part. It looks cool, it’s made in the USA, and it’s very affordable. We liked the stretchy elastic since it allows the user to cinch the wallet together, but we found that this design works better with thicker contents. With the rated minimum of 3 cards and some cash, there wasn’t enough tension in the elastic to keep our cards from slipping out. Even with six credit/gift cards in the wallet, the retention is far from 100% secure. The cards are easy to access quickly, but may also begin to slip out when jostled.

We would’ve preferred some sort of clasp or strap at the open end for peace of mind — especially because the elastic’s tension will surely loosen over time. Fortunately, the next two wallets deliver on this request.

The Trayvax Axis

As indicated by its name, the Trayvax Axis is a hinged bifold design, with two stainless steel plates. These plates are available in six different colors of corrosion-resistant Cerakote, as well as plain black and bare-metal tumbled finish.

Instead of stretchy elastic and hook-and-loop closure, the Axis relies on a black nylon strap with a grommet that hooks onto a prong on the wallet’s front edge. This clasp provides much better card retention than the Original wallet, and the strap can be tightened further by cinching down the paracord.

The Axis is available at an MSRP of $50. It doesn’t offer a bottle opener like the Original, but it does have similar RFID-blocking properties. It also offers a slightly larger capacity range of 1-14 cards and 1-8 bills. We liked the addition of a cash clip on the back plate, as well as the nylon webbing that divides the contents into four organized sections.

Due to the clasp closure and quick-access bifold design, we liked the Axis better than the Original. We missed the lack of a bottle opener, but other than that, we’d feel more secure carrying this wallet on a daily basis. If you’re still concerned about the clasp coming un-done, you can even clip a carabiner or keyring through the attachment loops in the top right corner, locking the metal plates together.

The Trayvax Element

The Element wallet is Trayvax’s flagship design, and the company says it’s intended to look “tough enough for the job site, but stylish enough for date night”. Thanks to the use of natural American-sourced, oil-tanned leather, the Element exhibits a style that’s less tactical and more classy. The leather is available in four colors — Stealth Black, Tobacco Brown (pictured here), Mississippi Mud, and Canyon Red. This leather is wrapped around a one-piece RFID-blocking stainless steel frame, finished in either raw tumbled steel or satin black coating.

Update: Trayvax recently let us know that the Element’s steel frame has been updated as of November 2016, improving functionality of the bottle opener and other features. The model we tested is an older Element, so your mileage may vary with the latest version.

To open the Element, pull the leather closure strap off its peg, and flip open the flap underneath. This reveals an integrated money clip, as well as a space for card storage on the opposite side of the frame. The strap also passes through an integrated bottle opener, near the end of the frame with the lanyard attachment hole. Overall listed capacity for the Element is 3-10 cards and 1-5 bills, and the MSRP is either $80 for raw stainless or $85 for black finish.

While the bottle opener is nice to have, its placement makes it tricky to use without displacing the contents of your wallet. That may be for the best, since you might not want to risk spraying your beverage of choice all over your cash and cards.

Fortunately, Trayvax made a bottle-opening accessory to complement the Element: the Keyton bottle opener keychain.

The Keyton is available in the same leather and steel finishes as the wallet, and can be used as a matching key fob. When you need to open a cold one, there’s a bottle opener hidden inside the strap.

MSRP for the leather Keyton is $15, or you can get a mil-spec nylon version for $13.

Of all the Trayvax wallets we tested, we liked the Element the best. Its American-sourced leather is soft and smooth to the touch, and it offers a secure closure strap to keep your wallet contents in place. While the built-in bottle opener placement isn’t ideal for frequent use, the Keyton keychain complements this nicely. Our only critiques of the Element are its slightly smaller capacity compared to other Trayvax models — you’ll need to keep contents to a minimum with this wallet — and its substantially higher price tag.

Conclusions

If you’re looking to break away from the bulky billfold paradigm and simplify your EDC gear, Trayvax wallets provide an appealing solution. They’re built in the USA from high-quality materials, and they’re designed around tough metal frames that protect your cash and cards from impacts and RFID skimming.

Trayvax also stands behind all of its wallets with a lifetime warranty against hardware failure during normal use. That includes broken straps, loose grommets, snapped paracord, and worn out Velcro. So, you shouldn’t need to worry about damaging your wallet, no matter where you take it. These wallets are built to last.

For more information on Trayvax wallets and EDC accessories, visit Trayvax.com.

Skivvy Roll Technique for Efficient Packing

Posted on December 10, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Whether you’re packing a suitcase for a weekend trip or prepping your bug out bag for an emergency, using pack space efficiently is a must. It’s common sense not to haul around a bulky pack full of disorganized gear. Also, it’s important to make the most of the space you have, and consolidate related items into grab-and-go kits. This way, when you need a certain set of gear quickly, you won’t end up rummaging for loose items.

Pack organization is crucial. Without it, you’ll waste valuable time hunting for gear during an emergency.

Packing a first-aid kit or cooking kit is easy enough, but what about clothing? The traditional packing method is to fold apparel flat, but this doesn’t provide much organization, and leaves individual items loose. Grabbing an entire change of clothes requires hunting for a separate shirt, underwear, and two socks.

Over the years, members of the military have devised a more efficient method for packing clothing. It’s called the skivvy roll or grunt roll, and it combines a shirt, underwear, and socks into a single compact bundle. If you learn this method, you can compress these items and save space in your backpack or suitcase. It’s also easy to grab when you need a fresh set of clothes. Here’s how to make a skivvy roll, step by step:

Start with a T-shirt, a pair of underwear or PT shorts, and a pair of socks.

Lay the shirt flat. Fold the shorts or underwear in half, and place them in the center.

Fold the edges of the shirt over the center. Fold carefully to avoid wrinkles.

Fold the other side of the shirt across the center.

Place a pair of socks as shown, with the open ends facing left and right.

Tightly roll the shirt around the socks, starting at the neck.

Here’s how the rolled shirt should end up looking.

Invert the socks, and stretch them tightly over the rolled shirt.

The finished product resembles a clothing burrito.

The skivvy roll technique is great for camping, backpacking, or bug-out bag preparation. Next time you’re packing fresh clothes, remember this method. P.S. – We’d like to give a shout-out to Duckworth for providing the excellent Lightweight Crew socks seen in these photos. They’re made in the USA from Montana-grown merino wool, and they’re super comfy.

On Sale Now: RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 17

Posted on December 9, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick Vuong

There’s no feeling like it. Whether inside my local supermarket or at one of those endangered species called a brick-and-mortar bookstore, I get a case of the feels whenever I see a stack of RECOIL OFFGRID magazines on the newsstand. I’m proud of every issue we produce, but my smile might beam a little wider when I spot Issue 17.

Why? Because aside from the really cool (pun intended) cover looking fantastically frigid, it’s layered and insulated with plenty of practical cold weather survival knowledge courtesy of our talented editorial staff and the subject-matter experts who contribute. As the Game of Thrones memes forewarned us, winter has come. Survivalism is hard enough as it is during other times of the year, but throw in freezing temps, heavy snowfall, and bone-numbing wind-chill factor and conditions can be downright fatal. Fortunately, we’ve got your back.

In our popular What If? feature, we ask survival instructor Tim MacWelch and others to walk in the shoes of someone who’s injured and stranded in a white expanse, then tell us how they’d get out of that jam. On a related topic, Ryan Houtekamer provides seven survival concepts if you ever need to bug out on foot in a frosty landscape. This outdoors adventurer has more than enough experience in this regard, being part yeti and a Canadian Army veteran who did more than his fair share of military exercises in snow. And our features editor, Rob Curtis, dipped his feet into the world of wool, nylon, and other fun fabrics to bring us a comprehensive buyer’s guide on cold-weather socks.

On that same path, RECOIL OFFGRID sets itself apart from the competition by providing in-depth and honest product reviews. So, in addition to the socks feature, web editor Patrick McCarthy presents buyer’s guides of both collapsible water bottles and miniature flashlights in Issue 17. And, because, you know, he doesn’t have enough work being in charge of this website, I tasked him with reviewing the Shadrach neck knife from DGT and Master Proven for our Hands On column.

This issue is packed with other great features, from the four curious survival uses of an Altoid tin to the top 10 most neglected (but important) preps. We also have an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at SOG Special Knives’ 30^th anniversary and a no-B.S. paramedic’s guide to traumatic injuries.

I think this issue is loaded with good stuff. But don’t take my word for it. Look for RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 17 on newsstands or subscribe here. Maybe you’ll get the feels, too.

Review: Viridian TacLoc Holster with ECR Instant-On

Posted on December 8, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

If you’re forced to draw your handgun in a self-defense scenario, the last thing on your mind will be fiddling with the controls on your pistol’s flashlight or laser sight. It’s obvious that you’ll need to see your target clearly and aim your gun accurately, so a flashlight and laser can be very beneficial. However, you may not have time to pause and flip a switch or press a button to activate these items in the heat of the moment. Therefore, it’s common sense to minimize the number of steps between drawing your gun and firing.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 00

Here’s a photo of the Viridian X5L mounted on a Glock 19 Gen 4.

In Issue 18 of our printed magazine, we review the Viridian X5L pistol-mounted flashlight/laser. To read our complete review of the X5L, pick up a copy of that issue in January 2017. In the mean time, we’d like to discuss a special feature we noticed during testing of this light. The X5L features a system known as Viridian Enhanced Combat Readiness (ECR). When used in conjunction with an ECR-compatible holster, such as Viridian’s own TacLoc design, this allows the X5L to be activated instantly when the gun is drawn.

Viridian was kind enough to send us a holster along with the X5L, so we’ll take this opportunity to share our thoughts on the Viridian TacLoc holster and ECR system.

In essence, ECR uses a magnet to activate an internal circuit in a compatible Viridian light/laser — specifically the C5, C5L, and X5L (Gen 2) models. First, turn on the light/laser and change to the desired mode (light only, laser only, light and laser, etc.). Then insert the gun into the TacLoc holster, and the device will power off automatically as the gun locks in place. When you’re ready to draw, depress the holster release, and draw the pistol — the light and/or laser will turn on instantly to its last-used mode.

Based on our testing, the ECR system works quite well. It reliably illuminated the X5L every time we drew it with no delay. By the time the gun leaves the holster, the device is already on, allowing the user to focus wholly on the most important task: self-defense.

The only slight hiccup we encountered was that the X5L would occasionally stay lit after re-holstering, but a quick jiggle or bump would activate the magnetic circuit as intended. Regardless, we’d much rather have this issue with the light not turning off than have to worry about the light/laser not turning on reliably. Thankfully, that was never a problem.

Viridian TacLoc Glock gun pistol holster 06

The TacLoc holster includes a paddle, and is compatible with the BLACKHAWK! 3-bolt system. A belt loop is also...

As for the TacLoc outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster, we were pleased with our experience. As you’d expect, this molded Kydex holster fits the Viridian X5L like a glove — after all, it was made by Viridian specifically for the device. The level-two retention lock clicks into place firmly on the Glock, and is easy to release with the index finger for a fluid draw. The TacLoc’s mid-ride placement is comfortable and quick to access, and the $49 MSRP is very approachable.

If you want a Viridian light/laser with instant-on ECR system but would prefer to BYOH (bring your own holster), that’s also an option. Viridian offers an ECR Instant-On Holster Upgrade Kit for $15. This kit includes everything you need to make your existing holster ECR-compatible.

For more information on the Viridian TacLoc holster and ECR system, check out the video demonstration below, or visit ViridianGreenLaser.com.

Skull Crush Tactical Touring Harley Davidson Saddle Bags

Posted on December 7, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In the past, we’ve mentioned that a motorcycle can make an excellent bug-out vehicle in certain circumstances. On a bike, you can out-accelerate and out-maneuver other vehicles, or simply weave through small gaps in traffic to escape gridlock in an emergency scenario. Motorcycles are also usually more affordable and fuel-efficient than their automotive counterparts — we could go on, but you get the idea. A bike isn’t always preferable to a car or truck, since you wouldn’t want to ride through a blizzard, but there are many cases when it’s a viable option.

Skull Crush Tactical Touring Saddle Bags are designed to fit Harley Davidson Touring motorcycles. Photo Credit: Harley...

However, when it comes to bug-out bikes, there’s one key issue: carrying all your gear. You can strap on a backpack, but that’s a small amount of gear compared to what would fit in a car trunk or truck bed. If you want more storage capacity on your bike, you’ll need some saddle bags — unfortunately, many standard saddle bags don’t provide adequate organization, or the ability to grab all your gear at once.

Skull Crush has made better use of the saddle bags found on Harley Davidson Touring motorcycles, with its new Skull Crush Tactical Touring Saddle Bags. These soft bags are made of 1000-denier Cordura nylon, and fit neatly inside your Harley’s hard-sided saddle bags. They’re available in six colors: black, tan, ranger green, urban gray, digital desert sand, and MultiCam.

Each Skull Crush Tactical Touring Saddle Bag is constructed with two zippered compartments, and a padded flooring to protect your gear. One inner wall is lined with hook-and-loop material, so you can stick on other gear, such as pouches and holsters. Both outer side panels include PALS webbing, allowing the addition of a near-endless variety of MOLLE-compatible gear.

A heavy-duty handle allows you to grab the entire contents of a saddle bag in one hand, and carry it with you. This makes these a good choice for luggage duffel bags, range bags, LE duty bags, go-bags, or medical kits.

All Tactical Touring Saddle Bags are made in the USA, and they include a lifetime warranty. These bags are sold individually for $130, or in pairs for $225. For more information, visit SkullCrush.com.

Threat Identification Infographic: Handgun Concealment “Tells”

Posted on December 6, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

One of the most important aspects of any self-defense system is situational awareness. By paying close attention to your surroundings, and knowing which warning signs to look for, you can see a potential attacker coming and prepare yourself for quick action. Without situational awareness (SA) you might end up oblivious to threats right in front of your nose, and be blindsided by a sudden attack. Even if you’re a trained martial artist or shooter with years of combat training, you’re automatically at a disadvantage when your attacker has the element of surprise.

Carrying a concealed weapon is an excellent tool for self-defense. However, concealed weapons are also sometimes carried by dangerous criminals, muggers, and thugs. So, in order to avoid being taken by surprise when a malicious individual draws a handgun, it’s helpful to be aware of anyone in your vicinity who might be carrying. Even if that individual ends up not being a threat, it’s wise to keep an eye out at all times.

In poker, a “tell” is an unconscious action that may reveal an opponent’s true intentions. Similarly, there are many identifiable “tells” that might give away someone attempting to conceal a weapon. Keep in mind that many of these tells are far more subtle if the individual is equipped with adequate training, a high-quality holster, and appropriate clothing. Fortunately for us, most bad guys won’t bother with those formalities, so their tells may be much easier to spot.

The following threat identification infographic was created by Megan Jaegerman with input from former NYPD detective Robert T. Gallagher. It shows a few common mistakes made by individuals attempting to conceal a handgun. Law enforcement officers are often trained to spot these behaviors, and with a little practice, you can learn to identify them too. (Click here for a full-size version of this infographic.)

We should also mention that this guide works both ways: if you carry a concealed weapon, you should be careful not to exhibit these behaviors. Otherwise, an attacker might notice you’re carrying a weapon when you’re trying to remain discreet. Also, even with a proper holster, printing through clothing can be a giveaway. Click here to read more about the importance of printing from our friends at RECOILweb.com.

Survival Tip: A Better Way to Strike a Ferro Rod

Posted on December 5, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Some tools seem so intuitive that we never really think about the way we use them. For example, when was the last time you contemplated alternate ways to use a flashlight or a pair of scissors? They’re pretty straightforward tools, and we’ve all seen them used a certain way a thousand times, so we usually go into auto-pilot mode when we pick up these items.

For survivalists, a ferrocerium or ferro rod fire starter is another ubiquitous implement. You can pick it up in one hand, grab a sharp-edged striker in the other hand, and swipe the striker along the rod, showering your tinder bundle with sparks. Simple enough — we’ve seen dozens of people do it this way over the years, and it tends to be at least reasonably effective. However, there may be a better way to strike a ferro rod.

Striking downward against the top of the rod scatters sparks inconsistently.

The first key to improving your rod’s effectiveness is to move the ferro rod, not the striker. This prevents pushing the striker into your tinder, and disturbing or scattering the pile. Manufacturers of ferro rods will typically give you this information in their instructional guides, such as this guide from Coghlan’s. However, there’s another useful tip you should learn, seen in the video below:

Outdoorsman and YouTube video creator Clay Hayes posted this short video, and it shows a second modification to the striking technique. By holding the striker underneath the ferro rod and pulling the rod backwards, sparks are directed into the center of the tinder bundle. When using the top side of the rod, these sparks tend to scatter, making it harder to light the fire.

So, next time you whip out your ferro rod, think twice about how you’re striking it. It might save you some time and energy as you light your campfire.

Medical Trauma Treatment: Stories of Combat Survival

Posted on December 4, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

In This Article

Editor’s Note
Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Head Trauma

Disclaimer: This story is not a detailed guide on emergency first-aid methods. Do not attempt to perform these techniques without first receiving professional paramedic or first-aid training.

Editor’s Note

In Issue 17 of the print edition of RECOIL OFFGRID magazine, we presented an exclusive interview with “LEGO,” an active-duty special operations combat medic who shared his experience with contributor Andrew Schrader. In that interview, titled “The No-B.S. Paramedic Guide”, LEGO conveyed how to handle the three most common traumatic injuries: blunt head trauma, blunt abdominal trauma, and penetrating trauma. Pick up a copy of Issue 17, on shelves starting December 2nd, 2016, to read the full article.

Because LEGO is still active-duty we can’t disclose his identity or unit affiliation, but we’ve confirmed that he has been deployed a sh*t-ton of times in various combat zones throughout the world. As a supplement to that feature, we’re presenting two more of his harrowing adventures and the lessons preppers can learn from them.

Blunt Abdominal Trauma

One crush injury I worked on happened when the road gave way and one of our HMMWVs (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) rolled off a canal bank. Luckily the mud bank was soft enough that he didn’t get pinched in half. If it weren’t such a serious situation, it would have been comical seeing him pressed into the mud like Wile E. Coyote.

“Medevac was a good one to two hours off.”

With any injury, you have to assess the airway, breathing, and circulation first. You always want to establish baseline vitals. These help you identify how bad off they are and if your treatments are working. In my case, the individual had broken ribs and had internal bleeding. I took baselines and called in for medevac. In your case, you would have someone call 911 while you continue to treat. The earlier you can get help to you, the better his or her chances for survival.

Since we weren’t on target yet, medevac was a good one to two hours off.

Once I checked that his airway was fine — I could tell by the screaming — I started addressing circulation. When you know medevac can be delayed, blood can become more important than everything else because you can’t get it back. If it’s going to be more than an hour, address flowing bleeding first, even if it’s simply slapping on a tourniquet and converting it to a pressure dressing later.

After I put a quick dressing on his visible bleed, I addressed his breathing. I noted it was starting to become labored, and as I checked his ribs I noted that several were broken. He had what we call a flail chest. That’s where three or more ribs are broken in two or more places. It has a very distinct look; the section that is fractured moves opposite of the rest of the ribcage during breathing.

To address breathing, I put a small 500ml IV bag over the fracture portion and then wrapped it in ACE wrap. With any kind of fracture you want to limit movement by splinting it. The weight on the flailed section prevents it from moving and causing more damage (i.e. more bleeding). You can use duct tape or ACE wrap too if that is all you have. (Editor’s note: We’ve been told that MRE bags also work well for this purpose, as well as for sealing sucking chest wounds.)

Head Trauma

I’ve had several instances where I’ve had to deal with head trauma in the field. Everything from HMMWVs rolling over to treating blast injuries that threw people to the ground. But the one that sticks out in my head where I made a critical difference was where a teammate peeled off a fast rope and fell out of a helo [helicopter] head first, burning into the ground like a lawn dart from 25 feet up.

He was completely unconscious by the time I got to the ground, and I noticed when I reached him that he hit hard enough to crack his Pro-Tec helmet. With smelling salts he came to and was alert. He kept telling me he was fine and he answered all of my questions without any problems. As a precaution, I stabilized his spine and put him on oxygen. Oxygen, if you have it, helps reduce swelling.

“as the brain swells the patient will get agitated.”

We were a good hour drive from the nearest hospital and the helos had already left because they were out of fuel.

At first my focus was on his spine, but after a detailed neurological exam I could see that wasn’t an issue. It was only because of the constant level-of-consciousness checks I provided that I was able to start identifying a problem.

He started to get combative, almost like the questions and treatments were frustrating him. This is a huge sign you have an issue because as the brain swells the patient will get agitated. He was now only correctly answering two or three questions of the simple questions I had been asking him. I upped the O2 and changed his positioning so that his head remained above his heart. When I got to the E.R. the nurse seemed lethargic given the urgency of the situation. Even though I was stomping my feet and trying to relay the fact he was decompensating, they had not even called the doctor over yet. I was pissed at the lack of urgency.

I made such a fuss that a passing surgeon in the hallway stopped and came into the room just in time to see my teammate go from answering the nurse’s questions to going into a full seizure. It just so happened that the doctor passing by happened to be the only neurosurgeon in the country and was seconds from leaving to get on a flight out.

After surgery and an induced two-week coma, he recovered fully. In short, by doing what I could do to reduce swelling and recognizing the shift in condition from his baseline, along with the ability to convey the information, was the key that saved his life. The doctor told me later that my teammate was 10 minutes from never waking up again.

The next time I saw him, he was getting out of the military to become a preacher. I guess he saw the light.

Making a Paracord Ball Keychain

Posted on December 3, 2016 at 6:00 am.

Written by Patrick McCarthy

Have you ever seen paracord woven into a ball, and wondered how it’s done? Making a simple knot lanyard is easy enough, but creating a sphere from a single strand of paracord is much less intuitive. These spherical paracord formations are often called monkey fist or monkey paw knots, and they can be created using cord alone or with a round stone, marble, ball bearing at the center.

Here’s one traditional method for tying a monkey’s fist knot. Other decorative methods are also available.

These ball knots have a variety of potential uses:

Making the end of a rope easier to throw across gaps, such as those between a ship and dock. This is called a heaving line, and often contains an added weight at the center of the knot.
Anchoring a line during rock climbing by jamming the knot in a crack. Rarely used by modern climbers due to safety concerns.

Serving as a button closure for a bracelet, by passing the knot through a loop. See this guide from Paracord Forum for more details.
Easy-to-grab zipper pulls or keychains.
Decoration or ornamentation on the end of a line.
With a heavy metal weight at the center, for swinging use as a self-defense weapon.

The loose formation of a paracord ball knot. See video below.

There are a number of variations on the monkey fist knot. In the below video from Paracord Knots on YouTube, the host shows a silent demonstration of how to tie a small paracord ball keychain. This version contains no weight or marble at the center, but it would be possible to add one before tightening the knot.