You have probably heard the saying “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.”

Well, I have my own saying, “Bandages and tourniquets don’t save people, people save people.”  and the only way they can do that safely and effectively is if they have the appropriate training.

The point that I am trying to make is that medical equipment sitting in a locker or a car or in a med bag or pouch does nothing on its own.  Throwing money at equipment, or packing extra in your kit in an attempt to compensate for a lack of confidence in abilities, in the hopes it will solve a problem is not the most effective solution.

Your most powerful tool is your brain, and your hands, and setting them up for success will pay untold dividends. Training the mind and the hands how to perform a critical medical intervention begins way before, during and after a deadly force encounter.

Setting yourself up for success begins with a solid mindset. This mindset does not come by accident, it does not come from reading, surfing the web or purchasing medical equipment. Reading about swimming and then buying a swimsuit and goggles does not make you a swimmer nor can it prepare you for the first time you have to jump in the water, swim across the pool and rescue a friend, pulling them back to shore.  I saw it once on YouTube doesn’t really cut it!

Training is more important than equipment. 

The only way to know how you may react to a life threatening event is to receive contextual and experiential training.

Every situation is different but you can be prepared for those situations if you choose to be. Get some training; continue training, push yourself beyond your failure point every time you train, and you will know beyond a doubt that you can make a difference.