I had made a post about how to be a busy man. It was about mindset, and examples of how I do it.

This is a similar fashion in how to be of value. Many guys struggle with this concept. Mostly because they have never been or never have seen it. What I am about to show can absolutely be copied, and done by any one. It would be a good first step, but I am not advocating everyone do it this way. If anything what it means to be of value is that you have to adapt to your area, your environment. This way may not help in an urban area, then what would? Yet it shows a clear example of how I am of value (Paramedic or not). It helps the area around you and others. Costs very little and frankly...is really beneficial.

First. Get CPR certified. Get the American Heart Association one. Not the Red Cross. AHA is the EMT/Paramedic standard. ITs the one you want. From here you will also learn how to use a AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator). It can well and truly save a life. You don't have to buy one (its $1000 but could be useful), but knowing how to use one will have high pay off. Most places like gyms have them.

Getting CPR certified is simple and has value. 2 hours out of your weekend. maybe 4. What's that? If anything it gets you out of the house per MRP guidance. It just makes sense considering how much CPR can save a life.

Second. Learn first aid. If you want to get serious take a Medical First Responder (MFR) course. It's a relatively simple course and teaches the basics plus doesn't have the overhead that EMT/Paramedic does. But if you can't afford it look up videos. Learn basic First aid. It isn't rocket science. They aren't asking you do life support. Its cuts scrapes, broken bones and sprains.

Third. Get yourself an EDC (Every Day Carry). Here's the pay off part. IN the prepping world EDCs are big topics. Go have that discussion. What I am showing is what works for me. I spend time in the woods hiking, camping. I'm in a dojo often...I am out in the world So this works. I use it almost daily.

Pictured below is my EDC and what I carry (minus the pistol...yes i have a CPL).

It's the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack

With Universal CCW Holster

and Dual Mag Ret Insert

I won't go into more detail about what I carry, but illustrate why I do.

This weekend we spent time at one of the local parks. It's a huge place. 68 miles of wooded trails, 2 beaches, and 4 lakes. HUGE. During the three days we were there I helped two runners with sprained ankles, 23 kids with scrapes, cuts, other injuries, 3 adult mountain bikers that had fallen and had deep cuts and gashes.

All out of that kit. It didn't require any special knowledge that a paramedic has...just basic first aid. Women swoon at a man that is prepared...so be prepared. Maybe being batman with the utility belt is your thing, if it is own it, but make sure you're using it. My EDC adapts itself....if I don't use something it's out. Then I buy more of what I do use (sun tan lotion, bug spray, sting relief ointment)...

and yeah...before anyone jokes I am an Eagle Scout.

Here are the pictures of my EDC:

http://imgur.com/jZOMn3M

http://imgur.com/ghjMLsJ

http://imgur.com/DT5eHC6