RV Safety Gear: Fire Blankets, Extinguishers, and First Aid

[JudyJB]

Did we talk about first-aid kits? The second year I was on the road, I was at a scenic overlook at the north rim and decided to make myself a sandwich. After eating, I rinsed the knife I had used in the sink and wiped it dry with a dish towel. In doing so, I cut my my index finger badly and could not stop the bleeding.

I had a terrific first-aid kit, but i had stored it in a bottom drawer in my bedroom. Unfortunately, that required opening my slide on that side. Problem was I was pressing a dish cloth to my hand so as to stop the bleeding. There was no one else to get help from at the pullover. Eventually I found an old band-aid in a drawer and put it on tightly which stopped the bleeding.

SO, lesson learned is to make sure your first-aid kit is easily accessible and labeled as "First-Aid Kit" on all sides so anyone can find it. And don't wipe a knife off with the blade facing your finger.

 

[Excalibur1]

Best place for a first aid kit in an RV is right inside the door. We can grab ours without even having to step up into the RV. DW is a 40+ years ER nurse, so you can imagine how complete that kit is, complete with Stop The Bleed gear, tourniquets, and rescue blankets. Takes up a large tackle box. Similar boxes in each of our vehicles, because of course we have to stop at every accident we see to see if she can help. The biggest mistake people make with fire extinguishers and blankets is putting them right at the possible fire sources. Would you want to have to reach through the flames on your stovetop to reach the extinguisher? They should be mounted far enough away from possible fire sources so as to be able to reach them without hurting yourself. My extinguisher is right inside the door. Far enough away from the stove and easy to grab if the fire is outside. At home, my extinguisher is on the opposite side of the kitchen from the stove.

 

[garyb1st]

We carry a fire escape ladder that, if I have the presence of mind during a fire, I will hang out the bedroom emergency window. It's designed for a 2 story house but should work for the short drop. The info says it can only be used once but for about $50.00 it's a bargain. The other things we carry are 3 fire extinguishers. One at the entrance door. Another lying at the side of my bed and one in the galley are. We also have a fire blanket but I doubt I'll be looking for it if it's too hot. I have a hatchet that also lives on the bedroom floor next to the fire extin guisher. I figure I can either use it to break a window in the event the RV is lying on it's side after an accident or strong wind or hit an intruder over the head since I'm not a gun owner. Finally and one of the reasons I like the Pace is the driver side door.