As the owner of a preparedness kit/supply company and a volunteer firefighter….emergencies seem to find me (or maybe I am just paying more attention and looking for them). As such, I tried to be as prepared as I can be so I can help if I run into a situation. In my personal vehicle…on top of my firefighting turnout gear I also keep an auto survival kit, a regular survival kit, an auto guardian rescue flashlight and assorted other supplies. There have been numerous times where I have used the items that I carry both for my own problems and to assist others.
Last week in our town we had 3 different fire department calls at once. I was responding to one of the calls when I came upon a small car accident. The accident involved 3 cars but luckily no one was injured. One of the vehicles sustained damaged and their was debris in the road. The accident occurred right near an intersection so there was also the risk that someone rounding the corner would hit the vehicles already involved. I knew that there were other first responders on their way to the alarm call and I realized that this accident could prove a hazard to them as well.
The first thing I did was pull my car up ahead of the accident to a safe spot on the shoulder of the road. (If you are going to stop and help at an accident…make sure you don’t become a victim. Park in a safe place and always be aware as other motorists as they tend to tunnel vision on the accident and may hit you). I then called our dispatch to notify them so they could alert the other responders. I quickly checked on the people involved to make sure they were alright. I then took my auto guardian tool which is a 5 in 1 device and placed it in the road about 20 feet behind the accident. I turned on the flashlight L.E.D. lights so oncoming traffic would see the accident. This item works great as a replacement to a road flare.
After I set down the auto guardian…I quickly swept the debris out of the roadway so it wouldn’t affect other cars, jumped back into my car and headed to assist at the call I was on my way too. Hopefully….when the accident was cleared..someone threw my auto guardian into their car so they could have it for themselves.
It never ceases to amaze me how many times I actually use my own products. Whether its supplies from a first aid kit or just a flashlight….I like knowing that I can both take care of myself a little better…and also assist others who may be in need.
If you have stopped to help someone in trouble…please share your story here.
Thanks and stay safe