Patrol Gear

There are plenty of things to consider for a Guardian Angels patrol, and the right gear makes it easier. Here are my suggestions:


Safariland Oversize Handcuffs

In addition to my time with the Guardian Angels, I work as a fugitive recovery agent. I’ve carried plenty of brands, and put them on plenty of wrists, and these are the best cuffs I’ve ever used.

They’re:

  • lightweight
  • oversize (17% bigger)
  • super smooth handling
  • feel great in the hands
  • they “backset” with ratcheting
  • three rows of retaining bar teeth

Every time I train with a new group, I hand these around, and everybody goes nuts over them. You will, too. I paid a LOT more than this for them, and it was still worth it.

Quangsheng TG-UV2

This “dual band” radio covers the two most popular hand-held bands (UHF & VHF), and it does it for the highest quality at the lowest price. I haven’t found anything this good (and the reviews by all the ham radio folks online say the same thing- that’s how I found this radio).

I’ve now taken this radio on patrol with the Guardian Angels, on both coasts of the USA, on fugitive recovery work in South Central gangland Los Angeles, and on regular road trips communicating with ham radio folks.

Everyone on my fugitive recovery team bought one, and swears by it. We’ve used them in some crazy situations, and it works like crazy. I love this radio, and I’ve already seen other Guardian Angels start buying them. They know what this radio can do, and I look forward to “meeting” you on the air with yours on patrol someday soon.

NOTE: In case you’re licensed, you can “call” me at KJ6NFK

First Aid Kit

I’ve handed out band-aids to random folks and police officers, and supplied knuckle band-aids when things went a little crazy, and used nitrile gloves, butterfly closures, and gauze when things went really crazy.

You want a kit that will fit in your pocket, and still handle small-through-big problems. Well, here it is:

Bandage Materials

  • 4 Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, 1″ x 3″
  • 3 Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, Knuckle
  • 2 Bandage, Butterfly Closure
  • 1 Bandage, Elastic, Self Adhering, 2″
  • 2 Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 2″ x 2″, Pkg./2
  • 2 Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 4″ x 4″, Pkg./2
  • 1 Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3″ x 4″

Bleeding

  • 2 Gloves, Nitrile (Pair), Hand Wipe
  • 1 QuikClot Sport 25g
  • 2 Trauma Pad, 5″ x 9″

Blister / Burn

  • 11 Moleskin, Pre-Cut & Shaped (11 pieces)

Instrument

  • 3 Safety Pins
  • 1 Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps

Medical Information

  • 1 Comp. Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine

Medication

  • 1 After Bite Wipe
  • 2 Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg)
  • 1 Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2
  • 2 Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2

Wound Care

  • 6 After Cuts & Scrapes Antiseptic Wipe
  • 1 Dressing, Petrolatum, 3″ x 3″
  • 1 Tape, 1/2″ x 10 Yards
  • 2 Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Single Use

Gloves

Buying gloves is a very personal choice, and you may have different needs entirely. I can only say that this particular glove from this particular brand does a lot of what we need as Guardian Angels. They’re not gloves for cold weather, though.

These are particularly suited to keeping a good grip on a sweaty person, in a pair of gloves that should last you a while, look subtle and professional, and not cost you a whole lot.

Flashlight Description

There are a few things you want in a flashlight:

  • low cost
  • easy to carry
  • easy to use
  • strobe
  • different light strengths
  • easy to find batteries

This light comes with me on patrol and most “normal” days too, either in my pocket or in my bag. I actually bought a few of them because they’re relatively low cost, and they work well. This isn’t the “super whiz-bang ultra tactical special forces infiltration” model … and that’s fine. It’s a good, solid, bright, useful, low-cost light that hasn’t failed me ever.

Bullet-Resistant Vest

There is no requirement to have a vest like this, and some people want them more than others. I already own one from my other work, and I wear one on patrol, as do many of my patrol members.

This is not a small investment of dollars, but this is most certainly one of those items that qualifies for the old phrase:

“It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

That’s for sure.

Remember, the hardware can only function well when handled well, and that only happens if you train well. I hope you’ll take a look through the Suggested Reading area, and the Online Training site, as well.

DreamHost coupon