Are you in the market for medical bags or athletic training kits? Did you know that choosing the right bag is almost as important as choosing the supplies that go in the bag? The right bag can make your job as an atheltic trainer or medical professional much easier, allowing you to do your job efficiently and effectively with all the necessary supplies readily available to you. Here are 6 questions athletic trainers should ask themselves before choosing a medical bag or athletic training kit:
1. Are you staying in place or on the move?
If you plan to be on the move and will be carrying your kit along with you, make sure you find a medical bag that is comfortable to carry. Bags come in a wide variety of carrying styles, including shoulder straps, short handles, fanny packs, backpacks, and wheeled pull-behinds. Keep in mind that your bag will be heavy when it is loaded down with supplies and you will likely be carrying it for long periods of time. Comfort is key!
If you are primarily stationary while you work, you can worry less about carrying method and think more about ease of access. Some styles, such as a backpack, are much more difficult to rummage through. If you don’t need the carrying convenience those styles offer, stick with something more open and easy to navigate! Choose the style and carrying method that fits your level of mobility.
2. How many people are you responsible for?
Consider the size of the group you’re typically care for. If you’re serving an entire team, you probably need a lot of supplies at your disposal and most likely looking for a large kit. On the other hand, if you’re only responsible for a small number of athletes, a smaller kit is a more portable and affordable option.
3. How long will you be the medical resource for your group?
Even if you’re only providing medical care for a small group, you might need a large kit so you’re prepared for service over a long period of time. If your kit needs to carry enough supplies for a full day or a multi-day event, make sure you take that into account.
4. What medical issues will you be most likely to encounter?
The variety of injuries you’re most likely to encounter greatly impacts the variety of supplies you’ll need on hand. If you tend to treat a wide variety of conditions requiring an assortment of supplies, consider a bag with lots of compartments to keep your diverse arrangement organized and accessible. If you primarily treat only a few injuries, perhaps a kit with only a few basic sections will suffice. Be sure to take into account any unusually shaped pieces of equipment and any unusually large items you might need to carry. These atypical items can really eat up space and might require a larger kit than you would otherwise require.
5. How many medical supplies do you have?
It’s helpful to gather all of the supplies you plan on carrying and make a pile to get a visual gauge of the size of your stash. Those rolls of tape and ice packs might take up a bit more room than you initially realized!
6. What are your working conditions?
If your kit is going to face inclement weather, including rain, snow, mud, and extreme temperatures, it’s important to consider the durability of the bag. Choose a kit that can withstand the elements and be easily cleaned.
Looking for a great medical bag or athletic training kit? Mueller Sports Medicine has some fantastic options. Contact us today to learn more about our wide variety of kits and athletic training supplies!