We are always pleased when the people for whom we at ZENTAURON build equipment take a close look at it and think it is good. Here we have a guest post on the blog from someone who is a Bravo paramedic and first aider. He takes a critical look at his ZFR rescue backpack:
ZFR rescue backpack
The ZENTAURON ZFR rescue backpack, together with a few other bags, forms the basis of my work should I need to take action.
In addition to the rucksack, I use four tourniquet pockets, a horizontal multi-purpose pocket and a drop bag. Inside, I have stowed my equipment in several inner pockets (1xS, 2xM, 1xL, 1xXL). In addition, I use several Velcro modules to secure pens, glow sticks, decompression needles and various Guedel and spiral tubes.
The backpack, as well as all other pockets, have the typical ZENTAURON high-quality finish and sturdy stitching. The “outer skin” is made of high-quality Cordura in 5-color spotted camouflage, manufactured according to TL.
The MOLLE strips running around the entire backpack allow additional pouches to be attached. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and comfortable to carry. At the same time, the quick-release fasteners make it easier to quickly take the rucksack off when I need to start work.
Adapters would also be useful here, making it possible to attach the rucksack to a vest or plate carrier.
However, it must also be said here that the rucksack, as it is packed now, also has a good weight (approx. 10 kg).
Personally, I decided against using an (unpadded/padded) smart belt, as this would restrict my freedom of movement more and I already carry other equipment on my belt.
As already mentioned, I have attached some pockets to the outside of the rucksack so that I can carry out the most necessary measures without having to open the rucksack if the worst comes to the worst. In addition to the Tourniqets, I have stored a few tubes, chest seals, decompression needles, emergency bandages and rescue blankets in the multi-purpose bag for quick access.
The drop bag serves as a garbage chute so that no material is left behind. A pocket attached to the bottom of the rucksack, in which a rescue tool is stowed, would provide further relief for the interior. Two additional MOLLE rows would be suitable for this purpose.
The inside
I built the inside of my ZFR backpack less according to the CABCDE algorithm and more according to the individual measures. I attached several Velcro modules to the inside of the lid compartment to attach additional guedel tubes, decompression needles, as well as glow sticks, pupil lights and pens. I also attached a mesh module 1010 to stow gloves.
I have stowed samsplints and triangular cloths in the lid compartments, as well as a rescue sling with a rescue blanket. The sling in particular increases the volume of the lid compartment, but this is still within reasonable limits. As a precaution, I have nevertheless replaced the rubber pulls on the outer zippers with paracord.
I use an XL inner pocket for intravenous accesses, infusions and other required material. This can hold up to three ready-made “Pfullendorfer packs” and other materials (tourniquets, drop containers, plasters, swabs, disinfectants and other accesses).
I have stored materials for bleeding control and hemostasis in an M or S inner pocket. These contain several emergency bandages and two additional tourniquets.
In the S bag, I have stowed extra wound packing, hemostatic agents and Kerlix rolls, as this is much more time-consuming than applying a pressure bandage or tourniquet.
In the second M-bag I carry further material for wound treatment in the broader sense, several burn packs, gauze bandages and Kobane.
If intubation becomes necessary, I carry a SurgeyCric 2 and a self-packed pack for an emergency surgical coniotomy. I also have materials for minor surgical procedures and wound treatment as well as emergency medication in my L-bag.
For more sufficient ventilation, I also carry an Ambu bag with me, which I have fitted with adhesive Velcro strips so that it is also held securely in the rucksack.
Additional Velcro modules on the sides are used to attach spiral tubes in various sizes. As well as a pulse oximeter and a large roll of leukotape on a shock cord.
Conclusion ZFR rescue backpack
In my opinion, the ZFR backpack offers an optimal system for all first responders, paramedics, CFR ́s or with similar assignments or training levels. At the same time
At the same time, the backpack can be designed for any mission thanks to the large number of camouflage patterns and additional pockets.
If you want to take more or less material with you, there are all kinds of options and variations available to the user. In my opinion, this is what makes the rucksack stand out, especially compared to models from other manufacturers. With the ZFR rescue rucksack, I have the option of packing it for an “initial attack” or, if necessary, as a “prolonged field care rucksack”. It could also be used as a pure MANV backpack or similar, it offers an incredibly wide and large platform, which you only have to use accordingly, with good external dimensions, which are correspondingly variable.
