1. STAGING AND PLACEMENT: Identify the most stable and least contaminated surface available and place the bag firmly on its Molded "Tuff Bottom." Orient the bag for unhindered zipper and pocket access and keep it clear of foot traffic lanes.
2. DON PPE BEFORE ALL OTHER ACTIONS: Access gloves, eyewear, and required PPE from the exterior side pockets first, before opening any other compartment. Personal protection is established before the primary supply load is exposed.
3. ACCESS OXYGEN REGULATOR IF APPLICABLE: If the bag is configured in O2 mode, access and adjust the regulator exclusively through the dedicated Regulator Access Port on the end pocket. Do not open the main compartment for this action.
4. ACCESS MAIN COMPARTMENT FOR TREATMENT SUPPLIES: Open the main compartment via the #10 YKK zippers only as far as necessary to retrieve the required supplies. Re-secure the zipper immediately after each retrieval to limit contamination exposure to the primary supply load.
5. USE EXTERIOR POCKETS FOR HIGH-FREQUENCY ITEMS: Continue accessing high-turnover items such as PPE, BVM, and triage tools from the exterior end and side pockets throughout the incident. This discipline limits the number of times the main compartment is exposed in a contaminated environment.
6. GROSS DECON ON-SCENE: Before leaving the scene or reloading the apparatus, use a utility wipe or towel to remove gross contaminants including heavy mud, blood, and grease from all exterior surfaces.
7. TRANSPORT TO DECON FACILITY: Place the bag in the designated dirty area of the apparatus for transport back to the station or decon facility. Do not commingle with clean equipment during transport.
8. EXTERIOR DECON AT STATION: Remove all contents from the bag. Spray the entire exterior vinyl shell, Tuff Bottom, handles, and zippers with an approved chemical disinfectant and wipe vigorously with disposable towels. Pay specific attention to seams, crevices, zipper coils, and webbing, as these are the most difficult areas to fully decontaminate.
9. INTERIOR ASSESSMENT AND DECON: If the interior is clean, proceed directly to drying. If contaminated, unfasten the hook-and-loop tabs, remove the Removable Nylon Liner and Foam assembly, and hand-wash per local protocol. Spray and wipe the inner vinyl shell with disinfectant as a separate step.
10. DRY COMPLETELY BEFORE REASSEMBLY: Allow the outer vinyl shell and the separated liner to air dry completely before reassembly. Incomplete drying promotes microbial growth and compromises decon integrity.
11. REASSEMBLE, RESTOCK, AND DOCUMENT: Reinstall the liner, conduct a full inventory of all medical supplies, and restock to mission-ready status. Document the decontamination and restock event per your service's protocol.
12. CONDUCT AFTER-ACTION INSPECTION: Inspect zippers for smooth operation and clear debris from coils with a stiff brush. Check the vinyl shell for cuts, tears, or punctures; inspect the Tuff Bottom for cracks or deformation; examine all seams and stitching for separation; and verify D-rings, shoulder strap clips, and adjustment buckles are functional and undamaged.