Chinook is proud to announce Linda McWhorter as the company’s new Customer Service Representative and Sales Support Lead!

A native of Florida and a proud Mom of two grown boys, Linda brings over a decade of experience in customer service and inventory planning with Rockwell Aviation. Her ability to analyze systems and measure performance makes Linda adept at finding solutions for customers, and a welcome addition to the Chinook team!

Both Linda and recent new hire, Kraig Jones, joined Chinook’s sales team in April. Kraig will serve as Account Manager for the Chinook’s Government and Law Enforcement divisions. For more information, please contact sales@chinookmed.com.

Chinook is proud to announce Kraig Jones as the company’s new account manager serving Chinook customers in the Government and Law Enforcement markets.

In his new role, Jones will work with Chinook’s business development and sales teams to drive growth and support existing accounts in the Government and Law Enforcement markets. Chinook is a major distributor and manufacturer of tactical medical kits and emergency medical supplies for military units, government, and law enforcement agencies. The company offers a wide range of tactical medical kits ranging from Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK) and All Hazards (LEMK-AH) to Combat Lifesaver (TMK-CL) and Medic (TMK-ME).

Jones is a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, and is a certified 68W Army Combat Medic and EMT. A Durango native, his in-depth skills and knowledge of emergency and tactical medicine makes him an excellent candidate to serve Chinook’s customers in these key markets.

“Kraig is a welcome addition to our team,” noted Jessica Denison, director of business development for Chinook. “His experience and dedication to the field of emergency medicine, coupled with his military background and enthusiasm, gives him the knowledge for understanding the needs of our customers. We’re excited about the possibilities, and look forward to working with him!”

After completing sales training in April, Jones has spent the past several weeks attending industry trade shows and meeting Chinook customers around the country, including the Law Enforcement Tech and Equipment Expo and NYTOA Tactical Conference.

“I’m excited about my new role with Chinook,” he noted. “It’s a great opportunity to not only branch out with a new career as a civilian, but also to remain actively involved in emergency medicine and supporting those who play a vital role in our security as citizens.”

After receiving over forty amazing design submissions, the results are in! We are excited to announce two lucky winners — Jeff Williams and Chris Woomer.

“Ready, Set, Draw!” was a huge success and Chinook would not only like to recognize the top two contestants for their creations, but also to thank everyone who participated in the contest! We were blown away by the response, and by the creativity of all those who entered. It was a tough decision and the judges were gridlocked. So in the end, we chose two designs instead of one.

Without further adieu, our grand prize winner … (drum roll) … is Jeff Williams from Pullman, WA! Williams is a small business owner and graphic designer who is also highly involved in emergency medical equipment and training in his community’s local militia effort.

“The designs I submitted are dedicated to ALL of our nation’s finest, who put themselves in harms’ way every day defending our liberty”. Williams takes home Chinook’s Tactical Medical Kit – Medic (TMK – ME).

Second prize goes out to Chris Woomer, hailing from Atlanta, GA. Artist by trade and an avid sportsmen at heart, Woomer’s goal is to eventually become an EMT and “help as many people as possible.” He plans to begin EMT training this fall.

“This is a perfect mix of things I’m very passionate about and I’m lucky I had a chance to bring all of these together!” Woomer will take home Chinook’s TMK-ME Medic Pack.

Designs are still being finalized but please stay tuned for another announcement once the T-shirts are available for purchase. Congratulations to Jeff and Chris! And thanks to all contestants for making our first ever T-Shirt design contest a huge success.

1st Prize Winner - Jeff Williams

2nd Prize Winner - Chris Woomer

This month, we asked our customers to weigh in on the merits of our TMK-ME Medic Pack. The TMK-ME (Medic) is a medium size backpack with labeled pockets for an efficient modularized approach creating versatility in a durable package.

Chinook’s vigorous product development process is paramount to provide the latest technology in medical containers, modules, supplies and kits. Chinook relies on industry trends and feedback from its customers to produce tactical medical packs that meet the rigorous demands of emergency medical situations.

Exclusively designed for tactical medics with expert product development input from Army Ranger and Special Operations medics, Chinook’s Medic pack continues to set the standard for tactical medical aid backpacks.

Here is what Major Alf Zeilinger — Clinical / TEMS Coordinator had to say about his experience with the Medic Pack.

• What do you like best about the TMK-ME Pack?

The ability to change the configuration of the pockets on the interior based upon needs
of the team or operation and to carry all my direct action medical supplies along with
additional tactical field care items. The pack is big enough for all my gear but not too big
and the ability to move in a slow and methodical operation inside of a structure without
feeling cumbersome.

• How does this pack compare to other similar packs?

The pack is similar in depth to other packs currently on the market, however it is a bit
longer which allows for more additional medical equipment. It isn’t too big to make you
want to place more items into it resulting in excess weight. I have used quite a few
packs and this one seems to fit the current type of operations that my department is
conducting better than the others.

• Who would you recommend this pack to?

I would recommend this pack to LE departments that have a tactical medic assigned to
the entry team. It isn’t big enough for a patient cache point but it has more than enough
space for supplies needed in the HOT zone of an operation.

• Other stories, feedback or photos to share?

I chose this bag for my TEMS unit based solely on the hands on experience I had
training with another team’s TEMS unit which was using them. We had been using a
TSSI M9 and found that it did not adequately provide the space I needed for all my
medical equipment. I like the 4 TQ pouches on the exterior of the pack. I have yet to find
one that has that ability to access the TQ from the outside.

I have changed the shoulder straps from the padded strap to single strap webbing
without padding. I found that the padding was a bit bulky when I was wearing my entry
vest and my primary weapon. The padding also got in the way of weapon’s placement
on my vest and shoulder for engaging a target. The padding would be nice for long term
operations without my vest but it is not needed for the operations that my team primarily
conducts. I also removed the chest strap. It is just one more thing that got in the way.

For a limited time, Chinook is offering reduced sale pricing and free shipping on our TMK-ME (Medic) Packs!

TMK-ME (Medic) Pack, ACU Only

• Retail Price: $ 289.95
• Government Price: $ 259.96
• Special Offer: $189 plus Free Ground Shipping!

Customers can purchase the ultra-slim, highly versatile TMK-ME Medic Pack in ACU at a fantastic price. And for a limited time we will also throw in free Ground Shipping, while supplies last. Simply enter the code “SHIPTMKME” upon checkout for free ground shipping on this item.

In addition to top-notch product performance in the field when every second counts, customer service is our main priority. We want to hear from you as to what we can do to continue to meet and exceed your expectations. To review a product, please visit our web site or contact us at sales@chinookmed.com.

This month, Chinook Medical Gear will host a fun and interactive t-shirt design contest to highlight our commitment to the field of tactical medicine.

So, as a tribute to our military customers and emergency medics everywhere, we are currently seeking original t-shirt designs that illustrate the very special art of tactical medicine. Submissions will be accepted from March 19th through April 4th. The grand prize winner will be announced on April 11th.

In addition to bragging rights, the winner will also receive Chinook’s TMK-ME (Medic) Kit valued at $985!! Designed exclusively for tactical medics with expert product  development input from Army Ranger and Special Operations medics, Chinook’s TMK-ME sets the standard for tactical medical kits.

The top three contestants will be determined by a panel of judges from Chinook’s sales and marketing team starting on April 4th, followed by the grand prize winner annoncement on April 11th. Artwork from the top three contenders, including the grand prize winner announcement, will be shared on the company’s blog, Facebook and through other social networking channels. T-shirts will be printed for promotional purposes and for sale on Chinook’s company website.

Chinook’s T-Shirt Design contest is open to all participants aged 18 and up. Designs must contain original artwork and should express the spirit of tactical medicine and those working to save lives in extreme conditions. No formal design experience necessary.

Chinook accepts all original artwork submissions ranging from napkin art to graphic guru files and everything in between. Please submit files via email to sales@chinookmed.com no later than April 4, 2012.

This winter, Alaska declared a state of emergency on more than one occasion due to extreme winter storms. Heavy snow, freezing rain and insane winds have pummeled the state resulting in widespread avalanches and other dangers. Medics working at Dahl Memorial Clinic in Southeast Alaska put their emergency skills to the test this winter when Medivacs were unable to access the small clinic located in the remote town of Skagway, AK.

Winter in Skagway, AK. Photo Credit - Andrew Cremata

In Skagway, Medivacs are available during daylight hours only due to the high peaks surrounding the town’s small airstrip. Bad weather frequently prevents Medivacs from being able to land safely, as was the case when a young man arrived in the clinic during particularly bad weather in December.

After 10 days of increasingly shortness of breath yet no history of any injury, he finally sought medical attention after being unable to walk a few yards without extreme difficulty. Upon examination he was tachycardiac with a heart rate of 110 at rest and 91-92% at rest on room air.  All other vitals were normal but he had absent breath sounds on the right side.

Chest X-ray revealed the cause – the patient had a complete pneumothorax on the right side. Pneumothorax (or collapsed lung) is a build-up of air or gas in the pleural space that separates the lung from the chest wall. This allows the air to escape but not to return, which leads to circulatory instability and traumatic arrest if not treated immediately.

As with any medical emergency, time is of the essence. Hours, minutes or seconds can be the difference between life and death, so acting fast, nurse practitioner Carol Borg employed the Cook Emergency Pneumothorax Set to decompress the patient’s chest. Upon inspection the medic discovered an old clavicle fracture, coupled with the patient’s muscular anatomy, so the catheter had to be inserted slightly lower than normally recommended. Medics feared the FEP catheter needle might prove too short for the task, however this was not the case. The patient experienced immediate relief and air could be heard rushing loudly out of the drain valve. Within a few hours, the patient’s heart rate returned to a baseline of 70’s.

Thanks to digital radiography at the clinic, Borg was able to send X-ray images to a referring hospital for radiology over-read and advice. After consulting with the emergency department doctor and radiologist at the referral hospital, as well as a surgeon in Juneau, it was deemed unnecessary to transport the individual. Medics firmly secured the catheter in place and sent him home. He returned the next day for a follow up X-ray and subsequent catheter removal, and by all reports was well on his way to a speedy recovery.

Available at Chinookmed.com, the Cook Emergency Pneumothorax Set is a must-have for rescuers and emergency medical professionals. Breathing is a primary concern during emergency medical situations, and the Set offers a compact design for fast and efficient response designed to meet the demands of pre-hospital transport.

Cook Emergency Pneumothorax Set - Available at Chinookmed.com

Chinook Medical Gear – February 2012 eNewsletter is Live!

It’s finally snowing in Durango, implying Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction earlier this month is spot on: six more weeks of winter. Here in Southwest Colorado where the skiing is great, we celebrated Ground Hog Day and the snow that came with it.

This month, Chinook’s eNewsletter highlights winter home safety and preparedness tips, plus a look at a day in the life of an “Avy” (or avalanche) Search & Rescue Dog. Chinook is also excited to announce a limited time offer for reduced pricing and free shipping on TMK-ME (Medic) Packs!

Due to overstock on our medical aid backpacks, we are currently offering reduced pricing and free shipping on our TMK-ME (Medic) Packs. 

Designed with operations medics in mind, the TMK-ME (Medic) sets the standard for medical aid backpacks. The TMK-ME (Medic) is a medium size backpack with labeled pockets for an efficient modularized approach creating versatility in a durable package.

Right now, customers can purchase the ultra-slim, highly versatile TMK-ME (Medic) Pack in ACU at a fantastic price. And for a limited time we will also throw in free Ground Shipping, while supplies last. Simply enter the code “SHIPTMKME” upon checkout to take advantage of this great deal.

TMK-ME (Medic) Pack, ACU Only

• Retail Price: $ 289.95
• Government Price: $ 259.96
• Special Offer: $ 239.54 and Free Ground Shipping!

Chinook specializes in supporting government agencies and military units with the latest technology in medical containers, modules, supplies and kits, and provides high-quality medical solutions to organizations working in austere conditions. The company offers a wide range of tactical medical kits ranging from Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK) and All Hazards (LEMK-AH) to Combat Lifesaver (TMK-CL) and Medic (TMK-ME).

Chinook Medical Gear is proud to announce a new addition to its ranks. Anne Brennan will oversee sales and marketing strategy for Chinook Medical Gear, a leading supplier of 
custom medical solutions.

Brennan is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with over 28-years of experience, ranging from diverse industries such as cable television, education, hotel and affiliate promotional campaigns. She will oversee all sales and marketing activities for Chinook, including developing strategies for effective business retention, assisting with new product development and launches.

“As we head into a pivotal year for growth and development, we are thrilled to have Anne join our team” said Jessica Denison, COO for Chinook. “She is a top-notch sales executive with a proven track record for managing complex sales cycles and building the strong relationships necessary for successful sales results.”

A graduate of Santa Clara University in California with a B.S. in Marketing, Brennan will be based at Chinook’s headquarters in Durango, Colo., where she has lived for the past ten years.
A former Chicago resident, Brennan served as regional Vice President at AMC Networks in Chicago for five years, where she increased network penetration by 40-percent and exceeded sales goals by 50-percent for three consecutive years.

Chinook specializes in supplying government agencies, military units and corporations with the latest technology in medical containers, modules, supplies and kits. The company offers a wide range of tactical medical kits ranging from Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK) and All Hazards (LEMK-AH) to Combat Lifesaver (TMK-CL) and Medic (TMK-ME).

Chinook Medical Gear, a leader in custom medical solutions and field medical supplies for military, government, law enforcement and emergency medical services (EMS), proudly supports the Blue Star Mothers of Durango.

This month, Chinook provided packaging and shipping for 39 care packages from local families to service members deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Formed in 1942, the Blue Star Mothers of America is a national non-profit organization with local chapters in cities and towns across the U.S., and offers support to families with sons and daughters serving in the military.

The Durango Chapter is made up of 26 active members — all of whom are mothers of active duty troops — and another 20 or so active supporters. The group sends around 30 care packages to deployed troops every six weeks with referrals for deployed troops from all over.

“Referrals for deployed troops come from all over — someone’s nephew from Georgia, a granddaughter from California, a friend from Pennsylvania,” noted Amy Yeager with the Blue Star Mothers of Durango. “There are no residency restrictions on who we send care packages to, just that they are deployed overseas.”

With postage costs averaging around $2000.00 each year, the Blue Star Mothers of Durango depends on community and business donations. All of the funds collected locally are used to support the deployed troops themselves, but the organization also provides guidance and moral support for local families.

“Care packages are a great way to show your support and gratitude for service members,” said Jessica Denison, Director of Business Development with Chinook. “It’s an honor to be able to help the local Blue Star Mothers in their mission to support our troops, especially for our sons and daughters who are far away from home during the holiday season.”

Chinook specializes in supporting government agencies and military units with the latest technology in medical containers, modules, supplies and kits, and provides high-quality medical solutions to organizations working in austere conditions. The company offers a wide range of tactical medical kits ranging from Individual First Aid Kits (IFAK) and All Hazards (LEMK-AH) to Combat Lifesaver (TMK-CL) and Medic (TMK-ME).

For more information or to get involved with the Blue Star Mothers of Durango, please visit the Durango Chapter’s Facebook page.

Chinook Medical Gear is excited to attend the upcoming 2011 Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) conference on Dec. 10th – 12th in Tampa, Fla. As a leader in custom medical solutions and field medical supplies for military, government, law enforcement and emergency medical services (EMS), Chinook specializes in building custom medical kits and modules tested and proven for the harshest environments on earth.

In addition to showcasing the latest in product innovation for tactical medical kits and modules, Chinook will also host hands-on K-9 demonstrations and a MedSled Vertical Lift Training at the Chinook booth in the SOMA Vendor Exhibit Hall (Booth #111)

Introduced in late 2010, Chinook’s new MedSled Vertical Lift Rescue Sled is an innovative extraction device designed specifically for vertical or horizontal lift operations in difficult or hostile rescue conditions. Unlike conventional CASEVAC/Tactical Evacuation Care methods, the VL Rescue Sled offers a less complicated system for ease-of-use with improved durability — all at a more affordable price-point. Chinook will demonstrate Med Sled Rescue techniques and performance capabilities to attendees at SOMA.

MedSled Vertical Lift Rescue Sled

Also noteworthy, the MedSled VL Rescue Sled is currently being assessed by the DLA Logistics Information Services for NSN assignment. The NSN is officially recognized by the United States government, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and many governments around the world, including the Department of Defense (DOD).

Attendees are invited to stop by the Chinook booth at SOMA for product information and demonstrations, plus a chance to win a free TMK-ME Pack (Chinook Tactical Medical Kit – Medic Pack).

About SOMA
SOMA is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to enhancing professional standards and innovation through continuing education of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) medical personnel. The annual convention provides a training and educational forum for military and civilian medical practitioners, educators, administrators and students. For more information, visit http://www.specopsmedassociation.org.