SANEs - what's in your bag?

Specialties Forensic

Published

Specializes in Palliative Care.

I'm finishing up training to be a SANE, and noticed everyone seems to have different things in their bags or backpacks. I'm trying to get things that I'll need together but was interested in what others find useful. 

Also, do you have a favorite bag?

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

Im part of a SANE team for over 3 years.

When you are hired different programs have different protocols.  The main thing you want to be comfortable with is your camera.  You maybe part of a mobile team and lighting is different in every area your respond too. Know your settings on your camera and manual mode vs. auto. Flash or no flash.

don't buy a camera ahead of time. You will be provided with one.  Good Luck!

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Specializes in Palliative Care.

What do you carry with you aside from the camera? 

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

I have a rolling bag from office depot filles with paperwork, ALS light and googles, SAk (sexual assault kits) toxicology kits, I prepare a Ziploc bag with a speculum, sterile wAter, lub, mask for me,  chux for clean work area and preg test .  That way I can grab a go everything in in the bag and keep clean. I attached pictures. 

For more info, networking.or training reach out to your local IAFN chapter . 

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

Oh and we use Tolidyne Blue to asses for micro tears that might not be visible. 

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Specializes in Palliative Care.

Nice set up! We have carts at each hospital with kits and exam supplies, so I won't be needing those.  What are the goggles for?

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

Oh great. Are you currently doing sane exams? The googles are used with frequent use of the ALS light to protect your eyes from the light. ALS illuminates any saliva or seamen on the skin.

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We also have carts with supplies. I bring my SANE bag and leave my purse locked in my vehicle. I have a water bottle for me, mints and a prepackaged snack (I’m in the room for several hours.) my bag has a carabiner attached to it so I don’t lose my car keys. 

Extra pens, notepad, phone charger. Tissues, N95, and my COVID goggles. I dress in layers, short sleeve shirt with long sleeve on top so I can take one off, and usually do. 

I have extra underwear for patients and toiletries, which are donated by our local RCC. 
That’s all I can think of. Will update if I come up with more.

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Specializes in Palliative Care.

What is an ALS light? Is that the same as a black light?

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ALS= alternate light source. Someone did a blurb about what it detects a couple of responses  above .

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

An ALS =Alternate light source is a light that can detect bruising under the skin, saliva and semen.  Is similar to the woods lamp used in the hospital but the ALS has different wave lengths to detect different proteins that are on the skin our bruising under the skin.  Semen and saliva is made of protein that illuminates on the skin or clothing when using an ALS light.  A forensic nurse will document "positive illuminance on left thigh " .  A photo will be taken and then the area would be swabbed and collected  as evidence.

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