I’m Héctor, I’m 34 years old and I live in Madrid.
I’ve worked in emergency medical services for 11 years. My vocation was largely born thanks to my mother, who also works in this field and who, from an early age, taught me the importance of being there when someone needs help.
Outside of work, the mountains have always been an important part of my life. I’ve spent great moments there, surrounded by friends, learning, enjoying nature, and understanding something that becomes clear over time: many of the truly important things are simpler than they seem.
Over the years, I became increasingly interested in first aid, safety, and practical everyday skills. Not in an extreme or theoretical way, but focused on what can genuinely be useful when something happens.
After more than 8 years learning from different people and experiences, two years ago I decided to create @Carnero.Prepper. I never saw it as a space to lecture anyone, but as a place to share what I’m learning, keep growing, and contribute my part within a community from which I’ve also learned a lot.
If this work has taught me anything, it’s that the first minutes change everything. Knowing how to respond to a cardiac arrest, choking, or severe bleeding is not something exclusive to professionals; in theory, these are simple skills, but they are extremely valuable when they are truly needed.
I’ve also learned that what matters most is not what you carry with you, but how you respond. Calmness, common sense, and the willingness to help often make a bigger difference than any tool.
I first learned about Resqme from a colleague during a traffic accident intervention. Seeing how such a small tool could be so useful in a real situation really caught my attention. Since then, I carry one in my work jacket, another in my car, and another in my everyday life.
I’ve experienced many situations over the years. The pandemic reminded us how fragile normality can be and how quickly everything can change. More recently, the DANA in Spain once again showed something that left a deep impression on me: the number of people who, in the middle of chaos, simply organize themselves to help others. After a 24-hour shift, a friend, a family member, and I traveled to Valencia to bring aid to the affected areas. What I remember most from those days is not the damage, but the people.
In the end, almost everything comes down to the same thing: people helping people.
I don’t believe in living in fear or overcomplicating everything. I believe in something simpler: learning the basics, staying aware of what’s happening around you, and helping when it’s needed.
For me, being prepared is simply that: living with more peace of mind and being ready to help when someone needs it.
