Field Surgical Kit

The problem isn't the tools it is the false confidence and the BS factor the possesing them causes. I know two hard ass "suvivalists" who own these surgical kits, camo uniforms, assault weapons and the rest of the expected kit. I asked one of them to draw blood on his thumb the way diabetics use to and he couldn't. He did say he would stich himself up when the time comes. Bull!

Field surgical kits in the hands of the untrained violates the oath of "first do no harm". Prehospital care or wilderness/survival care isn't all that different when it comes to Tx. The difference is in the time spent with the Pt. During that time what will you do when the Pt developes an infection at your incision site? Can you insert a Foley catheter or a "latex" drain? How will you release a Tq? Have you ever done CPR.

If you really want to help, take all the training classes you can. Follow that up with ER time as a volunteer. Subscribe to EMS publications. Volunteer with your local FD or EMS. Knowledge is the key, not the tools.

For those of you who have sewn yourselves up how about posting some pics of your scar? I have had stitches a few times but always by an MD and under at least a local. You can still see some of the scars.
 
There are no scars to see, at least not from my stitches. I have plenty of scars from trained MD's and surgeon's stitching though. Thank goodness for the invention of laproscopic surgery! Otherwise, I'd be a map of the Mekong! I agree, the hat does not make the cowboy, and surgical tools do not make a surgeon. Not everyone is as incompetent as the people you evidently run with though. Yes, I have successfully closed gaping abdominal wounds with perforated intestines in less than ideal environments with no infection. Yes, I did leave drainage and checked it often. No, I am not Ben Casey, or Florence Nightengale, but I can competently handle minor trauma without an e-room full of people, equipment, and labs. Many more people than you realize have done what you are doing and more with a lot less training under much more trying circumstances. I do agree. Learn. Read. Train. Be ready to help yourself or others.

Codger
 
I have to put feild surgical Kits in the same catagory as "Rambo" Knives for survival. Most people who know what they are doing can get the job done with less and for those who don't its more of a liability than anything else.

It is amazing what you can do with just basic first aid supplies, and how much worse off you are without them. I have bandaged a would with a bandana and duct tape, but I wouldn't recomend it.


I am a search and rescue Technician and An EMT, I am also in school for my RN. Although none of my current protocals call for it, in my wilderness survival equipment I do keep some basic supplies. Some sutures, Kelly clamp, Tweezers, and of course EMT shears which can cut through anything. This is aside form my bandages, ice Packs, splints, ETC.

:D Hey Guntotin, as a general rule travelers afield should take the time to make their companions, aware of any allergies ar special medical needs such as diabetes, etc. If you and your friends had done that before the trip you could have gone for the Eppi pen first.

I do not doubt that you saved his life, but you also took a big risk that could have been avoided by a five minute pre trip conversation.
P. Propper
P. Planning
P. Prevents
P. Piss
P. Poor
P. Performance.

I canno't agree more with 2dogs about training, Learning basic first aid or EMT doesent take that long and volunteering with local EMS/Fire is great not just for you but a good way to serve your community. Plus it gives you a great network of trained individuals who could a potential survival group in a SHTF Scenario.

Hey KR1 Do you know of any Wilderness EMT Schools IN NJ Area:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top