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First Aid Kits
- Thread starter balrog
- Start date
Actually I have a big tackle box. Big. With a small clinic in it that I take on longer expeditions when a vehicle is involved. It has a wide variety of meds (replaced and rotated for freshness), supplies and equipment for every situation short of actual death that a layperson could concievably use. (Remember Y2K?) It has been handy several times for STD situations.
Some of my longer expeditions are week long Field Schools with the Texas Archaeological Society. These schools attract people of ALL ages and fitness levels. Many people opt to dig at the major site of focus and others (me) head out into whatever godforsaken wild to trek about identifying and reporting sites in the surrounding area. This can be pretty effen' extreme at times. The brushbusting death marches are not represented in the photos and it all seems pretty tame. http://www.txarch.org/
Short trips I carry next to nothing figuring I can suffer a bit cuz it (obviously) builds character.
Speaking of first aid stuff, has anyone seen or used the commercially packaged blood coagulents? These are one-use packets originally designed for stopping bleeding in trauma situations like accidents and battlefields. It is a powder that is sprinkled directly on the wound and apparently speeds the coagualation greatly. I saw them on a display at the grocery store pharmacy (HEB). They were moderately expensive at around $6-10, unless you are bleeding to death. I'll prolly bite and get a few to throw in next to the compresses and tourniquets.
Some of my longer expeditions are week long Field Schools with the Texas Archaeological Society. These schools attract people of ALL ages and fitness levels. Many people opt to dig at the major site of focus and others (me) head out into whatever godforsaken wild to trek about identifying and reporting sites in the surrounding area. This can be pretty effen' extreme at times. The brushbusting death marches are not represented in the photos and it all seems pretty tame. http://www.txarch.org/
Short trips I carry next to nothing figuring I can suffer a bit cuz it (obviously) builds character.
Speaking of first aid stuff, has anyone seen or used the commercially packaged blood coagulents? These are one-use packets originally designed for stopping bleeding in trauma situations like accidents and battlefields. It is a powder that is sprinkled directly on the wound and apparently speeds the coagualation greatly. I saw them on a display at the grocery store pharmacy (HEB). They were moderately expensive at around $6-10, unless you are bleeding to death. I'll prolly bite and get a few to throw in next to the compresses and tourniquets.
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2004
- Messages
- 535
I carry bandaids, bandages, gauze pads for large wounds, larger adhesive bandages, and alchohol swabs in a military LC-1 compass/field dressing pouch for close-to-home places and short trips (i.e., mountain biking, Scout camping trips.) Also on longer things I carry med tape (aside from my 90mph tape), alchohol cleansing stuff, and more bandages. You should always carry extra medications/medicine, if you need it. On Scout camping trips (not high-adventure stuff), a large red 1st Aid kit is always present, with all of the above and more, including stuff like Benadryl and asprins. More extensive stuff.
I have one their more complete kits. http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/ Cost more, but... I have added to it as I thought appropriate.
More important than the kit though... I've enrolled in an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course. It cost about $78 and two nights per week, three hours per night, for a semester.
I have no desire to be an EMT, but I've learned a LOT that will be helpful if it is ever needed. I have about 22 hours of ambulance / emergency room time plus another six weeks class time before I can take the national certification exam as an EMT, but that knowledge may well be even more valuable than what is in my bag...
More important than the kit though... I've enrolled in an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course. It cost about $78 and two nights per week, three hours per night, for a semester.
I have no desire to be an EMT, but I've learned a LOT that will be helpful if it is ever needed. I have about 22 hours of ambulance / emergency room time plus another six weeks class time before I can take the national certification exam as an EMT, but that knowledge may well be even more valuable than what is in my bag...
Jagged! Most excellent fellow!
That is a great idea. EMTs are so cool. Not a job I could ever do despite my desires to help those in need. I have been first on the scene during and just after several nasties. I managed. Barely. No kids thank God.
I may look into that. I had basic CPR and stuff and brushed up when my daughter was born.
My kit has pretty much anything you might find useful for ....well...1st aid. None of the commercial kits quite fit the bill for me so I applied common sense and money. I am confident in my choices. I also shoved a Red Cross First Aid Book in there.
That is a great idea. EMTs are so cool. Not a job I could ever do despite my desires to help those in need. I have been first on the scene during and just after several nasties. I managed. Barely. No kids thank God.
I may look into that. I had basic CPR and stuff and brushed up when my daughter was born.
My kit has pretty much anything you might find useful for ....well...1st aid. None of the commercial kits quite fit the bill for me so I applied common sense and money. I am confident in my choices. I also shoved a Red Cross First Aid Book in there.
Merek:
Is this http://www.z-medica.com/ the coagulant you referenced?
It seems I had read somewhere that at least one version of this had to be surgically removed from the wound. It sounded very effective in stopping bleeding and potentially life saving so it would be good to include a couple in a kit, but it may not be the greatest thing to use with minor wounds if it does require surgery to remove.
I would be interested in learning more about it if anyone has experience or has read more.
Jeff
Is this http://www.z-medica.com/ the coagulant you referenced?
It seems I had read somewhere that at least one version of this had to be surgically removed from the wound. It sounded very effective in stopping bleeding and potentially life saving so it would be good to include a couple in a kit, but it may not be the greatest thing to use with minor wounds if it does require surgery to remove.
I would be interested in learning more about it if anyone has experience or has read more.
Jeff
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2003
- Messages
- 494
Balrog,
How extensive?
Not very much. You can't carry an intensive care unit on your back just in case, and you can't cover every possible scenario in the bush... so the first option is to be CAREFUL not to get injured in the first place.
I mainly worry about 5 things when out there:
1) Injury leading to the impossiblity to move: broken leg, ankle, etc. Against that, I carry a knife and a roll of duct tape (I can strap a twisted ankle, make an expedient cast, carve a set of crutches, etc.). I also carry some serious antalgics (paracetamol 1g... lethal dose is around 10g for the average adult) to help me "walk on it" if I really have no other option. I choose paracetamol because you can give it to kids (adjust the dose!) or pregnant women... unlike acetaminophen, high aspirin doses, etc. Paracetamol is also causing less allergic reactions, AFAIK. Third reason, paracetamol won't mess too much with blood coagulation (as aspirin does).
2) Hemorragies: an open fracture or a deep cut can sever big blood vessels and lead to an important hemorragy. That sucks big time, as it can quicly lead to shock, coma and death. It's very important to limit the blood loss as much as possible whenever you're seriously bleeding (elevate affected limb, apply direct pressure with hemostatic dressing if available). Against that I carry one of those huge hemostatic foam pads with one handed attachable strapping. They work well, and they can help you keep some blood so that the paramedics still have something to save when you meet help. Hemorragies can lead to serious complications in the following hours so you have to seek medical assistance ASAP, even if the bleeding has stopped.
3) Allergic reactions : mostly anaphylactic shocks (decrease of blood pressure leading to coma and death), oedemas (in the face area, they can impair vision, movement or breathing) and so long. Against that I carry anti-histamines, some serious cortico-steroids (ask your doctor) and an epinephrin seringe. The trick is that for most situations, that's not yet enough to save your ass in case of a serious allergic reaction, so still be careful. I'm not personally allergic to anything past penicillin, but you never know when you can BECOME allergic to something, so better be prepared.
4) Infection : with gradually more antibiotics resistant bugs, prevention really is the only serious option regarding infection, especially when you're out there by yourself. I've nearly lost an arm due to an open fracture that got infected, so I know how bad those bugs can be. Any open wound must be cleaned thouroughly and disinfected using a safe and clear product (over here we have this great stuff called biseptine, that is both antiseptic and efficient against fungus). I then wrap the wound with hypafix to keep it closed and clean. Keep your shots (especially tetanos) up to date.
5) Exhaustion : sometimes you just can't move anymore (depends on your outdoor activities, of course). I carry some simple sugars (dehydrated fruits, usually mixed with nuts of some sort) and some caffeine pills. I've used this mix with some serious effectiveness. Besides, the sugar can help a diabetic/hypoglycemic, and the caffeine pills can really make a difference for an asthma crisis (really, it's better than nothing as it will expand airways a little), for example. I had never thought of that caffeine pills one before I read Cody Lundin's 98.6 - the art of keeping your ass alive. As ephedrin is not legal over the counter in France, I must stick with caffeine alone, but a mix of both can be even better.
In any way, the best thing to do when injured in the backcountry is to avoid further aggravation, stabilize the victim/yourself as well as possible, and seek medical help (get to them if safely possible, or call them in). If you're already lost/in a survival scenario, well... you just have made your case much worse. Unwanted survival situations are a tough one by themselves, even when you're healthy, so don't fall down into more trouble than what you're already in. It's extremely important to be careful back there, especially if you have no immediate means to get real medical help (like an uninjured friend with communication instruments who can call in for rescue).
Cheers,
David
How extensive?
Not very much. You can't carry an intensive care unit on your back just in case, and you can't cover every possible scenario in the bush... so the first option is to be CAREFUL not to get injured in the first place.
I mainly worry about 5 things when out there:
1) Injury leading to the impossiblity to move: broken leg, ankle, etc. Against that, I carry a knife and a roll of duct tape (I can strap a twisted ankle, make an expedient cast, carve a set of crutches, etc.). I also carry some serious antalgics (paracetamol 1g... lethal dose is around 10g for the average adult) to help me "walk on it" if I really have no other option. I choose paracetamol because you can give it to kids (adjust the dose!) or pregnant women... unlike acetaminophen, high aspirin doses, etc. Paracetamol is also causing less allergic reactions, AFAIK. Third reason, paracetamol won't mess too much with blood coagulation (as aspirin does).
2) Hemorragies: an open fracture or a deep cut can sever big blood vessels and lead to an important hemorragy. That sucks big time, as it can quicly lead to shock, coma and death. It's very important to limit the blood loss as much as possible whenever you're seriously bleeding (elevate affected limb, apply direct pressure with hemostatic dressing if available). Against that I carry one of those huge hemostatic foam pads with one handed attachable strapping. They work well, and they can help you keep some blood so that the paramedics still have something to save when you meet help. Hemorragies can lead to serious complications in the following hours so you have to seek medical assistance ASAP, even if the bleeding has stopped.
3) Allergic reactions : mostly anaphylactic shocks (decrease of blood pressure leading to coma and death), oedemas (in the face area, they can impair vision, movement or breathing) and so long. Against that I carry anti-histamines, some serious cortico-steroids (ask your doctor) and an epinephrin seringe. The trick is that for most situations, that's not yet enough to save your ass in case of a serious allergic reaction, so still be careful. I'm not personally allergic to anything past penicillin, but you never know when you can BECOME allergic to something, so better be prepared.
4) Infection : with gradually more antibiotics resistant bugs, prevention really is the only serious option regarding infection, especially when you're out there by yourself. I've nearly lost an arm due to an open fracture that got infected, so I know how bad those bugs can be. Any open wound must be cleaned thouroughly and disinfected using a safe and clear product (over here we have this great stuff called biseptine, that is both antiseptic and efficient against fungus). I then wrap the wound with hypafix to keep it closed and clean. Keep your shots (especially tetanos) up to date.
5) Exhaustion : sometimes you just can't move anymore (depends on your outdoor activities, of course). I carry some simple sugars (dehydrated fruits, usually mixed with nuts of some sort) and some caffeine pills. I've used this mix with some serious effectiveness. Besides, the sugar can help a diabetic/hypoglycemic, and the caffeine pills can really make a difference for an asthma crisis (really, it's better than nothing as it will expand airways a little), for example. I had never thought of that caffeine pills one before I read Cody Lundin's 98.6 - the art of keeping your ass alive. As ephedrin is not legal over the counter in France, I must stick with caffeine alone, but a mix of both can be even better.
In any way, the best thing to do when injured in the backcountry is to avoid further aggravation, stabilize the victim/yourself as well as possible, and seek medical help (get to them if safely possible, or call them in). If you're already lost/in a survival scenario, well... you just have made your case much worse. Unwanted survival situations are a tough one by themselves, even when you're healthy, so don't fall down into more trouble than what you're already in. It's extremely important to be careful back there, especially if you have no immediate means to get real medical help (like an uninjured friend with communication instruments who can call in for rescue).
Cheers,
David
You blandly speak of worst case scenarios and end with "Cheers"? 
Those are good suggestions. I have been bounced, busted, bled and snake-bit so often I hardly notice anymore. ("It's just a flesh wound..." comes to mind.
) I've taken a licken' and kept on tickin' so far and lived (much to the chagrin of others). I may even be dead and be too hardheaded to know it. Pain is that subtle reminder that you are still alive.
You are so right about being careful in the first place. As we get older we don't bounce so good anymore and only age brings the wisdom of knowing our limits and mortality.
Remember the oft quoted last line, "Hey! Y'all watch THIS!"?
Those are good suggestions. I have been bounced, busted, bled and snake-bit so often I hardly notice anymore. ("It's just a flesh wound..." comes to mind.
) I've taken a licken' and kept on tickin' so far and lived (much to the chagrin of others). I may even be dead and be too hardheaded to know it. Pain is that subtle reminder that you are still alive.You are so right about being careful in the first place. As we get older we don't bounce so good anymore and only age brings the wisdom of knowing our limits and mortality.
Remember the oft quoted last line, "Hey! Y'all watch THIS!"?
Merek said:
Agreed. What's up with that? When I was a teenager, I used to shimmey right up trees and sometimes fall out of them. I got up right away and walked away. Now that I'm 43, well, my attitude is more like, "I could climb that tree if I wanted to, but it's dinner time." I remember missing dinner and not caring. Now I'm hungry hours beforehand.
And the last time I tried to boast about a physical feat before I did it, let me say that the fence I tried to jump got the jump on me. Damn fence. Now I walk around them.
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2003
- Messages
- 494
Merek said:
Yup.
I guess it takes some experience to have the guts to face it: we are not immortal. It's not a video game. You can't hit "reset" when you mess up.
Seeing how I myself was a dumbass when I was young (you've been there too, apparently
), I figure that the only ones who live long enough to become wiser are the lucky ones... or else the ones who had a few serious close calls and could take them into account.I hate to rely on luck, especially when my butt is on the line.
Cheers,
David
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2003
- Messages
- 494
cardimon said:
Screw the white sugar and refined flours. Stick to genuine complex carbs (organic whole grains) and brown sugar, and you'll never be hungry anymore. Your energy level will stay even throughout the day.
Try it. I swear it works
It's all a matter of blood glucose and insulin. Refined food are treated as fast burning sugars (yes, even flour, pasta and so called "complex carbs").
Cheers
David
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2004
- Messages
- 4,553
Jagged said:
Jeff-
I purchased one of these for my personal first aid kit and like you was wondering about this also. I looked into it and Z-Medica says that the granular clotting agent needs to be removed by irrigation or aspiration before the patient recieves treatment. So its not surgery but is still a procedure that should probably best be left to properly trained medical personnel. And, from my understanding, it was developed to arrest venous and arteriol bleeding and other types of battlefield trauma resulting in major blood loss. Its not something that is designed to be used in place of a compression bandage (in the case of minor wounds) but in conjunction with one for serious wounds.
Hope this helps!
http://www.wytv.com/news/features/1/1036581.html
New Powder Stops Bleeding
Len Romes Local Health
Austintown
If your child suffers a minor cut, youd probably want to stop the bleeding with a bandage.
But pharmacies in the valley are starting to offer something new to cover simple wounds, a medical breakthrough called Quick Relief.
The F.D.A. approved it about two years ago and Quick Relief is moving from the athletic field and hospital emergency rooms to your neighborhood drug store.
We found Quick Relief at the Medicine Shoppe in Austintown.
Its not a bandage but a powder, a blend of hydrophilic polymer and potassium salt.
Pour it on a bleeding wound and gently press for a few seconds; the powder forms a natural covering.
It just forms a scab on the skin and thats it. It doesnt interact with the body at all. That scab allows it to heal, protects it, seals it, says Austintown pharmacist Rick Berry.
It should be safe for those minor scrapes, cuts, punctures and even nosebleeds.
Quick Relief could save you a trip to the emergency room.
Im amazed at how well it heals the tissue. It seems like the healing time is quicker, says emergency room physician Brian Letts.
Doctors say Quick Relief can stop bleeding in about 15 seconds or less and you treat it as you would any scab.
It will eventually fall off on its own.
The skin beneath it will be healed with no tugging at an old bandage.
---------------
Another:
http://www.biolife.com/product/kids_qr.htm
New Powder Stops Bleeding
Len Romes Local Health
Austintown
If your child suffers a minor cut, youd probably want to stop the bleeding with a bandage.
But pharmacies in the valley are starting to offer something new to cover simple wounds, a medical breakthrough called Quick Relief.
The F.D.A. approved it about two years ago and Quick Relief is moving from the athletic field and hospital emergency rooms to your neighborhood drug store.
We found Quick Relief at the Medicine Shoppe in Austintown.
Its not a bandage but a powder, a blend of hydrophilic polymer and potassium salt.
Pour it on a bleeding wound and gently press for a few seconds; the powder forms a natural covering.
It just forms a scab on the skin and thats it. It doesnt interact with the body at all. That scab allows it to heal, protects it, seals it, says Austintown pharmacist Rick Berry.
It should be safe for those minor scrapes, cuts, punctures and even nosebleeds.
Quick Relief could save you a trip to the emergency room.
Im amazed at how well it heals the tissue. It seems like the healing time is quicker, says emergency room physician Brian Letts.
Doctors say Quick Relief can stop bleeding in about 15 seconds or less and you treat it as you would any scab.
It will eventually fall off on its own.
The skin beneath it will be healed with no tugging at an old bandage.
---------------
Another:
http://www.biolife.com/product/kids_qr.htm