I need a couple of bandaid solutions.

Geraldo said:
For a major bleed you need a helicopter and a surgeon.
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To keep you alive for the helicopter and surgeon, you need a first aider with some gear and know how.;)

This is not golden hr scoop and run medicine.

Skam
 
IMHO, if you are in downtown Miami, I suspect you are more likely to be shot or stabbed and bleed out there than in the mountains.
 
My point is that I don't think it's necessary to carry large bandages when I can improvise them with other stuff in my pack. For the same reason I don't carry triangulars or SAM splints. It's the know how you mentioned, not the gear.

My other point is that with few exceptions basic physiology does not change contingent on our location. Given that, is it even reasonable to worry about major injuries when we are hours or days away from definitive care?
 
Geraldo said:
... is it even reasonable to worry about major injuries when we are hours or days away from definitive care?
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IMHO, the hours or days makes it all the more imperative that we plan ahead when possible for such injuries. When it is possible to carry a few extra provisions in case of such an event, it would be foolhardy not to.
 
We might save the "T-Bomb" for real trolls. Merely questioning a position, even if done in a few words, is hardly per se trolling.

A bandanna might, indeed, serve as a field-expedient dressing. (I always carry two in a zip-loc.) I just think you otta' have something along those lines, and that's how I was trained and behave.
 
Thanks, Thomas.

IMHO, the hours or days makes it all the more imperative that we plan ahead when possible for such injuries.
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Here's the plan: First, we should be in reasonably good health. Second, we should try our best to avoid needing medical attention (filter/treat water, don't climb around on cliffs, etc). Third, we must be realistic about the dangers we face and what we can really accomplish with our small kit. Finally, we should have plan for how to get someone evacuated (PLB, sat phone, leave your friend and run for help).

What we can realistically carry only goes so far, and in the worst of cases, that won't be far enough.
 
I understand what you are saying here, but have you never fallen and broken a leg or arm? Have you never severed a finger or suffered a puncture wound? Great if you only go places where friends are or a technological safety net exists, and you can dial up a chopper. But what if there are no friends with you and you don't have cell coverage? What if the injured person cannot be transported to help, or be left alone? These are generally not considerations in a urban environment, but not everyone travels in urban environments, or in groups with expensive satphones in the wilderness. I realize that the current mindset is to depend upon technology and others to take care of you, but that, at least to this old Codger, flys in the face of a true survivor's mindset.

Codger
 
The FAK that I carry around everyday only contains a few things, a bare minimum... well, ok, 3 things:

1. Knuckle bandaids-- Extremely versatile.
2. Some 2x2 or 4x4 gauze pads.
3. And last but not least, duct tape. I usually have at least 10 feet wrapped around a piece of drinking straw.

I know that I can enhance these 3 items by adding more to my kit. I probably will before all is said and done. But these 3 core items have gotten me through all kinds of scrapes, gashes, cuts, bumps and bruises. They have yet to fail me.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Quote - EmsRescueGuy: Cough drops: trying to get needed rest or simply travel can be impeded by a cough, plus its just plain annoying in the field

Good point, ERG, so in the spirit of more than one use for a survival item, take Benadryl - a powerful cough suppressant. Good for allergies, as well. BTW, cough suppressant information comes from: Wilderness Medicine, 4th Edition, William W. Forgey, M.D., Globe Pequot Press, 1994, ISBN# 0-934802-93-9, page 206. and I've used it and it seems to work.

Doc
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There's now a 5th edition (1999, I think). Any reason to prefer the older edition? (With some books, there is, I know.)

Two questions of my own:

(1) I'm sure I've seen it somewhere, but I'd be interested in seeing, again, this forum's wilderness-EMTs' recommended books for backcountry medicine. (I've had basic EMT certification, but have often had reason to wish for some supplementation of that training so as to deal with way-out-in-the-wild emergencies where the usual urban EMT procedure of bundling them into the ambulance and driving to the ER was an absolute non-option.)

(2) As a related question, but a distinct one, I'd also be interested in any recommended reading on the best modernly-known techniques for low-tech or primitive medicine, for situations in which first-world medical care will realistically NEVER become available. I have friends and family members who regularly spend time in third-world countries where some of the people they meet will realistically never see the inside of a first-world hospital; also, like many others here, I'm interested in building up a knowledge base against the fortunately-unlikely event that some major catastrophe puts hospitals out of access indefinitely.

Suggestions, anyone?
 
I also carry Tincture of Iodine...it makes a good antiseptic when wiped onto cuts and grazes and can be added to water to steralise it !
 
Do not underestimate the power of Benadryl to help suppress an allergic reaction. Or at least suppress it enough to hold back the sensation of throat closure, which will lead to panic.

Never hear of it as a cough suppressant though, but if it works for you. We give it in the ER, either orally or mostly through IV, in conjunction with Prednisone and Tagamet, all IV to stop or suppress uticaria and rash and the itchyness and swelling you get when allergic rx come on.

Usually Dextromethorphan or codeine to suppress cough. Like OTC Robitussin DM (Dextromethorphan).

Anyway, the over the counter stuff is very good and many times the same as prescription, just in a lower dose.
 
No one using the Israeli Emergency Bandages? They are awesome! They have a multiplicity of uses and come in different sizes. Currently being issued to our troops.
 
Israeli battle dressings now include a coagulating agent, they are great. and I plan on including one in each large kit on the next inventory.
My philosophy is to remain alive until I can get to help... thus battle dressings and a coagulating agent are a part of larger kits and my day hike pack.

DocC; Yes, I have had kidney stones and they were intensely painful. This is why I take care to remain hydrated as they occur, for me, after becoming dehydrated (other causes are possible and people that get them regularly have my sympathy).

Tincture of iodine is not a good thing for wounds (never use it on deep wounds) as the alcohol in it kills healthy tissue which can lead to a larger infection... Betadine (providone Iodine solution) is what is used by vets, doctors and hospitals. Not certain of the usefulness in water purification though.

Enjoy!
 
Quirt said:
No one using the Israeli Emergency Bandages? They are awesome! They have a multiplicity of uses and come in different sizes. Currently being issued to our troops.
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I've never seen or heard of these. What do they look like, what all do they do (I'm gathering they are some kind of bandage with coagulant in them), where do you get them, and how much do they cost? Also, anyone know of any risks in using them? (I could imagine some potential for encouraging embolisms, for example, if any of the coagulant stuff happened to get into a patient's bloodstream somehow.)
 
Different ways of looking at things Geraldo.

The very act of an accident causing injury is unknown and unplanned. By the very nature of this fact I plan for the unknown not what I can mitigate with risk assesment.

The way I read what you are saying would do away with combat medics in war as there would be no reason as nobody would get shot because they would be trained and careful enough not to do so.

This very thread was started as a ? to what to carry with no infomation as to level of training, experience etc.... The fact that some may have the confidence to Magyver up a first aid scenario does not mean everyone does nor is it advisable.
Basic protocols absolutely do change depending on location. Everything from shock treatment to O2 consumption must all be rethought in a remote environment. The courses I have taken have Dr's, Surgeons, Paramedics etc.. all learning new medicine never learned before "Remote Medicine" it is very different than scoop and run.

Some basic gear is needed and much of it depends on your level of training. The more medicine you want to practice the more gear you need as toys can't be invented in the bush. I think a lb for a basic kit that includes some weightless bandage material is reasonable.

Thanks for the explanation and not a one line comment. I didn't think you were T'ng:D .

Skam
 
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