SAS survival tin. What are the essentials ?

[EMT_Lee]

This is what in so far, I think this is going to be an organic thing since I will be adding and taking things from this tin as I run in to situations or learn new way of solving problems.
The super glue, ear plugs, zip ties, and the lighter (instead of the waterproof matches) are some of the things I have added after learning from what you guy have in yours.


I do know how to stitch up a wound, and I’d like to share this little bit on first aid stitching I found useful.

August 13, 2007
If you have ever been out somewhere and received a nice cut it is not fun. It is really not fun when you are out in the middle of no where, like on a fishing trip or out camping. Have no fear though here is a quick 4 step guide to helping you stitch that wound right up.

1) First, get the wound as clean as possible. Flush out the wound with water for between 3-5 minutes. The more water the better. If you happen to have a first-aid kit apply iodine or peroxide to kill any more germs.
2) Find a small needle that is no longer than 2 inches long. Sterilize said needle by holding it over a flame (lighter, camp fire, etc) for 60-90 seconds. Thread the needle with the finest material you have available but as a rule cotton gathers the most germs.
3) Your first pierce should be as far away from the cut as the wound is deep. Shove the needle through to the other side, pulling as tightly as possible, tying a knot and cutting the thread. Repeat every quarter inch or so.
4) Infection is your worst enemy after you have finished your stitching so keep it covered as much as possible. If it doesn't get infected you should be able to remove the stitches in about 2 weeks.

Ok... there are some things you're missing. First, you're going to need to irrigate that wound before you start to sew it up. How are you going to do that? You need a way to store/carry water. A non-lubricated condom works excellent for that. Also, you're going to need a way to attempt to purify the water. I'd suggest putting some iodine tablets in there, as well, for that purpose. Then, you'll need a way to actually flush the inside of the wound thoroughly. I'd suggest putting a small 5ml syringe in the kit for that purpose.

Having said that, the suturing method posted above is pretty incomplete, and also dangerous for untrained individual's to attempt. If you have a laceration that is severe enough to need closure (as opposed to covering), you should attempt to stop the bleeding (elevation, direct pressure, pressure points, etc.), cover the wound with a sterile dressing, and seek emergency medical care.

 

[ROCK6]

Having said that, the suturing method posted above is pretty incomplete, and also dangerous for untrained individual's to attempt. If you have a laceration that is severe enough to need closure (as opposed to covering), you should attempt to stop the bleeding (elevation, direct pressure, pressure points, etc.), cover the wound with a sterile dressing, and seek emergency medical care.

I agree about the need for irrigation (and iodine tablets or wipes are essential if you can't boil water for sterilization). A simple, small Ziploc bag with the corner cut out would work, but I keep a small syringe in my medium/large kits.

I did some informal training with sutures on one deployment...we even did lacerations on a freshly killed pig and sutured it up. I use to carry suture kits in my medium to larger FAKs, but I wouldn't trust my level of training, especially with the threat of infection. I much prefer butterfly strips (and some tincture of benzoin to help adhesiveness) after irrigating. You can carry several without too much bulk to replace if the laceration isn't too severe and you need to change out or continue irrigation. I still keep it covered up also. I can only speak of a pretty deep laceration on my arm and a scope-cut eyebrow (courtesy of my father-in-law's over-charged muzzle-loader)...both probably should have received proper stitches, but I used butterfly bandages, plenty of irrigation and antibiotics when feasible. I agree with LMT Lee, if you think it's bad enough for "real" sutures, you probably have bigger issues and will need immediate/professional attention.

Good info all around though:thumbup:

ROCK6

 

[Edwood7]

I updated some of the things I carry in my tin. And I also modified the tin itself, striped of the paint in coated it whit clear spray on burnish. The bottom of the tin is very polished and reflective.

I put some bell crow tabs on the lid to attached the compass and signal mirror. Added some water purification tablets, of better quality to my kit. (I recently got stuck in the middle of the Sonoran desert for 2 days and these 2 tablets saved my ass).

I wrap the tin close whit a strip of Marpat Self-Cling Camo Wrap, this stuff is incredible, it was a lot of applications that I have not even begun to discover. :thumbup:

That tube I have wrapped on the outside of the tin is made to carry a special kind of medication that one of the people (VIP) I’m assigned to protect from time to time needs. I have used most of what’s in my kit in the past few months for day to day things, it great thing to have whit you.

Keep it whit you at all time.

 

[bullet08]

how did you strip the paint off that tin? and what did you finish it with?

pete

I updated some of the things I carry in my tin. And I also modified the tin itself, striped of the paint in coated it whit clear spray on burnish. The bottom of the tin is very polished and reflective.

I put some bell crow tabs on the lid to attached the compass and signal mirror. Added some water purification tablets, of better quality to my kit. (I recently got stuck in the middle of the Sonoran desert for 2 days and these 2 tablets saved my ass).

I wrap the tin close whit a strip of Marpat Self-Cling Camo Wrap, this stuff is incredible, it was a lot of applications that I have not even begun to discover. :thumbup:

That tube I have wrapped on the outside of the tin is made to carry a special kind of medication that one of the people (VIP) I’m assigned to protect from time to time needs. I have used most of what’s in my kit in the past few months for day to day things, it great thing to have whit you.

Keep it whit you at all time.

 

[Edwood7]

A use a metal brush paint striping weal. And finished it off with 3 coats of Krylon Clear Coating.

i did the same to my Atoids Smalls tin.

 

[upnorth]

It was probably covered but I'm not going through every reply. 3-4 extra strength Ibuprofens. Early minor pain or injury can multiply greatly by the end of the day sapping more strength to grind through it.

 

[mat_890]

If I could only carry a small tin for summer use I would fill it with 2 XXL condoms, unlubricated, maybe a matchbook and as many water purification tablets as I could cram in.

Food, repair supplies, gadgets, knives, and OTC meds are all (IMO)much less important then water.

For winter use my priorities would change.

 

[john19691969196]

Here is the content list for the Bestglide.com kit. What would you all take away or add to it?
I think it’s a bit too large for carrying it daily


(1) Weather Resistant Tin Container Includes Rubber Seal
(1) Adventurer Button Compass NATO/U.S. Military Issue
(10) All Weather Survival Matches NATO/U.S. Military Issue ----------------fire starting tool.
(1) Derma Safe Razor Knife U.S. Military Approved
(1) Sewing Kit w/6 Safety Pins Assembled in USA
(6) MP1 Water Purification Tablets U.S. Military Issue
(1) Adventurer Survival Whistle SOLAS/NATO Approved
(1) Mini Survival Fishing Kit Assembled in USA----------------------------------I don’t think I might need this one, but I could be wrong.
(1) Vinyl Tape Waterproof Kit Seal
(1) Type 1A Utility Cord U.S. Military Approved
(1) Brass Snare Wire Trapping and Equipment Repair
(1) Emergency Signal Mirror Daytime Emergency Signaling
(2) Beeswax Candles Made in USA
(1) Compact Flint Fire Starter w/Striker Adventurer Series ----------------fire starting tool.
(3) Fire Starter Tinder Tabs Adventurer Series
(1) Adventurer Fresnel Lens Fire Starter Adventurer Series (green version) ----------------fire starting tool.
(6) Band Aids/Butterfly Bandages
(1) Pocket Wire Saw Made in USA
(2) Industrial Grade Tie Wraps --------------------Any idea what this could be use for ?
(1) Water Collection Bag
(1) Survival Instructions Made in USA
(1) Pencil
(1) Silica Gel Desiccant Moisture Absorbent ----------This is interesting never thought about it.
(1) Heavy Duty Laminate Packaging

Which kit is this?

 

[Edwood7]

Which kit is this?

this is a link to the kit http://www.bestglide.com/pocket_survival_tin.html

 

[Killinumsoftly]

I like when people put a handcuff key in these tins, if your handcuffed you gona have a hell of a Time getting to you altoid tin. I like to keep a couple bobby pins on my belt of back of my pants as they are small enough to be overlooked and usually when your handcuffed it's behind you back. You can go on you tube and see how to pick hand cuffs with a bobby pin if you bend it in a little l shape. It's pretty easy with a few times practicing. But if you gona carry the key why not stash on your belt in the back or sew a tiny pocket in your pants that way you can get o it when you actually need it. Just my 2 cents I may be missing the point on what they are for but I assume it's for if you handcuffed and need to escape like your held by someone other then the police or feds

 

[Killinumsoftly]

Well that list aint fitting in that tin thats for sure, theres also an advantage in having a bigger tin to boil small amounts of water in. The fishing kit is key for food procurement, obviously a biggie for survival. The lens is a keeper for fire and signaling. Tie wraps can repair your pack, tent, clothing, etc.

I agree about the need for irrigation (and iodine tablets or wipes are essential if you can't boil water for sterilization). A simple, small Ziploc bag with the corner cut out would work, but I keep a small syringe in medium/large kits

I did some informal training with sutures on one deployment...we even did lacerations on a freshly killed pig and sutured it up. I use to carry suture kits in my medium to larger FAKs, but I wouldn't trust my level of training, especially with the threat of infection. I much prefer butterfly strips (and some tincture of benzoin to help adhesiveness) after irrigating. You can carry several without too much bulk to replace if the laceration isn't too severe and you need to change out or continue irrigation. I still keep it covered up also. I can only speak of a pretty deep laceration on my arm and a scope-cut eyebrow (courtesy of my father-in-law's over-charged muzzle-loader)...both probably should have received proper stitches, but I used butterfly bandages, plenty of irrigation and antibiotics when feasible. I agree with LMT Lee, if you think it's bad enough for "real" sutures, you probably have bigger issues and will need immediate/professional attention.

Good info all around though:thumbup:

ROCK6

What about good ole cauterizing, hear up your knife in the fire and smear the wound like your spreading butter on it, boom disenfected, stopped the bleeding and good to go.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

What about good ole cauterizing, hear up your knife in the fire and smear the wound like your spreading butter on it, boom disenfected, stopped the bleeding and good to go.

No, just no. Cauterization increases risk of infection, it doesn't decrease it. You may disinfect with the heat, but you're also creating a severe burn and burns are incredibly susceptible to infection, more so than lacerations in many cases. There's also the fact that unless you have something like an amputation or a very superficial wound you may not even effectively control the bleeding.

A bandage and pressure dressing are your best friends for controlling any serious bleeding in an emergency. Cauterization and sutures, besides being time consuming, risky, difficult and painful, also aren't incredibly effective. Duct tape works great as an impromptu pressure dressing and it's really not too hard to stash 10 or more feet in a tin.