I found some info about FAKs and BOKs I put together for some friends. Much of the info is redundant as I have a basic kit (see beginning of this thread) I expand upon depending on the situation and need. I'll break this into a few posts to make it easier to read and absorb.
Note that these are all portable kits. My home kit is beyond ridiculous and has so much more and also has tons of highly specialized medical gear. These kits are based more towards outdoors use and car use.
I'm kicking around the idea of writing an adventure travel book and this infor will be included. The info is free so take from it what you will.
First Aid Kits (general advice):
• If you make your own kit it will be cheaper and you can buy higher quality components than usually come in pre-made kits.
• If you buy a pre-made kit, good ones with high quality components are available from Adventure Medical Kits (who also make kits for travel to 3rd World countries with syringes and sutures…many 3rd World countries reuse needles and have very limited availability), Chinook Medical (also make kits with needles) and Pro Med Kits. The advantages of pre-made kits include convenience and nicely laid out cases, but usually at a much greater cost.
• If you make your own kit you can buy empty cases from the above named companies or you can just throw it into a Ziploc freezer bag, which is cheap, lightweight, waterproof, dust-proof, and see-though so that you can find what you need quickly. The disadvantage is that it is not as durable as clothe and your kit won’t be as neatly organized, although you can organize it further by using smaller Ziplocs and breaking the kit up into components: Bleeding, Fractures, Medications, etc..
• Practice using the kit so that you are familiar with its components and all of their multiple uses so that you can actually use them in an emergency and while under stress.
• When traveling abroad, all medications should be in their original unopened packaging or with their prescription if they’re prescribed and consider getting a doctor’s note explaining why you need these meds. All of this will go a long way towards getting you and your meds through customs without you being arrested as a drug smuggler.
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Www.band-aid.com has a simple but good first-aid guide that you can download for free. Take it to an office supply store and have them shrink it down, laminate it and bind it so that it fits in a 1-quart Ziploc freezer bag.
• The Ultralight Trauma Kit listed next is usually what I carry (car, backpack, office desk, camping, traveling, etc.) with more or less of each component depending on its intended use. Always keep this kit with you everywhere you go. You never know when you’ll need it and it isn’t helpful left back at the hotel when you’re injured at a remote set of ruins or have been stabbed on the streets. This is enough medical gear, paired with your knowledge and ability to improvise, to get you through 1-2 medical emergencies before needing a resupply. All of this will fit into your Over-the-Shoulder-Bag or cargo pocket so that it is always with you…so always have it with you!!!
And I don't think Kage mentioned an antiseptic at all when talking about cleaning and dressing a wound??
