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+---- Thread: First aid kits (/thread-545.html)
First aid kits - AcilletaM - 10-29-2014
Did you buy one of the shelf or did you build it yourself? What did you include in it?
RE: First aid kits - Dutz - 10-29-2014
Seriously, only put in your kit what you know how to use.
As a backpacker I carried an off the shelf one I got at REI. I then went to a 1 hour talk at an outdoor show and he said go home and take out everything you don't know how to use. All I had left was band-aids.
I then took a two day class on wilderness medicine from NOLS (http://www.nols.edu/). I still want to take the med class RDA listed a few times, but I never saw they actually offered it. I think part of that was gun shot would care.
I have one for my house, one for my range bag, and one for my backpack.
Here is a pretty complete list for me (link below). A med kit for amateur's is like a get home bag compared to a bug out bag. The get home's purpose is not to live on, but sustain you until you can get home. The med kit is to help you stabilize until you can get help or get out, not allow you to administer medicine. The four questions your kit has to help you answer in this order are 1) can you breath, 2) are you in danger of further injury 3) are you bleeding, and 4) can you move...add this fifth question if you are helping someone else 5) are you putting yourself at risk? You can't help an injured person if you are injured yourself.
In that light here is the kit and categories I look at, and this list is pretty much my kit, plus a sam splint (http://rivergear.com/images/D/file_31_3.jpg) when I am trekking.
Wounds, blisters, sprains, and medications. http://www.nols.edu/alumni/leader/06fall/wmi_of_nols_first_aid_kit.pdf
RE: First aid kits - BelieveIn308 - 10-29-2014
I'd be interested in that class as well.
And while you are on that topic, do you recommend any IFAK?
RE: First aid kits - Dutz - 10-29-2014
I have the REI Backpacker first aid kit. They don't sell it anymore but I like the red bag. I am a big fan of med kit bags being very obvious, red/yellow, etc. Easy to identify under stress.
http://www.rei.com/product/832243/rei-backpacker-first-aid-kit-special-buy (pictured open)
http://www.rei.com/product/832242/rei-hiker-first-aid-kit-special-buy (pictured closed)
If I bought a new complete kit I would get a NOLS, as they pretty much teach you how to use what is in it, and they know what you will need and what works and doesn't work in the back country. Click on one of the bags and you get a good content list of the basics.
http://store.nols.edu/Store/pc/Complete-Kits-c20.htm
I also have a Maxpedition FR-1. I like the smaller size and my range bag is a Max, so I can easily attach it to the outside. I do need to add some red to it as it is just black. They don't sell contents with it.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/FR-1-Pouch-34p404.htm
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/catalog/0226K7_detail.jpg (with contents not supplied)
I do not have any milspec or other tactical features like Tourniquets, Field Dressing, or Downed Operator Kit as I have not been properly trained on those.
My skills are stop the bleeding, wrap the ankle, cover the blister and get home.
RE: First aid kits - jfergus7 - 10-29-2014
I totally understand the idea behind not carrying what you don't know how to use but I still like to carry a much fuller kit and you never know when your in a situation that someone arrives that is able to help and is trained on how to use other stuff. Actually looking to pick up a kit from ITS Tactical here very soon. Just trying to decide what color so I can match it with my plate carrier vest when I order one in the next few months.
RE: First aid kits - Dutz - 10-29-2014
(10-29-2014, 09:57 AM)jfergus7 Wrote: you never know when your in a situation that someone arrives that is able to help and is trained on how to use other stuff.
That is a good thought, and I had that when I started backpacking. The problem is whenever I needed it nobody else was around.
RE: First aid kits - AcilletaM - 10-29-2014
When I worked for Medline I stocked up on some supplies and built a couple of kits similar to the NOLS Med Kit 4.0 (minus the catheter and CPR barrier) and we keep one in each of our vehicles. I don't have one in my range bag but that is a very good idea.
Thank you for the links and suggestions.
RE: First aid kits - Brian S - 10-30-2014
Check out Adventure Medical Kits <---CLICK for site. This company puts together custom branded kits for stores such as REI and other large Camping Stores, Internet shops, catalog dealers, etc. Adventure also lists additional and replacements items.
I personally purchased a kit from REI. The kit I keep in my truck is similar to Adventures Grizzly kit with a few items I added.
On the list Dutz posted, it has Epinephrine, I definitely feel this is a must have product. I keep a few Epi Pens on hand all the time. I also keep a few Space Blankets <--CLICK in the kit. In extreme camping or survival you may want to keep a few suture kits for a last resort wound closure. Ask your doctor about them and you may get a recommendation to numb the area you're going to stitch up. First hand experience...it's very painful sewing up your own wound. Suture Kits from Amazon. <---CLICK
If you take any medication, be sure to always have few days supply in the kit.
Whether you purchase a kit off the shelf or assemble it yourself, always check expiration dates. The kit I keep in my truck during the winter, is always either packed in my -50 degrees Refrigiwear <---CLICK suit or a wool blanket to keep things from freezing.