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#89930 - 02/14/08 06:54 PM What's in your Medical Kit? *****
Brumfield Offline
member

Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
What's in your Medical Kit?

A while back, I posted a Medical Kit list taken from a 1916 hiker's article. It received a lot of comments and opened up some interesting discussions and further input. I was freshening up my Medical Kit this week while getting ready for a trip to Michoacan, and got to wondering... what does everybody else carry in their current medical Kit, that is, if you even carry one.

If you want to post a detailed list here, I would love to see it, in order to compare against mine.

Consider listing the name of the items, quantity or ounces, their intended use or purpose, and add any special use you've made of an item, or mention a time of dire straights that you were really glad you had a particular item with you.

Bourbon, Scotch, bottles of wine hidden (unbeknownst to them) in your hiking partner's pack, or a Good Tequila, may be considered the norm in medicinal improvisations for pain and sleep medications.. Any other special or additional notes of interest will add to our enjoyment of your posting. I'll post mine here too... later. Upgrading your Medical Kit prior to posting here is not only allowed, but is advised, as some of these guys will really razz you if your kit is not up to their acceptable standards. The lists posted here will help in upgrading our own Medical Kit check lists.

PS: We'll do kitchen cook kits, repair kits, sleeping gear, etc later if this goes over well. If this has already been done (recently) just slap me. I'm new here (8 weeks) and have not read all of the posts... yet. Brum

PS: Note: This is not an Ultra Light posting, so, don't lie to look good on here! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

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#89931 - 02/14/08 07:08 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
It has been about 18 months since this was last discussed thoroughly, so a good time to revisit with all the newbies in our midst.

For reference, here's a link to the last go-round of this topic: Backcountry first Aid.

MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

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#89932 - 02/15/08 11:13 AM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
BarryP Offline
member

Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
I get these small hard first aid kits from our Fire Dept. Or you can buy them for $3.50. I like the protective box:
Scroll down to Item FA-112 http://www.cpr-savers.com/consumer/cons1.html

When I use an item, I resupply it.
“First Aid Kit Includes:
(2) Extra-strength non-aspirin tablets
(2) Ibuprofen tablets
(1) First aid guide
(6) 3/4"x3" Curad® adhesive plastic bandages
(10) 3/8"x1-1/2" Curad® junior plastic bandages
(1) 1-1/2"x1-1/2" Curad® patch plastic bandage
(1) Large butterfly wound closure
(3) Alcohol cleansing pads
(3) Antiseptic cleansing wipes (sting free)
(1) Antibiotic ointment pack
(2) Aspirin tablets

First Aid Kit Dimensions: 4-3/4"x3-3/4"x1/2"


How do I resupply the Ibuprofen tablets? I like how they originally come prepackaged. This keeps out moisture. Well I bought a box of prepackaged Ibuprofen’s at a grocery store.

Ironically my little kit gets more use during group bike trips than backpacking trips.

-Barry

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#89933 - 02/15/08 04:23 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: midnightsun03]
hootyhoo Offline
member

Registered: 12/14/06
Posts: 686
Loc: Cyberspace
I just recently started on my first aid kit. I have been studying all the commercial kits and cooking up my own version. I had extensive first aid training years ago, but my old foggy mind has trouble remembering. Hopefully if I ever need to help myself or some one else it will all come back to me -

lets see -- was it tilt the head back and then check for obstructions, or....
maybe it was check for obstructions, then tilt the head back....oh yeah and pinch the nose closed before blowing....oh wait I should have started the CPR compressions first...okay lets start over.....
(meanwhile victim turns blue)

I did add one thing this year - I can't get iodine anymore thanks to the meth labs, so I put betadine in a 1 ounce visine bottle. This can be used to irrigate and/or could be applied to gauze -- it would be nice to be able to carry more, but I settled on 1 oz.

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#89934 - 02/15/08 06:28 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
Pika Online   content
member

Registered: 12/08/05
Posts: 1814
Loc: Rural Southeast Arizona
This is what I take. It all fits in a 4" x 6" silicon nylon pouch
1 -- Small first aid booklet
2 – Extra large band aids
4 – 1” band aids
4 – 2” x 2” gauze pads
1 -- 6" x 6" gauze pad
2 -- antiseptic wipes in foil pkg.
6-- adhesive butterfly bandages
1 - splinter needle
2 – scalpel blades in foil pkg.
4 – safety pins; 2 small, 2 medium
8 -- Calcium carbonate antacid tablets
8 – Acetaminophen tablets; dose = 2
8 – Benadryl tablets; dose = 1-2
12 – Ibuprofen tablets; dose = 1-4
12 -- Amoxycillin tablets
9 – Aspirin tablets; dose = 1-3
6 - Imitrex (100 mg, migraine medication), dose = 1 then another if headache persists.
8 - Vicodin (5-500 mg, pain killer), dose = 1 every four hours for pain.

Weight of the foregoing is about 3 oz. Tablets are carried in 1.5" x 1.5" ziploc bags. I also carry tweezers, duct tape, bandanna, salt, antibiotic ointment, 2 oz of rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer and a 2 oz prescription bottle containing more ibuprofen and antacids (my working supply) in other parts of my pack. On longer trips, I include more Imitrex, ibuprofen and antacids in resupply. The antacids also serve as a calcium supplement. I also take a multi-vitamin every day.
_________________________
May I walk in beauty.

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#89935 - 02/15/08 06:57 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Pika]
Tango61 Offline
member

Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 931
Loc: East Texas Piney Woods

Pika,
I don't want this to sound like a really dumb question, but what are the scalpel blades for?
Obviously for cutting, but just what exactly? And, how do you control them without the handle? If I have a penknife with a razor sharp blade, would that be equivalent?

Now a comment on the tweezers. I have a pair that has a small magnifying glass incorporated. Works great for those pesky little stickers!
_________________________
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't. Either way, you're right.

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#89936 - 02/15/08 07:14 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: hootyhoo]
Tango61 Offline
member

Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 931
Loc: East Texas Piney Woods

HootyHoo - you crack me up! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

This past month I've been helping my wife (RN) certify a group of our Scouts and adult leaders in CPR/AED/First Aid. She is certified to teach these courses through the American Heart Association.

I teach the First Aid requirements for the various Scout ranks as well as the First Aid merit badge for our troop.

After seeing and teaching both of the materials (BSA and AHA), I can truly say that the First Aid merit badge material is quite thorough. Probably not up to the level of NOLS training but more than adequate for most backpackers.

So, if you have access to a Scout store or can order on-line I would highly recommend the BSA First Aid merit badge booklet.

Now for your predicament (victim turning blue <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ), just remember A,B,C,D:

A - Airway
B - Breathing
C - Circulation (blood - cpr, bleeding - internal, external)
D - Deadly poison (internal, external)

Tango

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#89937 - 02/15/08 07:56 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Tango61]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
One of the things I've really come to appreciate in my job, is that the very fist thing you do in first aid - situation size up - can tell you a great deal about what you will need to do as you progress through your treatment. A big part of my job is to watch people who walk into our ER and make a judgement call - is this person likely to die if I don't get them into a bed right now, or can they take the time to fill out our paperwork, and possibly wait 10 minutes to 2 hours without being at risk of getting worse. Although my impression isn't the "official" pronouncement, I've gotten so good at telling sick or not sick that the nurses I work with trust my judgement - when I say "I need a nurse, now!" they know I have someone who needs immediate care (you'd be surprised how many near-death people actually walk into the ER).

Anyway, my point being that it is good to practice first aid skills, but it is essential to practice first aid situational awareness (there's that phrase again!). When you stumble on someone who is injured or sick, your own reaction may keep you from noticing important clues to the needs or your patient, or perhaps the cause of their injuries (like the bear that knocked them down then ran off with their pack, and is just in the bushes 20 feet away). So, practice your skills, but practice using real scenarios that make you have to take the time to assess your situation. You have to break the urge to rush in and treat before you know what is going on. The "hey, hey, you ok?" shouted from a distance can tell you alot. If you don't get a reaction then you know you need to check your ABCs. And truthfully, if you have to check your ABCs in the middle of the wilderness, and you didn't witness the cause of unconsciousness, chances are really good your patient is dead or dying. Practice the "don't rush in" principle - take the time to get oriented and calm your own nerves. An extra couple of minutes doing this isn't going to make a big difference in the wilderness.

Have I mentioned I love my job?

MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

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#89938 - 02/15/08 09:16 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada

I take not very much, but I'm also not really trained to cope with anything beyond basic
first aid.

What I have goes in a ziploc, in a nylon bag

8 fabric elastoplasts
4 waterproof band-aids
3 4x4 pads
6 or 8 band aid blister pads
moleskin patch
4 butterfly bandages
3 safety pins
4 naproxen and 2 ibuprophen, 1 centrum vitamin per day hiking
6 Percocet
6 benadryl
polysporin ointment in a teeny container
iodine in a teeny container

The most common thing that gets used is the blister stuff - almost always on someone else on the trail I take pity on.

Now some of my other gear is then dual use for first aid if necessary. Tshirts can make slings and bandages, duct tape and 130lb dacron fishline is wrapped around my trekking poles, and the soles themselves. along with my swiss army knife with tweezers and stuff. (I've done "swiss army surgery" a few times)

I don't carry sew-up stuff, except when hunting and then its a big one used to sew up an abdominal cavity after removing things. I trust in duct tape and butterfly bandages if the
need arises.
_________________________
Any fool can be uncomfortable...
My 3 season gear list
Winter list.
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#89939 - 02/15/08 10:14 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Pika]
EricKingston Offline
member

Registered: 11/01/02
Posts: 272
Loc: Michigan
I like your list Pika... Do you adjust depending ont the length of trip you take? Such as the Amoxicillin? Starting a 6-day regiment (I'm guessing) for a week long trip might not be of any value. Although, I guess in some cases, you might feel better within a day or two of taking the antibiotics. I've thought about getting some to have on hand, but I don't know if it they would be entirely nessesary on shorter trips. The Vicodin seems like a very good idea, but I wouldn't know how to get any! Oh well, here's my list:
  • These items fit in a heavy duty ziplock bag:
  • Duct Tape (Use for Moleskin, Bandaging, Repairs)
  • 8 - Large Cloth Bandaids
  • Tweezers
  • Sewing Needle and Dental Floss
  • 2 - Safety Pins
  • Small Camp Mirror
  • 1 - Placker Dental Pick
  • Rubbing Alcohol in Eyedrop Bottle (Antiseptic / Sterilizing)
  • Cotton Balls (bandaging or fire starting)
    All pills are kept in one film canister:
  • Allegra-D (allergies)
  • Ibuprofen (pain reliever) - Many
  • Pepto Bismol Pills (upset stomach)

Cheers,
Eric

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#89940 - 02/16/08 03:51 AM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: phat]
DTape Offline
member

Registered: 11/23/07
Posts: 666
Loc: Upstate NY
The only thing I will add to the discussion that is in my med kit that I didn't see on anyone else's list is a couple of anti-diarrhea pills.

The two most commonly used items for me are: advil and small bandaids

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#89941 - 02/16/08 05:58 AM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: EricKingston]
Pika Online   content
member

Registered: 12/08/05
Posts: 1814
Loc: Rural Southeast Arizona
Eric. Yes, I do take more for longer trips. I go solo almost exclusively so mainly prepare for what I feel I might need. If I am out for more than a 4-5 day trip, I will take a full treatment course of Amoxicillin and will also take more percocet and Imitrex. I probably should take a full treatment course of Amoxicillin anyway.

I have never used the Amoxicillin; it is for the emergency I hope I never need to handle. I will only use Amoxicillin for a grossly contaminated wound that penetrates into underlying tissues; I would be really hesitant to use it for any undiagnosed internal infection.

The percocet is for pain relief of two sorts: The first is if I injure a foot or knee or arm but can still keep going; I will take the percocet to get to civilization a bit more comfortably. The other use is for a case of rotator-cuff tendinitis that I manage but never eliminate. On occasion, it will be painful enough to keep me awake, so I will take a pain medication. In fact, I prefer oxycodon to percocet but the former is much harder to obtain and only a bit more effective.

My GP is willing to write prescriptions for percocet; he knows me well enough to do so. He is a bit hesitant to write one for oxycodon since it is on the DEA watch list. Fortunately, I live close to Mexico and can obtain most name-brand drugs without a prescription. Of course I would NEVER attempt to bring prescription medication into the US without a valid prescription but this is a potential source for the daring. The customs folks are more concerned with booze, cigarettes and knock-off watches than stuff like Amoxicillin. There are also on-line pharmacies that will both write you a prescription and then fill it. I'm not sure that I trust those folks.

Tango. I use the scalpel blades for trimming skin flaps and for going after splinters that are beyond the reach of a needle. So far, I manage them reasonably well w/o a handle but there are light plastic handles available as well. When my arthritis demands, I'll start carrying one. I don't like using a pocket knife blade because they are seldom sharp enough for minor surgery and they need to be sterilized before use. I do have a light magnifier available if I need it. The scalpel blades only add a couple of grams to the kit weight.
_________________________
May I walk in beauty.

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#89942 - 02/19/08 06:42 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
oldranger Offline
member

Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
The one thing I carry in my FAK that I don't believe has yet been mentioned in this thread is an elastic bandage or two -- awfully good at allowing you to get back to the car after abusing your ankle or knee. Also good at holding a dressing in place, etc. One caveat is that the person to whom the dressing is applied should be conscious and reasonably alert. Tension on these things often must be adjusted to avoid impeding circulation.

Also, paper and pencil. It is a good idea to take notes just in case the situation goes south.

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#89943 - 02/20/08 03:35 AM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: oldranger]
altadude Offline
member

Registered: 11/16/03
Posts: 524
All very interesting ideas/lists.

Some thoughts:

Amoxicillin while fairly broad spectrum is not what I carry: Keflex (generic cephalexin) has better coverage against Staph Aureus and equal coverage for strep (the two major bugs to worry about with a wound infection). Keflex is also good for a urinary tract infection and resp infection........

Pepto-Bismal, while tasting great, is also an antidiarrheal both in terms of GI mechanics and anti bacterial and it reduces upset stomach-so I carry this.

what is in that first aid manual someone is carrying? In a non-urgent situation it would be fine but when the fit hits the shan doubt it would be very helpful......

Note: Percocet is oxycodone and tylenol: ususally 5mg of Ocycodone and 325 mg of Tylenol.........they are the same med essentially.........

I agree that MNS's idea about "forest for the trees" assesment is crucial and also being comfortable with sick people is helpful-hence EMT/Paramedic experience is nice to have as a backup when in the bc..........so to answer Brum's "what is in your wallet?" Knowledge both to treat and to avoid problems........to be comfortable with medical emergencies: get some training..........

In a very famous book about medical training "House of God" the wizened resident tells the junior intern that in an emergency the first thing you do is "check your own pulse." Idea being that if you are calm things go better-trust me that is definitely the case...........

Alcohol gel
water treatment (first two to avoid GI bugs-most common malady in the wilderness)
Epi pen-allergic reaction is eminently treatable with this device-use it for others not myself
Prednisone-the uber anti-inflammatory: takes care of allergic reactions, and has pain relieving properties.......
4X4 bandages
Benadryl
non-latex medical gloves so I can treat others without placing myself at risk......
some type of opiod-Vicodin or percocet.........
knife

there are probably other things that I carry and I am always aware of what I carry for comfort and for life threatening emergencies...........many things I carry are to make my trip less uncomfortable for me should I "be under the weather." Very little is really necessary for true serious emergencies: like that hiker in Utah who had to cut off his arm to survive-AMAZING courage-not sure I would've been able to do that...........

Also read an account of an australian med student who got lost trekking in Nepal and one of the things that struck me was that he had hope until his pen ran out of ink-he kept writing in a diary and this kept up his spirits up while he waited for help-he holed up in his sleeping bag drinking a cup of melted snow a day and he remained relatively hydrated-it is a truly bizarre tale - but people's hope is crucial in these situations and often writing makes people feel less alone..........so I carry a small Sharpie now..........hope to never use it..........

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#89944 - 02/20/08 10:39 AM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
I haven't done an inventory of everything in my med kit because it isn't ultralight - it is a rescue kit, not a "just in case" kit.

That said, I've been reading the things others have listed and will add a few things I carry in addition to the standard fare.

Emergen-C packets
1 oz dropper bottle of providone iodine for emergency water treatment and wound cleaning
Webbing sleeping bag straps - the buckle makes it easy to tighten or release tension for swelling
Laminated SOAP notes and mini paper versions too
20ml syringe
Dental repair kit
Maxi-pads for wound care
Sharpie
CPR Mask

On the med end of things I carry the standard OTC meds, but after being diagnosed with my second kidney infection in 4 months (which came up out of nowhere), I think I will start carrying antibiotics on longer trips because an infection can knock you down at lightspeed, before you even know what hit you. The first infection I had it took me about 18 hours between initial onset of symptoms and getting on antibiotics, and I was probably just a breath away from going septic. This time I got on antibiotics within 4-5 hours of noticing symptoms, and the difference is dramatic. In light of this I've been thinking that oral hygiene may be an overlooked health issue in the backcountry. Infections in the gums can come on quickly and lead to some serious health effects, so if your gums are at all inflamed, take care of that before you go far from home.

MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

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#89945 - 02/23/08 10:16 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
billk Offline
member

Registered: 08/20/03
Posts: 1196
Loc: Portland, Oregon
I just emptied out my kit, and found:

3" compression bandages (2)
3"x3" gauze pads (3)
Extra-large (2") Band-Aids (2)
1" Band-Aids (5)
3/4" Band-Aids (5)
Butterfly Band-Aids (5)
Fingertip Band-Aids (2)
Knuckle Band-Aids (2)
Blister pads (1 Spenco, 2 Band-Aid brand)
3"x4" moleskin (2)
Tweezers ("Uncle Bill's Sliver Grippers")
Folding Scissors ("Slip 'n' Snip")
Small magnifier
Rolaids (1/2 roll)
Small wad of cotton
Triple Antibiotic ointment (1 packet).........past expiration date, needs replacing.
Aspirin (12)
Advil (Ibuprofen), 2-tab packets (2)
Salt tablets (8)
Curad "Wound Wipe" (1)
Sawyer "Sting Aid" wipe (Benzocaine) (1)
Burn Gel packet (Lidocaine) (1)
Benadryl, 2-tab packet (1)

Total weight, with Zip-Loc bag and nylon pouch, 5.9 ounces.

Other items sometimes carried:

3" ACE bandage
Sawyer Extractor
Athletic tape (This is to tape my foot in case of plantar fasciitis flareup. I haven't needed it yet, hope not to.)

In addition, I have both needles and duct tape in a small repair kit, which could have some
first-aid uses.

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#89946 - 04/23/08 08:33 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: billk]
johndavid Offline
member

Registered: 04/23/08
Posts: 260
Loc: jersey city NJ
Call me foolish, but about all I ever take is Advil type stuff and sometimes a few items for blisters, which never seem to work if needed. If I think of it, I take a few band aids, and Percoset if I have any, but not usually.


I'm all for first aid kits and I think they're a good idea. But on the other hand, minor medical problems can be temporarily ignored, and the rare, serious problems probably need more than the odd pill or ointment.

Though I've done loads of backpacking, almost never more than 2-3 days from nearest trailhead, and usually a matter of a few hours.

I'd re-think this first-aid stuff for expedition-type travel.

Apart from a few cuts and scrapes and minor altitude sickness, the "medical situations" I've encountered have been limited to finding a drowning victim some while after the fact, a back-country skier with a broken back, a companion with a sprained ankle and me with a messed up knee.

I walked out over several days. The rest were evacuations.

I took a 20-hour "wilderness first aid" class 30 years ago, which fortunately hasn't proven useful, and I also did a CPR class about twelve years ago.

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#89947 - 04/24/08 06:46 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: johndavid]
altadude Offline
member

Registered: 11/16/03
Posts: 524
Quote:
Call me foolish, but about all I ever take is Advil type stuff and sometimes a few items for blisters, which never seem to work if needed. If I think of it, I take a few band aids, and Percoset if I have any, but not usually.


I'm all for first aid kits and I think they're a good idea. But on the other hand, minor medical problems can be temporarily ignored, and the rare, serious problems probably need more than the odd pill or ointment.

Though I've done loads of backpacking, almost never more than 2-3 days from nearest trailhead, and usually a matter of a few hours.

I'd re-think this first-aid stuff for expedition-type travel.

Apart from a few cuts and scrapes and minor altitude sickness, the "medical situations" I've encountered have been limited to finding a drowning victim some while after the fact, a back-country skier with a broken back, a companion with a sprained ankle and me with a messed up knee.

I walked out over several days. The rest were evacuations.

I took a 20-hour "wilderness first aid" class 30 years ago, which fortunately hasn't proven useful, and I also did a CPR class about twelve years ago.


I basically agree with you........we must differentiate between first aid for comfort and for survival.........

BTW: how do you like my new avatar? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I am finally getting hip with the internet

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#89948 - 04/25/08 08:43 AM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: altadude]
BarryP Offline
member

Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
“BTW: how do you like my new avatar?”

Sorry for sidetrack. I may just be seeing things but it looks like TLB stretched you horizontally. Going to your photobucket I see you are using a rectangle picture. TLB requires a square picture so you will have to do some cropping.

Otherwise, excellent pic! I like the small footwear on your back <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-Barry

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#89949 - 04/25/08 10:30 AM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
aimless Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
My kit is very simple:

20 ibuprofen tablets, 200mg
2 sterile gauze pads, 2x2 inches
5 band-aids, 3/4-inch wide
2 xlarge band-aids, 1-1/4 inch wide
neosporin anti-bacterial ointment, small tube
roll of adhesive tape (cloth-backed, not paper)
needle (stuck in cardboard) for blisters
3 povodine iodine wipes

To these I add some items I personally need:

Claritin tablets (allergy relief)
Benedryl capsules (allergy relief and sleep aid)
Phenylephrine tablets (decongestant)

I would love to have some wide-spectrum antibiotics and a few heavy-hitting painkillers in there, too, but I don't have any easy way to access these.

It appears to me that backcountry medical problems divide into two broad categories:

1) minor aches, blisters, burns, scrapes, bruises, scratches, cuts, or gastro-intestinal distress.
2) major injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries, gashes, concussions and the like.

My kit concentrates on the first category. Dealing with major traumatic injury will have to be a matter of improvisation with the materials at hand. Even if I carried a major medical first aid kit, I know my meager training would render it mostly dead weight anyway.

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#89950 - 04/25/08 01:37 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: BarryP]
altadude Offline
member

Registered: 11/16/03
Posts: 524
Quote:
“BTW: how do you like my new avatar?”

Sorry for sidetrack. I may just be seeing things but it looks like TLB stretched you horizontally. Going to your photobucket I see you are using a rectangle picture. TLB requires a square picture so you will have to do some cropping.

Otherwise, excellent pic! I like the small footwear on your back <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

-Barry


Does make my butt look big <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

As you can see, I am still learning.........

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#89951 - 04/25/08 05:53 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: altadude]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
I agree with you about the band aid medical kit and will probably re think what I carry. I currently carry a basic small solo first aid kit supplimented with a snake bite kit a mini bic, a firesteel, some cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly and a space blanket.Motrin, Tylenol 4 of each. Over kill for a 2 or 3 nighter? Probably.One of the most important first aid items is very good burbon at the end of the long day.

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#173795 - 01/13/13 01:31 AM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: midnightsun03]
Jim M Offline
member

Registered: 11/23/03
Posts: 430
Loc: Kitsap Peninsula, WA

midnightsun03: I like your attitude. And as you allude to, attitude is important. What you know, and what you do is often much more important than what you carry in your first aid kit. My experience is that lots of 4 x 4 's for cleaning and covering wounds is what I have used mostly in the woods. I also carry, now, a very clean bandana in my kit (in a zip-lock) in place of a triangle bandage. I encourage my friends to carry a reasonable amount of supplies and at least once we used most of what we had to bandage someone up after a fall. Jim (retired volunteer EMT)


Edited by Jim M (01/13/13 01:35 AM)
_________________________
Jim M

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#173806 - 01/13/13 02:18 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Brumfield]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Hi Brumfield - WELCOME BACK - I personally have missed your input and gentle strength. knowledge IS power grin
Jim
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

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#173814 - 01/13/13 05:04 PM Re: What's in your Medical Kit? [Re: Jimshaw]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Jim, Brumfeld's post was in 2008, so unfortunately he's not back. I miss him, too!

Another case of a several years' old thread being resurrected. Nothing wrong with that except that the dates should be kept in mind.


Edited by OregonMouse (01/13/13 05:12 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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