hhavel...

SAM splints don't really achieve anything that can't be achieved using items from your pack or found in your surroundings, even on the tundra (there's always willow and alder you can cut to make a splint). I do like them for their ability to mold to the body, but they are heavy, relatively speaking, and mono-use tools. The SAM belt for pelvis fractures might be good if you're doing alot of unprotected climbing or scrambling, but you probably couldn't put it on yourself if you fell and fractured your pelvis (I might be wrong, but you do really need to torque down on them pretty tightly from an angle above the pelvis, so I'm not sure). I think, if you are prone to skeletal injuries like sprains, a few good elastic bandages might be a good idea for your personal kit. Also, you might find a few extra webbing sleeping bag straps (Wal-Mart) a handy tool to have on hand for minimal weight, multi-use tools and great for cinching down on improvised splints.

Butterflies are ok, but duct tape is just as good for pulling together the edges of an open wound. And it is mulit-use.

For stings, local swelling isn't life threatening, but if you started feeling tingling (or swelling) in your mouth or tongue, or feel your breathing become more difficult (as opposed to rapid, which anxiety will do) then you may be headed toward a future severe reaction. If that is the case then you will probably be prescribed an epi-pen. Remember, however, that you can ONLY use it on YOURSELF, and if you use it you have to get to the nearest ER ASAP if not sooner. Definitely carry benedryl, and lots of it. Get those benedryl dissolving strips that they make for kids... it gets into your system faster, but the dose is lower so you need 4 strips to equal 1 adult dose (2 tablets). Bear in mond, though, that peope who have severe local effects generally do not develop an anaphylactic reaction, so don't be surprised if your MD tells you not to worry. But definitely follow-up with an MD on this issue as only they can tell you if you are at risk. For sting first aid, meat tenderizer (Adolph's) rubbed into the sting (moisten with a little water) will start to break down the toxin quickly and prevent alot of the swelling that goes on. If you have a little vinegar in your food stash, that will help as well.

MNS