Are you prepared to save a life in the backcountry?

[coachcw]

I carry a roll of sports tape in my pack . from ankles to wound closure good to have .

[fastdam]

Where do you get the epipen?

[ICEMAN]

Where do you get the epipen?

From my doctor, I explained how far back I hunt, and he authorized a prescription for it.

Bet they cost a bit more these days, been a few years...

[jackelope]

I've got a CAT tourniquet. I take that thing everywhere in the mountains, fishing, etc. Where ever. You never know. I've got most of the other stuff mentioned. No airway kit, no means of coordinating a helo.

[ICEMAN]

I have watched one chopper search for quite a while to land and help a hunter on Tyee ridge one year. Seemed like they could not find the right camp at sunup. Without radio, maybe a flare or ?

[MLHSN]

I don't have an epipen, but I do take both Benadryl and Zantac.  I know Zantac is for an upset stomach, but it also blocks one type of histamine.  Your body has two types of histamines, one that Benadryl blocks and one that Zantac blocks.  If Benadryl isn't working enough, Zantac helps.  Just a thought.  This weekend I got lit up by a hornets nest while hiking with my little kids.  I forgot my bag if pills at home.  I'm glad no one had a severe reaction.

[RadSav]

I've used very little in my back country kit.  But the Sol blanket and bivi have been used a number of times.  Seems Hypothermia is the most common thing I run across in the back country.  I haven't carried any anti-diarrhea pills before.  That sounds like a good idea!  Made me go check and sure enough my Epipen has expired.  Better go get a new one soon.

[ICEMAN]

 

[Doublelunger]

Israeli bandage and quick clot are good. But if it's real bad the golden hour is the most important thing. Try to have a plan in the back of your mind for what you would do if $h1t hit the fan 

[usmc74]

This guy has some first aid/survival items

http://deltaoutdoorsman.com/scart/index.php?page=0&act=viewCat&catId=17

[huntnnw]

CPR outside a hospital setting is just about pointless...less than 2% survival rate once CPR is started

[SniperDanWA]

CPR outside a hospital setting is just about pointless...less than 2% survival rate once CPR is started

I just decertified in CPR and in WA the 2% is over 50%, so I will do CPR on you or anyone else should you need it.  Just saying, I don't quit a life.

I asked about the epipen too and I was told not to get one as the meds are too specific, so I carry small packs of Benadryl in the pack.

My FA pack weighs just under a pound.  Tincture, iodine, peroxide, ace, tape, superglue, bandaids ibuprofen, Tylenol, anti diarrhea and water pills.

[Curly]

I was looking thru my first aid kit the other day.  Do you think it's time to update some things if the expiration date on the anti-bacterial ointment is 1984? 

[Bean Counter]

Thanks Iceman for starting this discussion. 

My EpiPens (a 2 pack) were $40 after insurance. THEY ARE TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE. Do NOT leave them in a hot car, even once, or they will cook and be useless when a life is on the line. They can't stand extreme cold, either. I carry liquid Bennadryl myself as it is said to work faster. In case this whole Epi + Diphenhydramine discussion escapes anybody--we're talking bee stings or any other acute allergic reaction that can bring on anaphalaxis. You might not be allergic to bees right now, but if you kick over a hive you likely will be by the time you're stung 100x. Epinepherine opens up your swelling airway, so you can get some bendryl down.

Torniquets can save a limb but don't take them off once they're in place, especially if they've been on for a few hours. They need to be removed in the presence of medical professionals who can neutralize all the acids building up distal to the tourniquet before releasing them back into the rest of the body's circulation. A huge flush of acids can kill. Paramedics or nurses will administer bicarbonates via IV.

CPR outside a hospital setting is just about pointless...less than 2% survival rate once CPR is started

I just decertified in CPR and in WA the 2% is over 50%, so I will do CPR on you or anyone else should you need it.  Just saying, I don't quit a life.

There are different statistics worth noting. One is the resucistation rate in the field when performing CPR and defibrillation. The in-the-field number is quoted higher: 33% - 75%, depending upon a few factors and what not. However, one is not an official cardiac arrest survivor unless he or she walks out of the hospital alive (7-15%). Not sure where 2% comes from. Many people who are brought back from cardiac arrest wind up dying later on in the hospital. Its worth trying, and most states have Good Samaritan Laws so there's no reason not to give it a shot.

Cardiac Arrest Chain of Survival:

• Early activation of the EMS
• Early CPR
• Early Defibrilation
• ACLS

Note the words: early. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival declines 10%.

[Bean Counter]

Cutting edge research--from nowhere other than the University of Arizona 

This new, easier, simpler, safer method of CPR has DOUBLED resuscitation rates.

Continuous Chest Compression CPR—University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center

Aaaaand... why you should never give up:

CPR Marathon: More Than Two Dozen Responders Resuscitate Neighbor for 96 Minutes