Post by: ICEMAN on August 18, 2013, 08:48:14 PM
I have a great kit for my truck, and a pretty respectable kit for my backpack.
Here are a few items I already carry and place a lot of value with;
Epipen
Anti-diahreal medications
Antihistamine meds (benadryll type meds)
Aspirin
Tourniquette
Sawyer Vacuum snake bite kit
Hard Candies
Suture kit
My first aid kit obvisouly contains a whole bunch of other items, but I am talking about life saving items in this example.
Post by: Biggerhammer on August 18, 2013, 08:51:25 PM
Post by: ellensburgpo on August 18, 2013, 08:52:32 PM
Everything up to a sucking chest wound.👍 Anything beyond that and there better be cell reception to call a ride.
And a priest if you have a sucking chest wound in the backcountry....
Post by: usmc74 on August 18, 2013, 08:55:09 PM
REI has classes
Post by: Ridgeratt on August 18, 2013, 08:55:55 PM
It has been a few years since I have gone through my backcountry first aid kit. From Epipen to Aspirin to Benadryll, I need to tear it all down and start replacing things. I still need to add some blood clotting medium to my kit, still want some better tourniquettes, and definitely need to review my life saving skills.
I have a great kit for my truck, and a pretty respectable kit for my backpack.
Here are a few items I already carry and place a lot of value with;
Epipen
Anti-diahreal medications
Antihistamine meds (benadryll type meds)
Aspirin
Tourniquette
Sawyer Vacuum snake bite kit
Hard Candies
Suture kit
My first aid kit obvisouly contains a whole bunch of other items, but I am talking about life saving items in this example.
So go visit your Vet they have a product they use when they cut a nail too close called "cut stop" Almost cauterizes the bleed in a dog. I carry some for both my dog and I guess if I need it will stop a leak in me!!
Post by: lostbackpacker on August 18, 2013, 08:56:30 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on August 18, 2013, 08:57:47 PM
Come on guys, post up special life savers you carry so the newbies can learn something!
Post by: ellensburgpo on August 18, 2013, 09:00:33 PM
Post by: madmack76 on August 18, 2013, 09:04:30 PM
Post by: Elliott on August 18, 2013, 09:06:14 PM
Post by: turkeyfeather on August 18, 2013, 09:07:16 PM
I think you can get it at Big R or other farm feed stores of that nature.It has been a few years since I have gone through my backcountry first aid kit. From Epipen to Aspirin to Benadryll, I need to tear it all down and start replacing things. I still need to add some blood clotting medium to my kit, still want some better tourniquettes, and definitely need to review my life saving skills.
I have a great kit for my truck, and a pretty respectable kit for my backpack.
Here are a few items I already carry and place a lot of value with;
Epipen
Anti-diahreal medications
Antihistamine meds (benadryll type meds)
Aspirin
Tourniquette
Sawyer Vacuum snake bite kit
Hard Candies
Suture kit
My first aid kit obvisouly contains a whole bunch of other items, but I am talking about life saving items in this example.
So go visit your Vet they have a product they use when they cut a nail too close called "cut stop" Almost cauterizes the bleed in a dog. I carry some for both my dog and I guess if I need it will stop a leak in me!!
Post by: Lincoln4 on August 18, 2013, 09:07:21 PM
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Post by: norsepeak on August 18, 2013, 09:12:26 PM
Post by: runamuk on August 18, 2013, 09:17:45 PM
I have bigger triage stuff in mine also. Bout the only thing I don't have is airway kitbalpoint pen and sharp knife sterilized will work, prefer a sterile syringe and prefer to never have to trach man or beast but know how.
I don't really have a kit or otherwise, clothes on my back and knife have been sufficient in a few circumstances. I figure all the kits and "stuff" isnt gonna do a darn bit of good if I cant keep my wits and know how to handle an emergency. I took my first cpr and first aid class at age 11 couldn't even get a card until I was 13 mine is currently out of date but I have mostly kept current since I was 11. Have dealt with all manner of kid and animal disasters. I am not too worried if i cant deal with it then well whats meant to be is meant to be.
Post by: dreamunelk on August 18, 2013, 09:21:01 PM
Post by: coachcw on August 18, 2013, 09:24:07 PM
Post by: fastdam on August 18, 2013, 09:26:05 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on August 18, 2013, 09:28:42 PM
Where do you get the epipen? :yike:
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...
Post by: jackelope on August 18, 2013, 09:33:17 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on August 18, 2013, 09:38:16 PM
Post by: MLHSN on August 18, 2013, 09:43:20 PM
Post by: RadSav on August 18, 2013, 09:51:18 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on August 18, 2013, 09:56:17 PM
Post by: Doublelunger on August 18, 2013, 10:12:13 PM
Post by: usmc74 on August 19, 2013, 05:02:10 AM
http://deltaoutdoorsman.com/scart/index.php?page=0&act=viewCat&catId=17 (http://deltaoutdoorsman.com/scart/index.php?page=0&act=viewCat&catId=17)
Post by: huntnnw on August 19, 2013, 05:25:10 AM
Post by: SniperDanWA on August 19, 2013, 05:49:05 AM
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.
Post by: Curly on August 19, 2013, 05:58:55 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 19, 2013, 06:27:43 AM
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 startedI 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%.
Post by: Bean Counter on August 19, 2013, 06:31:27 AM
This new, easier, simpler, safer method of CPR has DOUBLED resuscitation rates.
Continuous Chest Compression CPR—University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcbgpiKyUbs#)
Aaaaand... why you should never give up:
CPR Marathon: More Than Two Dozen Responders Resuscitate Neighbor for 96 Minutes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2nKerO1UFs#ws)
Post by: RadSav on August 19, 2013, 06:32:51 AM
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? :dunno:
:chuckle: Funny because I've been there! I have a good kit that travels in my car with fire extinguisher and full medical. Figured it was time to replace the fire stuff. After I was done I think the only thing left in there was 4X4's and a pair of sissors. Guess I did get it back when I passed the OOL test back in '83!
Post by: huntnnw on August 19, 2013, 06:36:11 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 19, 2013, 06:47:17 AM
Northwest Fire Department performed one of the premiere case studies for prehospital resucistation rates for the U of A's new chest compression-only CPR. You might be surprised by the results--do some research if interested.
Post by: lee on August 19, 2013, 06:47:40 AM
To add to the discussion, I also carry a PLB (Personal Locating Beacon) , ... not a SPOT but a dedicated unit.
Lee
Post by: Alchase on August 19, 2013, 07:26:49 AM
The original study stated a survival rate of less 10% of "Out of Hospital" events where CPR was initiated, is 50% better then no CPR initiated (where the 50% came from).
And "in Hospital" events up to 20% survival where CPR was initiated.
Additionally, studies have shown that survival falls by 10-15% for each minute of cardiac arrest without CPR delivery.
Note, those are the (10-15% ) percentages, of 10% "out of Hospital" and 20% "in hospital" survival rates.
Statistics are funny sometimes.
Post by: Sunbkpk on August 19, 2013, 07:38:34 AM
Post by: cowboycraig on August 19, 2013, 08:21:35 AM
Everything up to a sucking chest wound.👍 Anything beyond that and there better be cell reception to call a ride.
Use a credit card to stop a sucking chest wound. Something rigid and plastic to plug the whole and allow breathing.
Craig
Post by: cowboycraig on August 19, 2013, 08:23:00 AM
It has been a few years since I have gone through my backcountry first aid kit. From Epipen to Aspirin to Benadryll, I need to tear it all down and start replacing things. I still need to add some blood clotting medium to my kit, still want some better tourniquettes, and definitely need to review my life saving skills.
I have a great kit for my truck, and a pretty respectable kit for my backpack.
Here are a few items I already carry and place a lot of value with;
Epipen
Anti-diahreal medications
Antihistamine meds (benadryll type meds)
Aspirin
Tourniquette
Sawyer Vacuum snake bite kit
Hard Candies
Suture kit
My first aid kit obvisouly contains a whole bunch of other items, but I am talking about life saving items in this example.
All looks good. I would add:
+ Quick Clot
+ Israeli Bandage
Post by: hntrspud on August 19, 2013, 08:33:18 AM
Whats an israeli bandage?
Post by: boneaddict on August 19, 2013, 08:43:10 AM
Post by: whacker1 on August 19, 2013, 08:44:22 AM
Post by: Yankee on August 19, 2013, 08:59:51 AM
Post by: Curly on August 19, 2013, 09:27:35 AM
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? :dunno:
:chuckle: Funny because I've been there! I have a good kit that travels in my car with fire extinguisher and full medical. Figured it was time to replace the fire stuff. After I was done I think the only thing left in there was 4X4's and a pair of sissors. Guess I did get it back when I passed the OOL test back in '83!
My wife needed some anti-bacterial ointment the other day so I went and grabbed my first aid kit. I noticed the expiration date on the ointment and said "You're okay if it's a little past the expiration date, aren't you?" She's like, uhhh how much past the date? "Oh, 29 years isn't too much is it?" :DOH: :chuckle: Yeah, I need to go thru and update things. :o
Post by: Wazukie on August 19, 2013, 09:36:49 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 19, 2013, 10:25:57 AM
Cordage of some type
Compresion bandage
Quick Clot
Tweezers
Needle and thread
Thermal blanket
Post by: CoryTDF on August 19, 2013, 10:30:23 AM
I recently took a CPR and first aid training class at work. My wife and I were talking about dropping the money on an AED for the house and to keep in the truck during hunting. With all the older out of shape folks I see in the woods, never know when I might need it for my camp or a neighboring camp.
Was spending the 4th at Padilla bay camping with my family when I was about 17. A lady pulled into our camp and started screaming her husband was dead! My dad pulled him out of the car and began CPR until he was relieved by another guy. That guy did it till the ambulance arrived. The guy died. Guess it was a heart attack. They were on there honey moon. :( Not sure an AED would have helped but it couldn't have hurt. Might have saved that guys life. Good idea!
Post by: Fishnfowler on August 19, 2013, 01:04:10 PM
Saving a life sounds awfully dramatic. I would open someones airway in the backcountry, but I would assess the circumstances before starting CPR and wouldn't just jump on it like a duck on a june bug. My trips to the backcountry generally mean I don't see anyone else, I'm usually disappointed and surprised if I run into another party. Carrying a bunch of stuff just for that eventuality seems goofy to me. The most important things to have on a trip are a coat, matches, water, flashlight, and a strong sense of self-preservation. Other than that, telling someone where you are going and when you are coming back are more important for survival than a first aid kit.
Post by: Doublelunger on August 19, 2013, 01:17:23 PM
I dont care what the numbers are, if someone is dying, and I have the training I do, I sure as heck am not going to stand by. That person could be the 2%.
Whats an israeli bandage?
The Emergency Bandage or Israeli bandage is a specially designed, first-aid device that is used to stop bleeding from hemorrhagic wounds caused by traumatic injuries in pre-hospital emergency situations.First used for saving lives during a NATO peacekeeping operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the bandages were successfully used during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The emergency bandages were nicknamed "Israeli bandage" by American soldiers, and have been "the bandages of choice for the US Army and special forces.
Post by: Doublelunger on August 19, 2013, 01:24:52 PM
http://www.chinookmed.com/cgi-bin/item/05130 (http://www.chinookmed.com/cgi-bin/item/05130)
Post by: akirkland on August 19, 2013, 02:34:05 PM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on August 19, 2013, 02:40:19 PM
Where do you get the epipen? :yike:
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...
Be careful, but my Doctor told us that my son's epipen do expire :dunno:
Post by: bassquatch on August 19, 2013, 03:56:01 PM
I carry my cell phone and a hand held CB, I have to get certified in first aid, CPR and AED every year for my employment and never hesitate to help someone in need, however I also make step 1 contacting the pro's! :tup:
Excellent thread! :tup:
Post by: Fishnfowler on August 19, 2013, 09:00:22 PM
Nothing wrong with someone having the willingness to "open an airway" but you better research where to cut! It's not like in the movies and too high you are doing more harm than good. :twocents:
I carry my cell phone and a hand held CB, I have to get certified in first aid, CPR and AED every year for my employment and never hesitate to help someone in need, however I also make step 1 contacting the pro's! :tup:
Excellent thread! :tup:
Not sure if that was targeted at my statement or the person who was talking about a cricothyrocotomy, but I meant a simple head tilt chin lift.
Post by: bassquatch on August 20, 2013, 09:03:10 PM
Nothing wrong with someone having the willingness to "open an airway" but you better research where to cut! It's not like in the movies and too high you are doing more harm than good. :twocents:
I carry my cell phone and a hand held CB, I have to get certified in first aid, CPR and AED every year for my employment and never hesitate to help someone in need, however I also make step 1 contacting the pro's! :tup:
Excellent thread! :tup:
Not sure if that was targeted at my statement or the person who was talking about a cricothyrocotomy, but I meant a simple head tilt chin lift.
Not really 'targeted', just a general comment about a subject we covered in my last first aid class. :tup:
Post by: twinners on August 21, 2013, 10:22:02 AM
Post by: SFD2015 on August 21, 2013, 10:37:57 AM
http://www.itstactical.com/store/medical/ (http://www.itstactical.com/store/medical/)
These guys have a pretty good set up. I agree with everyone here about equipment. Benedryl is best in liquid form (If your airway is closing due to anaphylaxis you probably won't be able to swallow a pill, versus a liquid).
The biggest key to your equipment is knowing how to use it. On top of some basic trauma bandages, naproxen sodium, benedryl, immodium, band aids, SAM splint, maker, and tape (I prefer the heavy cloth medical tape). The Israeli Bandage is an AWESOME bandage. I have a rubber type of tourniquet, but the Tactical tourniquet is better.
As GI Joe used to say, Knowing is half the battle. Classes are all over the place. Just make sure your class is partly outside. All inside classroom classes aren't realistic. CPR on the ground is different than CPR on a carpeted floor or on a table.
Post by: headshot5 on August 21, 2013, 10:44:30 AM
Quote
Haven't seen anyone ask so are the hard candies for diabetic episodes are do they serve another purpose, besides being delicious.
Breath freshener for after CPR... :chuckle:
Post by: Curly on August 21, 2013, 10:46:18 AM
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on August 21, 2013, 10:56:06 AM
Post by: bmccalister on August 21, 2013, 11:08:55 AM
Post by: brianmtsinc on August 21, 2013, 03:29:19 PM
I appreciate the different ideas and opinions. I think everything in my first aid kit is expired and this has prompted me to completely rethink what I will carry in my pack in 2 weeks!! Thanks ICEMAN! :tup:
Post by: jrebel on August 21, 2013, 04:41:49 PM
If we wanted to make a day out of it I would also volunteer to add first aid to the class.
Here are the only two catches:
1. It has to be in the greater Wenatchee area.......preferably in Wenatchee so we can use my companies education room.
2. It will have to be after Sept. 15th....When I return from elk camp. There is a very small window before the rifle season. If this not work we can schedule a class in the off season in preparation for the 2014 season.
We can totally customize the class so if there are any other members with special training in back country and / or military survival training we could also add that.
Let me know what you think.
Johnny
Post by: Bean Counter on August 21, 2013, 04:47:05 PM
Post by: westernarcher on August 21, 2013, 04:51:09 PM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on August 21, 2013, 05:22:16 PM
My big question is snake bite. I used to carry around the suction thing and then read that it wouldnt help at all. Ive looked online and asked many people what to do and the answer is just get to a hospital. That dont work work for me when Im in 5-10 miles.
Send someone else to get help?
Post by: Knocker of rocks on August 21, 2013, 05:26:19 PM
I used to carry around the suction thing and then read that it wouldnt help at all
The NIH says to use em if you got em
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000031.htm)
Post by: jrebel on August 21, 2013, 06:09:22 PM
My big question is snake bite. I used to carry around the suction thing and then read that it wouldnt help at all. Ive looked online and asked many people what to do and the answer is just get to a hospital. That dont work work for me when Im in 5-10 miles.
Snake bites kill very few people in the US every year. I don't remember the exact number....but last year we trained with our MPD (Medical Program Director) and the reported numbers nation wide of deaths by rattlesnakes was about 6 for the year and that training was in Sept. Needless to say...if you die from a rattlesnake bite, you are really unlucky.
Post by: Knocker of rocks on August 21, 2013, 06:36:24 PM
I have heard that there has never been a fatal bite in Washington except for puppies
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on August 21, 2013, 07:26:18 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 21, 2013, 08:15:39 PM
If you are stung by a bee, and use the epi pen, will that be enough to remove you from the danger zone permanently? Or are they a temporary band aide?
It is very possible that you have recurrent anaphylaxis up to 4-8 hours after using an Epi pen. Most individuals that have an anaphylactic reaction that go to the ER will be monitored for many hours. In most cases they will be given Benadryl and some corticosteroid like solu Medrol.
Due to the chance of recurrent anaphylaxis......the epi pen should be treated like a band aid. You are gambling otherwise and it is not worth losing your life.
Johnny
Post by: Jayfire83 on August 21, 2013, 08:54:32 PM
Cardiac arrest 3 miles from a rig plus however far in you are by road isnt good..the stats I have here at the hospital are not even close to 30%Glad your optomistic about pre-hospital care!! I wouldnt be a paramedic if i based everything on stats. They may be slim, but hey you do what you can!
Post by: Andrew on August 21, 2013, 09:09:16 PM
Post by: acnewman55 on August 21, 2013, 11:25:16 PM
Most back-country medical emergencies can be prevented long before you get out of your truck by good physical conditioning, solid judgement, experience and hunter orange. You can improvise splints, bandages, etc relatively easily. Duct tape should solve 90% of your problems.
The reason I carry a tourniquet is a personal story. It's really the only superfluous ounce I allow myself in the back-country. I carry it for SAR, but I'm going to start carrying it while hunting because it looks cool - especially if you have the MOLLE kydex sheath 8) (I don't)
People love to bring up the emergency tracheotomy anytime first aid is mentioned... :bdid: (cue up the story about your uncle's coworker's sister that performed one on a transcontinental flight).
Post by: Bean Counter on August 22, 2013, 04:12:59 AM
My big question is snake bite. I used to carry around the suction thing and then read that it wouldnt help at all. Ive looked online and asked many people what to do and the answer is just get to a hospital. That dont work work for me when Im in 5-10 miles.
Snake bites kill very few people in the US every year. I don't remember the exact number....but last year we trained with our MPD (Medical Program Director) and the reported numbers nation wide of deaths by rattlesnakes was about 6 for the year and that training was in Sept. Needless to say...if you die from a rattlesnake bite, you are really unlucky.
Most snakebites happen in Arizona. :hello:
I think the last CE class I went through for my volunteer EMT program they studied a recent year, maybe 2010 if I remember correct. There were little over 6,000 snake bites and like 3 fatailities. Its more scary if the snake is little because they don't know how to control their venom. I believe most fatailities involving a snake bite are because some genius decided to apply a torniquet. Do not apply a torniquet. There are at least a few documented cases where the torniquet was even removed in a hospital setting and the individual dies. So much toxic crap builds up distal to the torniquet between the lactic acid and the venom that it is nearly impossible to neutralize.
Medical protocol in my area is to remove all constricting items such as watches, rings, shoes, etc. Even if it is not on the affected extremity. If you have a sharpie marker you can mark the line of the swelling and the time as it grows and that will help the doctors get an idea as to the extent of the envenomation. Do not ice. That draws the venom to the core of the limb and causes more harm than good.
Speaking for Arizona, there is no need to kill the snake and bring it to the hospital. All snakebites, at least in my state, are treated with the same antivenin. Attempting to capture the snake needlessly risks secondary bites. You can still get bit and injected by the head even if it is decapitated.
Post by: dreamingbig on August 22, 2013, 05:18:18 AM
Where do you get the epipen? :yike:
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...
I am now alergic to nectarines. Two epipens cost me a $15 copay.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on August 22, 2013, 05:33:08 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 22, 2013, 05:59:25 AM
I am now alergic to nectarines. Two epipens cost me a $15 copay.
That ain't too bad. My copay for two is $40.
Post by: Knocker of rocks on August 22, 2013, 06:00:46 AM
Good post Ice !! Something we all take for granite ...
No schist, that was gneiss of him
Post by: cvandervort on August 23, 2013, 06:13:16 AM
I like the post, and tend to agree with the "duct tapers"...besides the medicine, there's not much that a roll of the silver stuff can't do. Not as sexy as pro stuff though. Just out of curiosity, has anyone had to use quick clot before? I assume it works well...?
Post by: wt on August 23, 2013, 03:22:51 PM
Post by: npaull on August 23, 2013, 04:00:31 PM
Similarly, I think an epipen is a waste of money for most people unless you have a known anaphylactic reaction to something that you may well encounter out there (bees, for example). Same goes for snakebite kit - probably worthless.
You want a life-saving med in your kit, bring aspirin.
I carry suture kit/local anesthesia in camp or in the car etc (not practical for everyone), aspirin, pain meds, something to clean water... that's about it most of the time. If going to be gone a long time, may add a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Most other stuff is just for comfort and amounts to toiletries more than first aid.
Post by: ICEMAN on August 23, 2013, 05:27:51 PM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on August 23, 2013, 08:51:06 PM
I'm a surgeon, so I gotta say i think the quick-clot stuff is probably fairly gimmicky. I'm not saying it doesn't work - it probably does provide some benefit - but here's the thing. If you have normal blood, ALL bleeding that can be stopped will stop with direct pressure eventually. If you're dealing with a bad wound, put pressure on it and DO NOT let up. That's the key - the temptation to look is almost overwhelming. You've gotta put pressure on and keep it up. I've seen someone survive having a leg literally ripped off at the hip because the person they were with had the presence of mind to get pressure on the wound and not let up until the patient was in the operating room.
Similarly, I think an epipen is a waste of money for most people unless you have a known anaphylactic reaction to something that you may well encounter out there (bees, for example). Same goes for snakebite kit - probably worthless.
You want a life-saving med in your kit, bring aspirin.
I carry suture kit/local anesthesia in camp or in the car etc (not practical for everyone), aspirin, pain meds, something to clean water... that's about it most of the time. If going to be gone a long time, may add a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Most other stuff is just for comfort and amounts to toiletries more than first aid.
I think you have to have a prescription for an epi-pen, and then it is only good for that individual. So we gotta be careful about giving out meds.
I have heard good things about the clot products.
Post by: 3nails on August 23, 2013, 09:21:25 PM
Post by: MLHSN on August 23, 2013, 10:32:40 PM
I've seen 2 people bleed to death. Probably the hardest thing I've ever witnessed in my whole life. Especially while we tried so hard to get them to a field hospital.
When you are in the woods, it takes a heck of a long time to get someone to the doctor. In some situations, they are assed out, or they are not. Taking extra equipment, might make you feel better because "you did all you could." But the facts don't change. If someone hits a major artery, 10 mi. back. There isn't much I can do for them.
Post by: npaull on August 24, 2013, 09:11:05 AM
Post by: MLHSN on August 24, 2013, 08:42:14 PM
Post by: G.R.K on August 25, 2013, 08:53:34 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on May 19, 2014, 06:38:35 PM
Time to go thru things again and make sure everything is working and current! Is your sawyer extractor working? Epipen expired? Benadryl dead?