Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey S Burns on July 12, 2009 at 11:13am

Myself and my Wife are Paramedics and Medics on a SAR Team, we love the outdoors and Hike and Camp allot togeather we probably carry allot more medical stuff than the "normal" wilderness enthusiast but have come across many that carry NOTHING AT ALL. Here is a list of stuff our " basic " kit contains.

Assorted bandaids and butterflys
8 - 4x4 gauze pads
8 - 2x2 gauze pads
2 - 5x9 gauze pads
1 - bloodstopper bandage
1 - SWAT -T Tourniquit The C.A.T. Tourniquit is also very good for wilderness applications.
1 - 4 inch Israeli bandage
1 - 6 inch Israeli bandage
1 - 4 inch elastic bandage
2 - rolls Kling 4 inch bandage
1 - SAM Splint
1 - EMT Shears
1 - CPR Mask
1 - LED Light (Head Lamp)
10 - 325 mg Tylenol (personal use)
1 - Stethescope
1 - roll 2inch cloth med tape
1 - aluminum blanket

Permalink Reply by Morgan Gonzalez on July 12, 2009 at 12:33pm

After being a medic in the army, and spending six years in management at an independent high end mountaineering store. I would hope that before someone spends money on an inexpensive first aid kit at the local drug store, that they would first do there homework and understand the components that going into a well packed first aid kit. First of all band aids are great when you are a kid, but do little if you have taken a fall and need a compression bandage. Knowing where you are going and understanding the adventure you are about to take should dictate what kind of medical supplies should be in your first aid kit. From car camper to backpacker the needs will be different. Adventure Medical Kits makes a wide array of kits with instructions, which is always nice since more often than not most outdoorsmen may not have had any medical training. Be smart open the kit before you go and know what you have versus what you don't. Stay safe, stay alive, and always let someone know where you are going. Don't deviate from the plan.

Permalink Reply by Sandra on July 12, 2009 at 5:39pm

What's an Israeli bandage & where can you get them?
Speaking of band-aids, I usually have a few colored or fun-type band-aids on hand for kids who get cuts and scrapes. I also always carry Benadryl, as it can be given to someone who displays an allergy to just about anything -- poison ivy or oak, bee sting, etc. In the case of a bee sting allergic reaction, it's just a small antidote for a mild reaction until you can get to a medical facility. Better yet, if you know that someone in your party is allergic to bee stings, take an Epi-pen with you. It's specifically for bee stings, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Ask your doctor about getting one.
The most recent thing I have added to my medical backpack (no longer just a kit lol) is Quik Clot, a bandage for clotting blood. I have also heard about QR, which is a powder that does the same thing. The light weight of the latter is perfect for backpacking trips.

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey S Burns on July 12, 2009 at 6:31pm

The Emergency Bandage, also known as the Israeli Bandage, was first introduced in the late 1990s to upgrade U.S. Army first aid kits. These bandages were first marketed towards military special forces, but today, it’s issued to the entire U.S. military with over one million bandages in the field.

•Quick and easy for self application, and medical professional application
•Consolidation of numerous treatment devices (Non-Stick Pad, Pressure Applicator, Secondary Sterile Dressing, Closure Bar) into a single unit
•Significant per treatment time and cost savings
•Designed with the end-user in mind

http://countycomm.com/ISRAELIBANDAGE.htm
http://www.remotemedical.com/Israeli-Emergency-Bandage-4




Sandra Essary said:

What's an Israeli bandage & where can you get them?
Speaking of band-aids, I usually have a few colored or fun-type band-aids on hand for kids who get cuts and scrapes. I also always carry Benadryl, as it can be given to someone who displays an allergy to just about anything -- poison ivy or oak, bee sting, etc. In the case of a bee sting allergic reaction, it's just a small antidote for a mild reaction until you can get to a medical facility. Better yet, if you know that someone in your party is allergic to bee stings, take an Epi-pen with you. It's specifically for bee stings, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Ask your doctor about getting one.
The most recent thing I have added to my medical backpack (no longer just a kit lol) is Quik Clot, a bandage for clotting blood. I have also heard about QR, which is a powder that does the same thing. The light weight of the latter is perfect for backpacking trips.

Permalink Reply by susan on August 14, 2009 at 10:15pm

throw in a small tube of superglue. For those times when your best friend just has to show you how to filet a fish. But starts with trying to sharpen the knife and misses almost loping off the whole finger. Works great!!!

Permalink Reply by Sandra on August 31, 2009 at 8:32pm

Duct tape helps close larger wounds, too.

susan said:

throw in a small tube of superglue. For those times when your best friend just has to show you how to filet a fish. But starts with trying to sharpen the knife and misses almost loping off the whole finger. Works great!!!

Permalink Reply by Sandra on January 20, 2010 at 2:28pm

What's the difference between a bloodstopper bandage and an Israeli bandage? Does the former have something like Quik Clot embedded in it?

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey S Burns on January 20, 2010 at 3:19pm

Hello,, Blood Stopper is a Brand Name and is very similar to the Israeli Bandage.. it does not contain any clotting agents and operates almost the same as a Israeli dressing.. Vet wrap or "Coban" is very effective also in constricting blood flow or applying pressure to a wound,, for major beeding.

Permalink Reply by Sandra on January 20, 2010 at 6:45pm

So why do you bring both in your first aid kit?

Jeffrey S Burns said:

Hello,, Blood Stopper is a Brand Name and is very similar to the Israeli Bandage.. it does not contain any clotting agents and operates almost the same as a Israeli dressing.. Vet wrap or "Coban" is very effective also in constricting blood flow or applying pressure to a wound,, for major beeding.

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey S Burns on January 24, 2010 at 8:26pm

The size and type of wound usualy dictates what I use... a open wound with little bleeding... or a open wound with major bleeding, I carry the israeli in 4 inch and 6 inch.. the 6 inch is for large wounds,, a blood stopper has a 4 inch pad also... which is a good size for common lacerations.

Permalink Reply by tom headrick on January 10, 2012 at 11:32pm

in addition to the above list by Jeffery S Burns

super glue
calamine lotion,
soap (antibacterial, (liquid solid) even the tiny motel soaps)
aspirin (hiccups)
i-b-profin (anti swelling, can prevent damage from swelling)
snake bite kit
triple anti-bacterial ointment
pre-threaded needles and thread for emergency sutures (sterilize with "hand sterilizer" or boil)
triangular cloth - sling/sprain
"hand sterilizer"
tweezers
small razor sharp knife (razor)
small magnifying glass
"mirror on a stick" (like dentists use)
iodine tablet water purifiers
squirt bottle of vinegar if in jelly fish area
dental floss for various reasons
sunscreen
lip balm
safety pins