First aid gear and carry away ideas!

[Big_Saw]

Intelligence and common sense are our medium of exchange....your welcome....

[pathfinder3081]

So nice to return to such postive feedback people Thanks!

[ljonsey2005]

Being an EMT for 20+ years I have "acquired" many different storage devices and I must agree with Pathfinder...the trustworthy tackleboxes are the way to go. You can buy them in different sizes for your individual needs and weather conditions do not play havic with them. Right now I have 2 of the larger boxes that fold open from the top and have slide out drawers for the little things and the big compartment in the bottom for bulky items. Every chance I get I buy items that come in bulk and then break them down into manageable pieces. The thing to watch is expiration dates...most packaged items like gauze rolls, pads or bandaids will not go bad unless exposed to direct sunlight and then it effects the packaging...still good if needed, but perhaps not "sterile". Please...if I am wounded, don't let that deter you from saving my life :) I don't keep perishable items such as drugs in great quantity, because of shelf life. I keep those things that aren't in my first aid kits placed in banker boxes and labeled. I can still grab and go if I need to leave my home and everything is still with me. Awhile back there was a thread to military manuals and they provide good information as to general firstaid and even biological/chemical firstaid.
One thing that I have in EVERY firstaid kit is super glue...makes for a great fast suture...it will burn like the dickens, BUT you won't bleed to death and that is a good thing :P

[denvernative321]

Its funny you say (I cannot count the times that I have seen people doing wreck less things hours if not days away from a hospital short of a air rescue.) seems like every time i go camping with friends and such, every time i see someone that is AlWAYS doing stupid stuff. i had a friend almost cut off his toes with an axe even after i told him how close he was he goes right back to it. thanks for the info though it was good read.

[slowz1k]

Dang! I had missed this too! Very good read, and right at a time when I've been re-addressing this very issue too.

Thanks Pathfinder!

[cc21]

Good write up!! I would be interested in hearing about some of the books you have read. I'm looking to add some medical books to my library.

[Big_Saw]

Good kits...great write up....also glad to see that you're packing within your scope of ability/knowledge....and being versatile, as well...

[Diesel]

HUH I missed this thread somehow. Awesome write up Pathfinder. Let's see some more First Aid related gear loadouts/kits

[Lil Bear]

Thanks pathfinder3081. It is always good to see what others are doing and usually we all can see something to add to our kits.

[pathfinder3081]

Many of the people in this forum are well informed and have scanned the globe in pursuit of information on provisions, preparation and the like. My ideas will probably seem old news to these individuals, but I trust that some people new to the forum will find one idea or two in my own discoveries as well. 1st Let me first say that I am not in the medical field. The extent of my training does not go beyond a short stint in the Marine Corp, a Scout leader when my son was a Cub and reading. Lots of reading in which I would encourage you to do as well. 2nd The most important thing of all in my view is not to become injured. I cannot count the times that I have seen people doing wreck less things hours if not days away from a hospital short of a air rescue.
And 3rd, get to know your doctor. Remember they are just people with a lot more education (smile). I have done some blue water sailing and when you start talking of a trip and your concerns of being away from competent medical services, you might be surprised how they help you.
My supplies are broken into three major groups. My base or home group contains the many items that one would expect. I stumbled across these Tackle boxes at Target or some other store on sale at $14.00 each. While that have yet to be filled to capacity, they are strong, and have stayed dry in the environments I have taken them in. They have a nice, tight, lock down clasp on the ends and could be tossed ten feet into the back of a pickup with very little ill effect. The tray compartments are adjustable to a great extent. I don’t feel the need to address the contents with you, but in the bottom there is plenty of room for a various kits, a foot tub and Epson salts.
( you gotta take care of your feet)

My second group would be pulled away from the base group for shorter excursions via car on vacations or larger groups on foot. The bag is produce by Columbia. It was a travel kit, well made of heavy “Rhino-Skin” nylon and is again lined and padded with a waterproof material inside; $10.00 on sale at Campmor.com. Check em’ out if you haven’t. My sister called me up one year and asked what I wanted for my birthday this year. “ I copy and paste” the advertizment and was tickled to get it. It retailed for $35.00 I think. Campmor is an old link for some of you, but a good link none the less. (gotta spread the love)

And as I step down to my third and final group? Outdoor Research bags. They are hardy and tough in the field. I think the black one was originaly a backpacking kitchen kit. The Red, a simple Hygiene kit. These kits are taken for hikes and travel abroad. I try to never go far without a few basics. Especially traveling overseas. Antibotic basics, a few Butter-Fly band aids and some creams is all I risk going thru customs anymore. ( I fear that they will confiscate for their own stash)

Here in the states I pack these kits according to my needs. Sometimes I enjoy pulling out my staple gun to scare small children crying about a scratched a Knee. Especially if they’re in the campsite beside me. (just kidding). But seriously, study the books available. Don’t think that you can perform a Tracheotomy on the road side. But do try to be prepared to react with confidence to a nasty gash, broken limb or related illnesses. Speak with confidence to your patient. Everybody has got to try and relax.(smile) I hope that I have gave you some packaging ideas that are affordable. Very few medical supplies are. PF