What To Keep In Your Med Kit
BY Herschel Smith
3 years ago
We’ve discussed over my blegs before, things like Quik Clot, gauze, bandages, tourniquets, aspirin, etc. But this article makes some interesting points and I’m glad I read it before outfitting mine.
- Moleskin
- Blister Foam
- Orthopedic Felt
- Duct Tape
- Surgical Tape
- Krazy Glue
- Small Scissors
- Alcohol Wipes
- Gel Toe Sleves
- Scalpel, Pin, or Needle (for popping a blister)
- Ibuprofen
This is for blisters. He also deals with frostbite, deep cuts and burns, all of which are common in the bush.
But I think his point is that an injury such as deep blistering can be debilitating and can prevent effective movement. I’ve seen some awful blistering before. In the book “Awol on the Appalachian Trail,” the author deals with blisters so severe that they required a doctor’s attention to press and drain puss, followed by several weeks of recovery.
Needless to say, he didn’t move those few weeks. All he did was bed rest and heal.
Anyway, for what it’s worth. Feel free to fill in the details of other things you would put in your med kit.
On November 3, 2021 at 4:03 am, Aesop said:
Not so much, with about half that article.
I’ll break it down over about three posts, and I’ll include a decent kit list.
Baird’s an outdoors guy, for certain. But he’s not an outdoors medical guy, also for certain.
https://raconteurreport.blogspot.com/2021/11/wilderness-first-aid-kits.html
On November 3, 2021 at 5:44 am, Mike Austin said:
I would add an antibiotic. Cipro or Bactrim are both wide spectrum.
On November 3, 2021 at 11:54 am, Done. said:
Don’t forget to start with a good pair of boots.
On November 3, 2021 at 2:49 pm, ExpatNJ said:
Based on EMS BLS/ALS certification, I would add:
– Kotex® thick pads (better than 4×4’s at sopping-up blood)
– Coflex® flexible wrap
– Petrolatum Gauze and Saran® Wrap on-roll (lung wounds)
– Mupirocin (Bactroban®) topical antibiotic ointment (longer stay time)
– Silvadene® topical antibiotic cream (deep burns)
– Benadryl® oral liquid and softgels (allergic reactions)
– Ambesol® liquid/gel and/or Novocaine/Lidocaine (topical anesthetic)
– Cotton Swabs (Q-Tips®), Toothpicks (wood), Tweezers
– Flashlight, Cyalume® light-stick, Magnifying Glass, Reading Glasses
– Stethoscope, BP Cuff (manual), Pulsox (battery)
– Mirror (pocket-size combo survival/face)
– AED (Automatic External Defibrillator)
On November 3, 2021 at 4:27 pm, xtphreak said:
@Done
and so9x
good wool sox
On November 3, 2021 at 4:27 pm, xtphreak said:
wish I didn’t “fat finger” so much
On November 3, 2021 at 5:00 pm, BRVTVS said:
One very good but dated book is “Home in your Pack” by Bradford Angier, who was an outdoors writer from the 50s and 60s. He had the sense to let an MD write the chapter on first aid kits. I believe he also coauthored a book on wilderness medicine with an MD. See https://archive.org/details/beingyourownwild00kode
On November 3, 2021 at 8:32 pm, Done. said:
@xtphreak
This site has no tolerance for fat finger.