+Bluejaytoo Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 I know the whole "What's in your pack?" subject has been covered ad nauseum, but I haven't found any threads specific to what's in the first aid kit. I'm never satisfied with those prepackaged kits; so do any of you have a custom one you've put together, and what's in it? I haven't put one together yet, but so far my partial list is: Band Aids Peroxide Alcohol Swabs Ace Bandage Gauze Tape Scissors Tweezers/forceps (for ticks, splinters) CalaGel or Tecnu (for poison plants) After Bite (for insect stings) Ace Bandage Space Blanket Latex gloves Quote Link to comment
+radioscout Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Only band aids, tweezers for revoval of ticks, alcohol swabs and something to put on insect bites. Quote Link to comment
+3AMT Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 People take first-aid kits out with them? Hey now that is a good idea. Quote Link to comment
+Mule Ears Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Bluejaytoo, is that kit for yourself or a "family" kit to take care of owies? I ask because I recently reorganized my kit to eliminate all of the minor-cut/scrape bandaids and ointments. I used the room that freed up to add some extra hand-sanitizer wipes, insect-repellent wipes (in season), chapstick, and sun-block. It's not that bandaids weigh much or take up excess room, they're just clutter. I made the change after I realized that I have never bothered to put a bandaid on a minor cut or scrape while out on a dayhike. I just clean them and apply pressure until they stop bleeding (if necessary). Usually, by the time I do get home, I find that a clean, sealed cut doesn't need a bandaid anyhow. If you're looking after kids, the bandaids and ointments are probably a good idea. Quote Link to comment
+Gummi Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Just Band aids, Bactine & deep woods off. I now wear heavy-duty leather gloves for searching, eliminates cuts completely! Quote Link to comment
Sadie Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Bandaids, needle nose pliers (for the cactus). Quote Link to comment
+Cache us Clay Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I also bring Benadryl. It helps for bug bites and reactions to plants. Quote Link to comment
+Mearth Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Antiseptic wipes, a bandana, bug juice, tweezers, a tiny bottle of baby powder, a thin menstrual pad (great, clean bandages for big scrapes), 3 butterfly bandaids, a packet of Emergen-C, a double shot of scotch, some duct tape and a couple of the green velcro strips that come with lettuce. I use all those supplies regularly enough that they've earned their space in my pack. I used to carry all the doo-dads but found that I just don't use them. Whenever possible, anything I plan to carry/propel very far should serve more than one purpose. Keeps the pack/kayak tidy and light. Quote Link to comment
+Mary&Dave Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 The basics: Duct tape, toilet paper, neosporin, purell, benadryl, advil, compeed blister pads, tweezers (better ones than on my pocket knife), and an ace bandage. Sometimes baby wipes and Zanfel (where poison oak is problematic). Duct tape & toilet paper form a good bandaid, which actually sticks to skin. That got us through a 2000-mile backpacking trip this past summer and only added a couple ounces to the backpack. Quote Link to comment
+Mule Ears Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I also bring Benadryl. It helps for bug bites and reactions to plants. Thanks for reminding me! I've been meaning to add that to my FAK pharmacy. I understand that the pills can be crushed to make a paste for treating rashes, ingested for more general allergy symptoms (hayfever), and used as a sleep aid should circumstances strand you in the boonies overnight. Right now all I have are a few aspirin and Ibuprofen. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 (edited) I know the whole "What's in your pack?" subject has been covered ad nauseum, but I haven't found any threads specific to what's in the first aid kit. I'm never satisfied with those prepackaged kits; so do any of you have a custom one you've put together, and what's in it? I haven't put one together yet, but so far my partial list is: Band Aids Peroxide Alcohol Swabs Ace Bandage Gauze Tape Scissors Tweezers/forceps (for ticks, splinters) CalaGel or Tecnu (for poison plants) After Bite (for insect stings) Ace Bandage Space Blanket Latex gloves I have most of that. The space blanket goes with my survival stuff though and not in my first aid kit. In addition to what you have listed, I have aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofin, Immodium and antihistimine tablets as well as a tube of Aquaphor ointment. Though I don't have one, I know some people who also carry a SAM Splint. Edited January 5, 2006 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
+Bluejaytoo Posted January 5, 2006 Author Share Posted January 5, 2006 In response to Mule Ears' question, it's pretty much a kit to cover whomever may need it, including anyone I happen upon along the way. As a first responder, I've often thought I should be a little better prepared. (Sorry to say, I don't even have a first aid kit at the moment.) I haven't decided, but depending on the size, it'll either be with me in my pack, or kept in the Jeep with all my other survival goodies. Good point, Brian, on the drugs, I'll add them to my list. I do normally have some aspirin in the Jeep, not everyone sees it as the cure-all that I do. And I think a SAM Splint would be good to have in the Jeep as well. Quote Link to comment
+Map Only Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I carry a multi-tool and duct tape....... I'll add a kit with blood pressure cuff, stethescope, bandaging and splinting materials and a wheeled litter if someone's sick or injured. Quote Link to comment
+Munin Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I normally cache with a fanny pack, and found the following fits into one of its pockets quite nicely: Ace bandage Moleskin Assorted band-aids (regular, tiny, knuckle) Butterfly bandages Gauze pads (mix of 1x2, 2x3, 4x4) 1" gauze wrap Small tube of neosporin Antiseptic wipes Nail clippers Scissors Tweezers During warmer weather I'd have allergy pills and Sting-Eze/Afterbite in there too, but pollen and insects really aren't much of a concern in New England this time of year. Most of the above is based on things that have happened to me more than once - minor injuries, but a background annoyance if untreated - the splinter or torn fingernail that catches on every frigging object for the rest of the afternoon, the scraped knuckle that I keep reopening while searching among the rocks. They're not particularly dangerous - just take some of the fun out of the hunt. I bring them along since they only take up a little space and can keep me happy and chipper. A few things (ace, butterflies, larger pads) are there for dealing with events that aren't common, but where I've had close calls with the potential to really suck - an awkward slip on a leaf-strewn hill that could have led to a strain/sprain, misjudging a slope and tumbling arse-over-teakettle off my mtn bike, sitting down on a rock outcrop and noticing the shard of broken glass half an inch from my hand, etc. So far I've escaped with nothing worse than bruises to my ego (and a few of my softer body parts ). If something serious happens the caching day's most likely over right then and there, so I'll settle for getting the sprain wrapped or the cut butterflied/bandaged good enough that I can limp (or send a co-cacher) back to the Jeep for the more serious first aid kit. Side note: It just struck me that I've dedicated more space in my pack to cache repair supplies than I have to human repair supplies. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Moleskin Forgot that. I always have it along. Not so much for me, beause my boots fit, but there is always someone who is wearing new or ill fitting hiking boots. Quote Link to comment
+Tiffany's Slaves Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Moleskin Forgot that. I always have it along. Not so much for me, beause my boots fit, but there is always someone who is wearing new or ill fitting hiking boots. Well, OK Mr Rockafeller... thanks for announcing that YOUR boots fit. Next time I'll put jelly in them to see if they also fit the bears (((stomach))) Quote Link to comment
magellan315 Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I'd suggest that you add something like Pepto Bismal or Immodium AD to take care of upset stomaches. Also if you require any specialized meds, for example if someone is allegic to bee stings, add those as well. I carry a small assortment of bandaids and gauze pads, 2% iodine(disinfects water and wounds), Immodium AD, trial size bottle of hand disinfectant, and moleskin. I haveyet to use any of this on myself, but I have handed out band aids to a couple of people with kids. Quote Link to comment
+Cache us Clay Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I also bring Benadryl. It helps for bug bites and reactions to plants. and used as a sleep aid should circumstances strand you in the boonies overnight. I'm stranded in the boonies every night - and you're right, Benadryl does wonders! Quote Link to comment
+Ian5281 Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I only carry a tourniquet and hack saw... like a real man. Quote Link to comment
+wandersfar Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 most all of the above and I do carry a sam splint..... Quote Link to comment
+clearpath Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I've always thought about carrying morphine on long camping/canoeing/geocaching trips. Sometimes we go camping in wilderness areas that could take several hours to a day to get out of. If someone broke their leg or foot, the shock of the pain could cause serious problems. Has anyone ever considered a strong pain killer for their first aid kit? Just curious ... Quote Link to comment
+GEO.JOE Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I've always thought about carrying morphine on long camping/canoeing/geocaching trips. Sometimes we go camping in wilderness areas that could take several hours to a day to get out of. If someone broke their leg or foot, the shock of the pain could cause serious problems. Has anyone ever considered a strong pain killer for their first aid kit? Just curious ... On multi day wilderness trips I have taken stronger pain meds and antibiotics. What I take with me on everyday trips: Toilet Paper Baby Wipes Hand Sanitizer Biodegradable soap Iodine Duct tape Mini multi tool New Skin - antiseptic liquid bandage Cold and Sinus med with antihistamine Tagamet Immodium AD Aleve Quote Link to comment
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