First Aid Kits

My 4Runner came with the $30 Toyota first aid kit option. It has the basics, could use some more supplies in there but at least the case looks good. I'll supplement it with my kit from the Army.
 

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if you are looking for true emergency supplies, that take up a small amount of room, look at north American rescues (narescue.com). this is where police, swat and even some military get their stuff from. they are surprisingly well priced on most items. I got my compact bvm from them along with a cat 7 and a bunch of other things
 
Build it up as you go

PIck up stuff over time, dont forget to refresh stuff like benydrll and such. a Here is a start. I Have a few different kits depending on activities or length I'll be away.


Basic,
Take a class
First aid manual
Gloves
Bandaids
Ointment
wraps
tourqnet-
Liquid bandage
benadryl
gauze
splint
soap
wipes
antiseptic wipes
antibiotic ointment
antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
hydrocortisone cream (1%)
acetaminophen and ibuprofen
extra prescription medications (if the family is going on vacation)
tweezers
sharp scissors
safety pins
disposable instant cold packs
calamine lotion
alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
thermometer
 
I run 1 ifak in my vehicle (more like a afak), 1 duplicate Ifak on my plate carrier (for gun games) and a fullblown trauma kit at home.

The Ifak (or afak) I have in my vehicle are as follows:

1. medical shears
2. tweezers
3. medical scissors.
4. quick clot
5. israeli trauma bandage
6. hemorrage pads
7. tourniquet
8. chest seal
9. roll of ace bandage
10. roll of gauze
11.. roll of medical tape
12. assorted bandaids
13. assorted antiseptic wipes/alcohol
14. motrin, benadryl, and allergy eye drops (opcon or napcon).
15. cpr plastic sheet
16. gloves
17. clothe mask
18. nasoesophogeal tube
19. oral airway opening kit
20. decompression syringe
21. space blanket

Yes its overkill, but the kit is small enough to compress into a basic IFAK pouch (so its small), as in tiny. Obviously, this is a kit that isn't designed for small cuts or things like that. The kit is designed to expand quickly at the pull of a tab, so repacking it is a pain in the butt. I have a altoid sized container i keep in the glove box for those life threatening paper cuts.

Point is don't buy stupid premade crap at your pharmacy or hardware store that won't save you from anything other than a papercut. Piece things that you need, and skip the stuff that you don't need.

Everyone should take a BLS course (its inexpensive and takes only a few hours). I'd still carry carry gear designed to keep airways open (nasoesophageal tube/oral airway kit/decompression syringe) even if you aren't trained to use it b/c you never know who might come to your rescue that does have training. Obviously, if you don't know how to use it, don't use it unless you want to potentially kill someone.

FYI my medical credentials are as follows:

PharmD
ACLS certified
and a bunch of other useless certs that are required to work in a hospital (inpatient pharmacy).

Real life experience: 0/1 on a cardiac arrest patient in a grocery store. The dood was pretty much dead when I got there, nobody else in the whole damn building had BLS training, and no AED available, so his odds of being resusitated where less than 1 percent. Anyways, I did BLS until EMT arrived which was 15 minutes later. What I learned in that situation, the general public are morons in general, don't listen to them in a panic situation. IF you are trained in BLS or ACLS just focus on what you were trained to do (it will come to you fast). If you aren't trained, back the F@ck up and STFU in those situations, or be useful and do crowd control. Sorry I have to vent, b/c a huge crowd formed before I arrived and they did nothing but shout at each other and take pictures....@#$# losers.

Pretty much my kit and this guy gets it. Oh, and I’m 0/4. CPR is really for the family to give some hope.
 
Pretty much my kit and this guy gets it. Oh, and I’m 0/4. CPR is really for the family to give some hope.



Our protocol calls for continuous chest compressions. Many studies are showing its more about legit early compressions, then defib, ALS, ED that make it happen.

I always find store bought first aid kids really lacking with quantity of 4x4s, Klingon and other bleeding control staples. Also make sure to get and train on some good tournaquets.
 
I really like how this bag fits in the door pocket on the 5th gen:

http://a.co/0X1Cu0S
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i use it as a blowout+ kit- it's large enough to hold a CAT tourniquet, israeli bandage, quick clot, trauma shears, chest seals, gloves, disposable cpr shield, aspirin, benedryl, glucose paste and there is enough room i also have some 4x4s and couple triangular bandages and ace wrap so i have the basics to get back to the big first aid kit in the vehicle when i'm on short hikes or out and about. (it used to have an epi pen but that thing just got way too old and i think it was over $500 when i tried to get a new one)

i did take the israeli bandage out of the outer bag (it's still in the inner sealed bag) so it would fit better, and you really have to cram the CAT in to get it into the tourniquet pocket but it comes out no problem.

i also keep a small seatbelt cutter/window punch attached to it, i wanted something that was easily in reach if i was in an accident and easy to grab if i was the first responder on another accident.

i need to get some narcan
 
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The biggest thing with this stuff is making sure you actually know HOW to use what you carry. I've seen guys on other forums talking about buying IV supplies and thinking they'll just learn how to start an IV in the heat of the moment.

Additionally, carry the correct items for what you're trying to do ie. tampons are NOT used for ballistic wounds and you most likely can NOT make a tourniquet but just wrapping your belt around a limb a couple of times (you HAVE to have a windlass...)

If you don't know how to use something in your kit, either take it out, or get the proper training on how to use it (proper training is NOT YouTube University...you need hands on practice for your skills).

As others have mentioned, most of the commercially available kits out there suck. They usually have too much of some things and not enough of others. The best bet is to get a bag or case and build your own. EMS suppliers will also be WAYY cheaper than going to your local CVS or Walgreens to buy bandaging supplies.

Emergency Medical Products | Emergency Medical Supplies & Equipment
Emergency Medical Supplies & Equipment | Bound Tree
Products With A Mission | North American Rescue
https://www.rescue-essentials.com/
Tactical Medical Solutions for Military and First Responders
https://www.galls.com/
https://www.chinookmed.com/

Those suppliers should get you drooling.......

I've had maybe 8-10 different setups throughout the years. I am currently in the process of splitting my huge pack up into multiple smaller packs that are easier to carry and then one advanced module to carry on trips etc.

I quit stopping at wrecks long ago. After being in the Fire/EMS business and having enough people on scenes who claim to be a "nurse", "medic", or "EMT" that have done nothing more than get in the way, I decided to not be one of those folks. I also live in a pretty urban/suburban area so the likelihood of me having enough time and equipment with me to do anything worthy are pretty slim. Being out in a rural setting or the wilderness/camping/wheeling arena is a totally different story. Furthermore, I would only use my ALS supplies on family/close friends...mainly for liability reasons.

Enough of the soapbox. Carry what you wish. If you have any questions, feel free to pick my brain. If I don't know the answer, I should be able to at least point you in the right direction.

On the note of pelican cases...Harbor Freight is carrying some knock-offs now that look pretty nice, but I don't know how big they get...most are small
 
best choice

The Compact First Aid Kit from TripWorthy is a great option for anyone searching for a kit that is lightweight and portable. Weighing only one pound, this kit is perfect for to store in your car, boat, or off-road vehicle.:lookout:
 
The PA I used to work for gave me this Blackhawk bag he didn't use anymore, so it's been my vehicle bag for some time now. My 4R is a daily driver so this bag goes everywhere with me.

TLvwN4j.jpg


4x combat gauze
4x S-rolled gauze
3x 4" ACE wrap
4x Hyfin chest seal
1x tracheostomy kit
2x 3 inch tape
1x 1 inch tape
4x CAT tourniquet
2x SOF-T tourniquet
1x EZ-IO needle set
4x 25ga syringe set
4x needle chest decompression
1x sharpie
1x C collar

BMgh1G5.jpg


Full diagnostic kit (stethoscope, BP cuff, otoscope kit)
2x epipen
4x red chemllight
1x surgical instrument set, complete (kellys, scalpels, needle drivers, scissors)
1x bulb suction
1x thermometer
1x box ammonia inhalant
1x bag assorted bandaids
4x Pedialyte electrolyte powder
2x trauma shears
1x meds box (sick call stuff + lidocaine)

si2y2T8.jpg


1x LR solution 1000ml
1x NS 1000ml
1x suture set
2x coiled IV tubing set
3x saline lock kit
1x BOA IV band
2x sterile field towel
alcohol prep pads


Of course most of this stuff isn't suitable for use on strangers given the limitations of good samaritan laws, but some things are just good to have for me + family & friends, plus those willing to sign a waiver (Hah!).
 
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I carry a doubled up IFAK (wife and I) as well as a small first aid kit like you would have at home. (band aids, burn cream, etc. etc.)
 
I have had (annually because of my job=Wildlife Biologist) training in Advanced First Aid, AED, and adult, child and infant CPR. As office Safety Officer, I also taught courses in Bear Defense, Bloodborne Pathogens, Insect Borne pathogens, diseases such as Valley Fever, Hanta Virus and Lyme Disease. Also, Rhabdomyolysis, heat and cold disease.

My 4Runner first aid kit (24/7) includes super glue, duct tape, Benadryl. pain relievers (Advil and Tylenol), razor blades, glass breaker, water, dehydrated soup, energy bars, 3 space blankets (Bivy cover kept elsewhere in the car), quick Clot (or equivalent), trauma bandages, various band aids, 2x2 and 4x4 dressings with Kling wrap, elastic bandages, temporary splint, bandage shears, solid fuel stove, glucose tabs (I'm diabetic), small flashlight, small battery lantern, windproof & waterproof matches, "Leatherman-type" tool, Burn salve, and that's all I remember. Also a portable CB radio and tool kit.

The RAV4 kit is smaller but similar (not used on longer trips nor used off-road).

BTW: Just returned from a tour of the SW and had to ford 5-6 mud holes in 4WD==found a guy who had gotten stuck, and I had taken my snatch strap out to save some room-NEVER AGAIN!!

Also, my copy of "Medicine for Mountaineering" by The Mountaineers.


Amazon.com: ASA Techmed First Aid Responder EMS Emergency Medical Trauma Bag Deluxe (Orange) : Health & Household

Edit: Don't forget spare eyeglasses!!! and TP!!!!

Edit #2: Recently added chest bandages (vented and unvented) to the mix!
 
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I carry an IFAK along with a tourniquet and stop clot, and lots of Motrin!
Haha i got Motrin in my doors and center consoles. Buddy got me some first aid kit from work. Haven't had to use it luckily. Other week some guys down from us fishing (as were we) got bit by a decent sized lemon shark 9+' on the arm while releasing it. Had to goto the ER.

Always got a roll of TP rolling around the rear floor tho [emoji23]


aba01be5e05760e75200df5d9564e235.jpg
 
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Yes...a basic one from the Walmart camping department...
cuz, ya never know...ya know

plus, i race motorcycles, crashes happen all the time...and, well,
ya never know...ya know

add to that, a couple protein bars, a couple bottles of water, a couple towels, roll of paper towels...
if i need more than that, then im not gonna be riding in my truck to take care of it.
 
If I have any bandaids it is by chance only. I focus on winter survival and vehicle survival. If I get attacked by a bear while focusing on one of those other things I will improvise.
 
How many of you guys keep a first aid kit in your rigs, whether it's basic or advanced, wanted to see what everyone had and if anyone had any recommendations.
I have a basic first aid kit in a zip up pouch given to employees of a company I once worked for back around 2000. It handily fits in the center console or in one of the rear fender well open cubbies of 3rd row 5 Gens. Mainly bandaids, gauze, sissors and the like. I threw in a tube of Neosporin as well. I also keep a bottle of generic ibruprofin in the console as well. And a fingernail clipper as I often get hangnails because I’m a senior and my nails easily split and break.
 
VERY basic...picked up one from the camping section at Walmart. now stored in the cargo bay side pocket.

It seems to have everything needed...but lets just say i wont be doing any emergency appendectomies with it.

Better to have and not need than to need and not have...
 
I quit stopping at wrecks long ago. After being in the Fire/EMS business and having enough people on scenes who claim to be a "nurse", "medic", or "EMT" that have done nothing more than get in the way, I decided to not be one of those folks. I also live in a pretty urban/suburban area so the likelihood of me having enough time and equipment with me to do anything worthy are pretty slim. Being out in a rural setting or the wilderness/camping/wheeling arena is a totally different story.

Our credentials are similar. So funny story from a couple weeks ago.

I was working first aid on my moto on a mountain bike race. I stop at a wreck and this dude is in 9/10 pain from his pelvic / proximal femoral region that I didn't want to mess with too much. No visible blood. No bruising. He's stable, responsive, and just in massive pain.

I need to add at this point that we are on single-track, about ten miles from any pavement. Haven't had cell service since breakfast. And that pavement is another two hours from any medical facility. So my dude has a nice, long wait.

I get him stable. Well as stable as I can. And as comfortable as I can with Acet and IB. I certainly wasn't going to dig into my personal stash of the good stuff for a stranger...

So then his riding buddy pulls up and sits down next to us. I'm talking to the fallen rider as his buddy is still sitting there. Trying to talk to him and determine what the heck we're going to do. Either transport in a personal vehicle or call the cavalry. And his buddy is still sitting there.

So I run a few miles up the road to where I've got like half a bar and call the 911 dudes. Give the coordinates. Yup. Be there in a couple hours.

Get back and my dude let's me know his friend is a doc. Not a doctor of history. Or some weird doctor of divinity. But a real, honest to God, physician. And not just any physician, but a real ER doc.

At this point, I'm kinda pissed. Like "take your dang patient" pissed. So I look over and say, "Hey doc, Im just a dumb medic over here. Your patient. What do you want to do with him."

He said, I was doing great and he didn't want to get in the way...:wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf::wtf:

Long story a little less long, the dudes with the off-road ambulance and the morphine finally arrived and we all had a happy ending.
 

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