Whats in your medical kit.

[Okki]

Most of us have some sort of medical kit in our trucks for emergency/camping use.

The content of the kit below got a really good review on Expedition Portal. I thought it would be helpful to post the contents here so people can use it as a starting point for a good basic kit. The main item the author felt was missing was an Epi Pen. Also keep in mind that any drugs kept in a vehicle have a short lifespan because they go bad due to the frequent chance in temperature and temperatures going over 80F.

On a side note, I'm going to be putting together a checklist for overland adventures and the list below will be on there for the med kit. I also will be putting together a list of tools. this will be focused on main areas of the vehicle and the tools associated i.e. Socket 10, 11, 13, 17: Skids, Body panels, Sliders.

Anyone with any lists/suggestions, please post here so we can put the list together faster/easier/more complete.

Okki
------------------------------
http://www.expeditionportal.com/accessories/2785-adventure-medical-kits-grizzly.html

Sportsman Grizzly - Medical Kits - Adventure® Medical Kits - First Aid Kits and Survival Gear

Bandage Materials
9 - Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, 1" x 3"
7 - Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, Knuckle
2 - Bandage, Conforming Gauze, 3"
1 - Bandage, Elastic, Self Adhering, 2"
3 - Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 2" x 2", Pkg./2
3 - Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 4" x 4", Pkg./2
2 - Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3" x 4"

Bleeding
1 - Gloves, Nitrile (Pair)
1 - Syringe, Irrigation, 20 cc, 18 Gauge Tip

Blister / Burn
1 - Moleskin, Pre-Cut & Shaped (14 pieces)

CPR
1 - Instructions, Easy Care CPR
Duct Tape
1 - Duct Tape, 2" x 50"

Fracture / Sprain
1 - C-Splint™, 4" x 36"
1 - Cohesive Elastic Bandage, 2"
1 - Bandage, Elastic with Velcro, 3"
2 - Bandage, Triangular
1 - Instructions, Easy Care Fracture & Sprain

Medical Information
1 - Comp. Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine
Instrument
3 - Thermometer, Disposable

Medication
4 - After Bite Wipe
4 - Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg)
2 - Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2
4 - Diamode (Loperamide HCI 2 mg), Pkg./1
5 - Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2
1 - Instructions, Easy Care Medications

Wound Care
8 - Antiseptic Wipe
1 - Cotton Tip Applicator, Pkg./2
1 - Instructions, Easy Care Wound
2 - Skin Tac Topical Adhesive Wipes
1 - Syringe, Irrigation, 20 cc, 18 Gauge Tip
1 - Tape, 1" x 10 Yards
4 - Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Single Use
1 - Wound Closure Strips, 1/4" x 4", Pkg./10
1 - Register Your Kit card
2 - Orange 2" x 2" Biohazard Label
2 - 5" x 8" Ziplock Baggie
1 - Povidone Iodine 3/4 oz

Field/Trauma Kit
3 - Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 4" x 4", Pkg./2
2 - Gloves, Nitrile (Pair)1 - Instructions, Easy Care Bleeding
1 - QuikClot Sport 25g
1 - Trauma Pad, 5" x 9"
1 - Trauma Pad, 8" x 10"
1 - Moleskin, Pre-Cut & Shaped (14 pieces)
1 - CPR Face Shield
1 - EMT Shears, 4"
3 - Safety Pins
1 - Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps
1 - Pencil
1 - Accident Report Form
1 - Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2
2 - Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2
4 - Antiseptic Wipe
1 - Dressing, Petrolatum, 3" x 3"
1 - Swat-T™ Tourniquet
1 - Orange 2" x 2" Biohazard Label
1 - 5" x 8" Ziplock Baggie

 

[Stream2Stream]

THANK YOU! I've been pondering this exact same problem (even down to the tools that are an absolute necessity for me to take).

I would add New-Skin to the list. I once went on a week long fly-fishing trip with a new line to test out. It was textured and I RIPPED my finger open on the first hook set of the trip. Long story short, I couldn't keep the area bandaged up (that line was basically serrated and ripped every attempt to shreds). Finally towards the end of the trip I found this stuff at a drug store. LIQUID GOLD.

New-Skin Liquid Bandage | Walgreens

 

[WODWorldWide]

On Amazon for $89.00 with free 2 day shipping with prime. Med Kits on z amazonz

 

[Lenny33]

Why do you have a syringe with a 18 gauge tip, but no meds associated with it? If just for irrigation and cleaning a wound, I would suggest a 1 liter bottle of saline. It is better for irrigation and you need the volume it provides.
I know, not compact, but worth it if you need it.

 

[KCcarguy]

Most of us have some sort of medical kit in our trucks for emergency/camping use.

The content of the kit below got a really good review on Expedition Portal. I thought it would be helpful to post the contents here so people can use it as a starting point for a good basic kit. The main item the author felt was missing was an Epi Pen. Also keep in mind that any drugs kept in a vehicle have a short lifespan because they go bad due to the frequent chance in temperature and temperatures going over 80F.

On a side note, I'm going to be putting together a checklist for overland adventures and the list below will be on there for the med kit. I also will be putting together a list of tools. this will be focused on main areas of the vehicle and the tools associated i.e. Socket 10, 11, 13, 17: Skids, Body panels, Sliders.

Anyone with any lists/suggestions, please post here so we can put the list together faster/easier/more complete.

Okki
------------------------------
Adventure Medical Kits Grizzly - Accessories - ExPo: Adventure and Overland Travel Enthusiasts

Sportsman Grizzly - Medical Kits - Adventure® Medical Kits - First Aid Kits and Survival Gear

Bandage Materials
9 - Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, 1" x 3"
7 - Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, Knuckle
2 - Bandage, Conforming Gauze, 3"
1 - Bandage, Elastic, Self Adhering, 2"
3 - Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 2" x 2", Pkg./2
3 - Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 4" x 4", Pkg./2
2 - Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3" x 4"

Bleeding
1 - Gloves, Nitrile (Pair)
1 - Syringe, Irrigation, 20 cc, 18 Gauge Tip

Blister / Burn
1 - Moleskin, Pre-Cut & Shaped (14 pieces)

CPR
1 - Instructions, Easy Care CPR
Duct Tape
1 - Duct Tape, 2" x 50"

Fracture / Sprain
1 - C-Splint™, 4" x 36"
1 - Cohesive Elastic Bandage, 2"
1 - Bandage, Elastic with Velcro, 3"
2 - Bandage, Triangular
1 - Instructions, Easy Care Fracture & Sprain

Medical Information
1 - Comp. Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine
Instrument
3 - Thermometer, Disposable

Medication
4 - After Bite Wipe
4 - Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg)
2 - Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2
4 - Diamode (Loperamide HCI 2 mg), Pkg./1
5 - Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2
1 - Instructions, Easy Care Medications

Wound Care
8 - Antiseptic Wipe
1 - Cotton Tip Applicator, Pkg./2
1 - Instructions, Easy Care Wound
2 - Skin Tac Topical Adhesive Wipes
1 - Syringe, Irrigation, 20 cc, 18 Gauge Tip
1 - Tape, 1" x 10 Yards
4 - Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Single Use
1 - Wound Closure Strips, 1/4" x 4", Pkg./10
1 - Register Your Kit card
2 - Orange 2" x 2" Biohazard Label
2 - 5" x 8" Ziplock Baggie
1 - Povidone Iodine 3/4 oz

Field/Trauma Kit
3 - Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 4" x 4", Pkg./2
2 - Gloves, Nitrile (Pair)1 - Instructions, Easy Care Bleeding
1 - QuikClot Sport 25g
1 - Trauma Pad, 5" x 9"
1 - Trauma Pad, 8" x 10"
1 - Moleskin, Pre-Cut & Shaped (14 pieces)
1 - CPR Face Shield
1 - EMT Shears, 4"
3 - Safety Pins
1 - Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps
1 - Pencil
1 - Accident Report Form
1 - Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2
2 - Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2
4 - Antiseptic Wipe
1 - Dressing, Petrolatum, 3" x 3"
1 - Swat-T™ Tourniquet
1 - Orange 2" x 2" Biohazard Label
1 - 5" x 8" Ziplock Baggie

I would add an epi-pen, and a CPR Mask. (Edit: just saw the "face shield")

 

[1engineer]

Add:
Glucose Gel
Several Maxi Pads in Wrapper

I use a different kit but this one has the basics most people would know how to use.

 

[Lenny33]

Most people that have a use for an epi pen, carry an epi pen. I would stay away from carrying drugs that you are not qualified to administer. Epi is not a benign drug with no side effects - it can be dangerous if not used correctly.

Benadryl - fine.
Even the backcountry pain killer combo of staggering Tylenol, aspirin, and ibuprofen is fine.

 

[Bay33saw]

I always carry a few non lubricated condoms in my truck and in my BOB.
lots of uses for them.

 

[KCcarguy]

Most people that have a use for an epi pen, carry an epi pen. I would stay away from carrying drugs that you are not qualified to administer. Epi is not a benign drug with no side effects - it can be dangerous if not used correctly.

Benadryl - fine.
Even the backcountry pain killer combo of staggering Tylenol, aspirin, and ibuprofen is fine.

Benadryl works for itching rashes and mild swelling, but won't help a true anaphylactic reaction. If you are truly in the middle of nowhere and, God forbid, you or someone in your group have some kind of anaphylactic reaction to a bite or sting it would be the only thing that would save you. But I wouldn't carry one without first consulting with a doctor on signs/ symptoms of a severe reaction.

 

[Intruder]

The content of the kit below got a really good review on Expedition Portal. I thought it would be helpful to post the contents here so people can use it as a starting point for a good basic kit.

More importantly, what's in your kit that you are able/qualified to use? Lots of kits have tons of stuff that the average person has no clue about. A well-stocked kit is next to useless without the accompanying knowledge.

I once went on a week long fly-fishing trip with a new line to test out. It was textured and I RIPPED my finger open on the first hook set of the trip. Long story short, I couldn't keep the area bandaged up (that line was basically serrated and ripped every attempt to shreds).

Haha, I hate Sharkskin lines for that exact reason.

 

[phillyd2]

If it needs more than this:

Then this:

 

[Lenny33]

Benadryl works for itching rashes and mild swelling, but won't help a true anaphylactic reaction. If you are truly in the middle of nowhere and, God forbid, you or someone in your group have some kind of anaphylactic reaction to a bite or sting it would be the only thing that would save you. But I wouldn't carry one without first consulting with a doctor on signs/ symptoms of a severe reaction.

Well if you know all the indications and contraindications for Epi and are trained to use it, carry it in your kit. I do - and I will.

To suggest the lay-person carry around epi and start handing it out without any knowledge of how it works and when to use it is grossly incompetent. If it were without risks, you would find it in every first aid kit and over the counter.

 

[Okki]

Both a quick how-to and a comprehensive Wilderness & Travel Medicine guide can be found in the kit.

But yes.. anyone serious about their first aid or placing themselves in a position where they could suffer the need for serious first aid should get trained.

Okki

 

[Stream2Stream]

Haha, I hate Sharkskin lines for that exact reason.

Yep. Now I deal with Rio a lot. Their lines are awesome and have yet to leave my finger ragged.

ps - That line is still sitting in my closet. Blood stains and all.

 

[bernardmwrangle]

Good call Okki, I just sent my list to [MENTION=105154]boodabill[/MENTION] on a PM about traveling to Baja, and I was going to do the same kind of post today!

I posted about this before, but training training training, the best thing you can do is take a Wilderness First Aid Course. I took one from Kristina at Sweet Otter who is also an avid off-roader, it is a weekend course, invaluable. Sweet Otter Training - Education - Certification - 831.251.3955 - Home

I would not recommend getting a pre-made kit, they are rarely comprehensive enough to justify the price. As you can see from the pics below I use a Pelican 1400 case. I added drawer dividers I got at the container store to the bottom, and a file folder organizer I got at Office Depot to the lid, which is great for storing bandages and other thin stuff.

I would echo [MENTION=104688]Lenny33[/MENTION] regarding epi pen, I learned in my Wilderness First Aid course that you can do harm with those, and if someone is carrying their own you should assist them with administering it to themselves, not grab it and administer it yourself. You have to be aware of your duty to match your treatment with your skill level.

I think blood clotting products are also pretty strong medicine that have to be used with care and training.

Also according to my trainer, neosporin, alcohol wipes, and Iodine are out of favor since they kill the good stuff and the bad stuff at the same time? Irrigation with clean water or saline is all that is needed.

As far as additions to your list Okki, I would add:

pepto bismol tablets on the meds, especially for mexico!

As [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said, tampons are great to have, you are a real hero when you supply some to a woman who needs them and is six hours away from any market!

Tegaderm wound dressings, these are see through and they breathe, if you have a cut and you are on a long trip you can observe the cut healing without having to remove and re-dress.

Emergency tooth care: Dental Mirror, Cavit temporary tooth cement, Dental Wax, Anbesol and Clove Oil (good natural solution) for tooth pain.

Instant Cold Packs
Instant Heat Packs, you can get the large size of the ones you see in Ski Shops

SAM splints, the big one and the little ones for fingers

WaterJel burn dressings. Expensive but very effective.

As [MENTION=6163]phillyd2[/MENTION] already noted, hello kitty and batman band aids are a must, they make grown ups and kids feel better.

For that bogus and evil weed poison oak, Tecnu Wipes and Zanfel, Zanfel is expensive but the only thing that really works for Poison Oak.

Insect Repellant Wipes

Cyalume light sticks, in case you need light or someone has to wait around for a while in the dark.

Depending on how far out you are going, there are GPS emergency locator like the Spot Tracker. Overland Journal did a review on these a few issues ago, they are relatively affordable and there was one that could send and receive texts from anywhere.

<a href="http://s1251.photobucket.com/user/sitting_still/media/FA1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh559/sitting_still/FA1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo FA1.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1251.photobucket.com/user/sitting_still/media/FA2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1251.photobucket.com/albums/hh559/sitting_still/FA2.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo FA2.jpg"/></a>

 

[boodabill]

Here's the list from @ bernardmwrangle that he sent me:

• Plastic Gloves, lots
• Ziploc Bags for disposing of dressings and gloves
• Triangular Bandages, basic lots of uses
• Irrigation Syringes, for washing out cuts etc. w water
• Cold Packs
• Heat Packs
• WaterJel Burn Dressings expensive but effective
• Ace Bandage
• Gauze Pads lots
• Dressing Tape
• Tegaderm Dressing high tech breathable band aids
• Steri Strips good for larger cuts
• SWAT Tourniquet and know how to use it
• Hello Kitty and Batman band aids good for kids and adults
• SAM splints one big one and little ones for fingers
• Oral Rehydration Salts
• Dental Mirror and Cavit Dental cement emerg. tooth issues
• GUM Orthodontic Wax
• Eye Wash
• Thermometer
• Clove Oil natural solution for tooth pain
• Pepto Bismol - key for Mexico!
• Advil
• Aspirin
• Benadryl and Benadryl spray
• Sunblock
• Insect Repellant Wipes
• Tecnu Wipes for Poison Oak
• Zanfel expensive but the only thing that really helps for Poison Oak
• Splinter Tweezers with Magnifying glass
• Rescue Remedy cream, good for cuts etc.
• Tampons - I can't tell you what a hero you will be when you produce tampons for that hot Canadian backpacker chick you meet camping on some remote beach, ha!

My "health insurance" is light therapy. I have a Low Level Laser, also known as a cold laser, that I bought a few years ago and I travel with it everywhere. It can be used to heal about 80% of all injuries, from major burns, cuts, and sunburn to heart attacks. It will slow bleeding, give you energy, boost the immune system.

This is the newest laser, best features for price.


I have the Q1000 and it works fine. Of course, this doesn't substitute entirely for western medicine and knowing survival treatments.

 

[KCcarguy]

Well if you know all the indications and contraindications for Epi and are trained to use it, carry it in your kit. I do - and I will.

To suggest the lay-person carry around epi and start handing it out without any knowledge of how it works and when to use it is grossly incompetent. If it were without risks, you would find it in every first aid kit and over the counter.

But yes.. anyone serious about their first aid or placing themselves in a position where they could suffer the need for serious first aid should get trained.

Okki

I guess I'm making a couple of assumptions here:

-anyone carrying a hard-core first aid kit like the one above should have training and knowledge to use it properly. Otherwise it's just a fun accessory for your truck that takes up space.

-anyone traveling in the deep wilderness should have a decent level of health and fitness. Assuming this, I can't think of a scenario an epi-pen would cause permanent harm or injury. Can you?

 

[Okki]

My "health insurance" is light therapy. I have a Low Level Laser, also known as a cold laser, that I bought a few years ago and I travel with it everywhere. It can be used to heal about 80% of all injuries, from major burns, cuts, and sunburn to heart attacks. It will slow bleeding, give you energy, boost the immune system.

This is the newest laser, best features for price.

I have the Q1000 and it works fine. Og course, this doesn't substitute entirely for western medicine and knowing survival treatments.

Wow.. $4250 to $4950 is hardly going to make it into my med kit any time soon. Saw nothing really on the site (quick glance) about what it does and how it's supposed to work? Any 6th grade explanation [MENTION=105154]boodabill[/MENTION] ???

Okki

 

[Lenny33]

I don't want to start an argument here, but it is just really not a good idea at all. Epi can be a DANGEROUS drug if not used properly. There are very real risks of heart arrythmias, strokes, and drug interactions in people that are seemingly "fit" enough to be in the backcountry. Here in Colorado I could pass a person with a heart sensitivity to Epi, someone with hypertension that could develop a head bleed after Epi, and somebody that is taking meds that don't play well with Epi all within 50 yards of the trailhead.

Besides the risk you could be setting up for your patient, I hope you are ready to tell your wife and kids (sorry, don't know your family situation) how you risked their financial welfare by setting yourself up to get the holy crap sued out of you for administering a drug that you were not qualified to administer.

Epi should only be carried if you are the holder of a prescription pen or somebody in your family is, or you are a doc, nurse, medic, etc.

And again, I echo Okki's suggestion to get trained before you put yourself in the care provider seat.

 

[KCcarguy]

I don't want to start an argument here, but it is just really not a good idea at all. Epi can be a DANGEROUS drug if not used properly. There are very real risks of heart arrythmias, strokes, and drug interactions in people that are seemingly "fit" enough to be in the backcountry. Here in Colorado I could pass a person with a heart sensitivity to Epi, someone with hypertension that could develop a head bleed after Epi, and somebody that is taking meds that don't play well with Epi all within 50 yards of the trailhead.

Besides the risk you could be setting up for your patient, I hope you are ready to tell your wife and kids (sorry, don't know your family situation) how you risked their financial welfare by setting yourself up to get the holy crap sued out of you for administering a drug that you were not qualified to administer.

Epi should only be carried if you are the holder of a prescription pen or somebody in your family is, or you are a doc, nurse, medic, etc.

And again, I echo Okki's suggestion to get trained before you put yourself in the care provider seat.

Ok. Good points. Especially the liability.....It's sad that we live in such a litigious society, because it really could save someone's life if needed. I think the problem here is with a kit that extensive, you are the assuming the role of a trained first aid provider. ( BTW, if I'm within 50 yards of the trailhead and not true backcountry, I'm calling 911 and letting the pros handle it) And while we're on that topic, I would also question how good sumaritan laws might apply to first aid in general. Because a kit like that suggests you plan to provide more care than just BLS. For example, I'd argue that you could likely get yourself into more trouble trying to set/ splint/ manipulate a long-bone fracture (sever a vessel or throw an embolus, permanent nerve damage) with that splint set-up you're carrying than you could with an epi-pen. Maybe it's best someone not pretent to be a medical professional and just keep a more basic setup....or just a carry magic laser. :shrug: