Hi,
I'd like to start a thread about items in a first aid kit.
I have added some neat stuff to mine.
My kit is mainly for when out in the woods, clearing trails or hunting.
I would like ideas about items that anyone thinks I am missing.
I bought a basic first aid kit with band aids...
added;
- CELOX powder to stop major bleeding
- medical sissors (to cut through tough clothes)
- burn pads
- large and small gauze squares
- pen light (with batteries)
- mole skin and blister bandaids
- butterfly bandaids
- spray on hydrogen peroxide
- Polysporin
- pain meds (check expiry dates)
- pocket mask (for mouth to mouth)
- finger splint
- SAM splint (bends to your needs)
- Various size and types of bandaids
- bit of duck tape
- tweezers for splinter
I also put everything in a ziplock bag and labeled it.
zip lock bags, they are clean and sanitized on the inside so can be used for first aid
Tampons pads, they sop up an incredible amount of blood
field dressings, military - can be used as above items, also use as bandanna or for turnacates or slings
sewing needles x4 two large two small
sewture thread and normal thread
safety pins
safety razors like the type to do automotive, very sharp blades, safe one side for cutting
scalpel
rubber bands
crazy glue for quick cut closing
electrical tape can be used instead of med tape and is sterile and hard to get dirty either
lighter to sterilize pins and blades
alcohol pads for cleansing areas before bandages
Triangular bandages...great for immobilizing limbs after a break or dislocation.
A wound cleansing solution can be made at home by boiling 1 liter water for 5 minutes and dissolving 1 tsp. plain table salt in it. Let it cool and storein the fridge for 24 - 48 hours.
A note about pain med expiry dates...medications in pill form are very stable and are effective long past the expiry date. Although the effectiveness does degrade after time (several years), there was a study done by the US military that found that pill form medications are effective to some degree long after the expiry date.
Darn it Denob you beat to the triangular bandages. I also Keep a dozen Aspirin, Tylenol, and Ibuprofen plus 1/2 a dozen Gasex and a small bottle of Anbesol.
Do you have a wholesellar for medical items ? I have been looking to start a medical kit. Thank you for sharing.
the Military Field Dressings have triangular bandages in them since Vietnam issues began.
If you in GTA the Pickering Flea Market has a guy who sells Medical Supplies, in his booth. Some are great priced.
I did get most of my items from the guy in the Pickering Flea Market.
I found it difficult to find a lot of stuff.
WildernessReturn... What are the rubberbands for?
thanks
Rubber bands can be used for advanced first aid,
quick tournacets until you can make up a better one
use to bind the corners in triangle bandages
hold kit together
host of other things as well. make sure they are good quality not dollar store ones, for the rubber bands wider better and a mid sized bands.
Most important to have with all of this is the knowledge of when and how to apply it. In many instances equipment gives a false sense of security. Be it first aid, defence, food preparation... you have to have some basis of the how and why to use your equipment effectively and safely. As I see it, injuries would mostly be blunt trauma, lacerations or penetrating wounds. Fractues would generally be a subsection of blunt trauma. The dictum of "Do No Harm" applies in all of this. Whatever you decide to do.. the outcome should cause no more damage than has already been inflicted. Yes... a laceration needs to have the flow of blood stopped.... but not at the expence of losing the limb. If you are applying a tournequite know how to manage it as well. Same with a splint. A fracture can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves and potentially the part of the limb away from the body if the broken bone impedes circulation. A compound fracture is one of the most dangerous related to infection. Take courses and keep our knowledge up to date. If you can get some practical expreience as well... either with a formal group or freinds who are Nurses, Paramedics or SAR trained.
where can we find suture in canada and a mask that can be reuses during a pandemic
Looked through your list again, it does not contain surgical gloves
Georges, I'm not sure about sutures, but I used to buy my medical supplies from 'Ontario Medical Supply', 1100 Algoma Rd, in Ottawa. 613-244-8620.
Looked through your list again, it does not contain surgical gloves
Can't belive we missed that one. Very important for both the patient and health providor!
Hello
I would like to add a tick removal kit. We managed to get a couple from our local hospital.
As for sutures there are a few medical supply places online where you can buy them. I have also seen a disposable staple machine for sale.
Wysard,
wow your fist post here is awesome and helpful thanks for joining in, take care