A "roll your own" recipe for a first aid kit

[BarabooDad]

As an old Navy Corpsman (and MD now), I never go anywhere without a couple of battle dressings, both medium and small, and triangular bandage which can be used as a sling or a tourniquet. While most first aid is cuts and scrapes, bruises, mild burns, and strains, once in a while something bad does happen. Little 3x3's and 4x4's are not going to help then, but a battle dressing or a tourniquet can be life saving.

I know that current EMS training says tourniquets aren't needed anymore. That may be true in Boston or Seattle with trauma centers minutes away. Unfortunately, not so true in rural American where I've seen a man die because no one applied a simple tourniquet. (Or Iraq/Afghanistan, where they are routinely used).

So be safe; go to your local surplus store, buy a small and medium battle dressing and a "cravat" (triangular bandage). Have some kind of sturdy stick available to tie down the tourniquet (can be the bandage shears after you cut off all the nearby clothes). Learn how to tie on dressings, slings, and tourniquets, not just use tape. (Tape doesn't stick well when there's lots of blood). Then hopefully you'll never need to use any of this. (Another thing I've learned in 23 years of medicine - the more prepared you are, the less goes wrong!)

Happy RVing

[Radio]

Doc Baraboo...

I actually have a modern combat first aid kit with several large bandages and such in it. I was teaching a class on an Air Force Base and there was a stack of these in a supply cabinet. They gave me one.

SHHHHH!

I hope I NEVER have to use some of the stuff in there. And welcome to the forum!

[NDJollyMon]

I work in a military fire station. We have those battle dressings on every rig, and train with them as well. I've been a Nationally Registered EMT for...over 20 years myself. I've used them, and they work.

And for those that haven't seen one...they are simply large gauze dressings with cloth ties on them:



There are some like products out there for sale. One is called The Emergency Bandage. Some have made improvements to the product.

I agree with the others...you can never be TOO PREPARED. Things happen when you least expect it. I have a first aid kit in the travel trailer, in the tow vehicle, and in the home. (and fire extinguishers too!)

Never hurts to take a first aid class either. Come up my way...I'm an instructor!

[quiltertess]

I would add 2 more things to the list - 4 quarters for emergency phone calls, if you don't have a cell phone. As a long time scout - this one one of the most important items in the first aid kit. Of course now, everyone has a cell phone, but there are still lots of areas that don't get cell service. The second item is (now don't laugh) a maxi pad or two. They are great for compressess to stop bleeding and they hold quite a bit of fluid.

[NDJollyMon]

great tips! Those maxi's can have....multi uses!

[tonyz]

Scanning over these posts I don't see anyone mention 2 very useful First Aid Items

Steri Strips and Super Glue. Multiday Backcountry Kayaking and Rafting have made me well versed in their uses for various suture related incidents. They both are a Must in every vehicle's and personal Kit I have.

1/4 x 4 Steri Strips seem to be the most versitile and will run about $10 on eBay for 10 packs of 10 (100)

Super Glue I find at the Dollar Tree or Harbor Freight for $3 per 3 tube pack.

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by tonyz

Super Glue I find at the Dollar Tree or Harbor Freight for $3 per 3 tube pack.

There are medical grade glues that are safer and less toxic than regular Super Glue.

Cyanoacrylate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[bwhunter65]

I forgot to put my first aid kit in the TT first time out wife cut her finger good thing not to bad used a paper towel. Good to have around I have them in my boat, backback. I had one in my truck put took it out to go over it and forgot to put it back in or I would of had one.