Check your first aid kit

[Verna]

When I got my new Escape in February, I decided to get a new first aid kit, instead of the hodge-podge of stuff and out-dated stuff. I put it under the passenger seat, and didn't even bother opening it to see what was in there.

Well, Friday night about 10 pm (quite dark outside) while camping, I twisted my left ankle, and fell with all of my weight on my right knee. My flashlight went flying, so I reached for the little flashlight on my keychain (thanks Mike & Chell from TnTTT!!!!) .

With some help from the campers who were two sites from me, I got back to my campsite and they helped me open my new first aid kit. I was really diappointed to find out there were only a couple of small gauze pads, a bit of tape and mostly bandaids. But, just enough to put something on my knee so I could go to the ER. 5 stitches, 5 x-rays of the patella (knee-cap, and not broken, thank goodness), and 5 hours later I got back to the TD.

I did have to cut my 3 day weekend of camping short, because I couldn't seem to stay off of my leg at the campsite. But, that's OK--it is easier to take care of the knee at home.

So, the moral to the story is check the contents of your first aid kit, replenish if you use something, and replace outdated stuff. Don't rely on what the package says. Obviously it looked complete when I bought it. I have supplies from home to put in the Escape's first aid kit so it will be complete. Bandaids are good, but gauze will cover those larger wounds. Tape, and especially that stretchy tape that sticks to itself is a great choice. An Ace bandage would be good for sprains, or to hold larger bandaids in place.

Also, keep a phone and a flashlight on you so you have it where it won't go flying. The kids found my flashlight about 10 ft from me--no wonder I couldn't find it.

[the other side]

I agree. I have found first aid kits sold pre packaged are a joke. Just get a make up bag or even a grocery bag and pack it with things that actually could come in handy. Don't forget to be creative though. If you get caught with out what you need, you can always use a clean towel or even cut up a clean tshirt and you could even use duct tape to hold it in place.

[Shadow Catcher]

We have a first aid kit that is in a small dry bag (useful for canoeing). In it are sterile instruments i.e. needle, scissors for stitching, ointment for eyes, lots of bandages gauze pads etc. Ace bandages and a copy of Wilderness Medicine. This kit is a bit extreme and was intended for being days away from help. I have used it a couple of times at accident sites waiting for first responders and of coarse camping for cuts and scrapes. If used it is re stocked and instruments sterilized and put in individual plastic bags.
This is however a good reminder as I do need to dispose of some of the over age ointments and medicines (keep additional prescriptions meds in your kit as well). If you have not taken one take a first aid class and an advanced wilderness first aid class i.e. http://www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/wildadv ... taid.shtml http://www.redcross.org or http://www.wildmed.com/wilderness-medical-courses.php
From personal experience having some level of training and experience is helpful particularly if you are not one of those that sits in the camp site. It is better to have the training and not need it than to need it and not have it.

[bc toys]

Sorry about your knee, hope you heel up fast. As for my 1st aid kit we try to keep it stocked well with stuff, sense we do offroad rescue its easy to keep it ready. But just for a little info go get some of the shipping boxes at post office they make great temporary splints, wrap around the neck and tape to head or around arm or leg or even anckel keep 3 rolls of gauze and 3 rolls of medical tape with me and a few ace bandages. While you checking you 1 st aid kit take a look at your fire extinguisher you never know when you might need it.

[bobhenry]

AND a set of training wheels for Verna

Your are gonna have to slow down on that wine gal

[Verna]

AND a set of training wheels for Verna

Your are gonna have to slow down on that wine gal

Bob, this is the honest truth....I went to the little girls room so I could have a glass of wine before bed And, my bicycle was still in the back of the Escape (where it stayed until last night).

The only thing I had too much of was drinking in the sight of so many stars and constellations in the sky. I guess there were too many trees at Tippecanoe River for me to see so many stars. Next time, I'll use the flashlight when walking after dark, and I'll wait to look at the stars until I get back to the campsite. I promise!!!

[bobhenry]

Just havin' fun !

At Tippecanoe state park the blacktopped road sat 4 - 5 inches higher than the ground. Nan was headed to the potty and stubbed her toe on the step up and damn near landed face first in the access road. Of course not to be out done on the way back when she stepped off of the road she took about 3 stumbling steps to catch up with the step down.

Accidents DO happen and being better prepared is a great thing. I am gonna toss in an elactic bandage or two in my kit after reading this thread.

[pete42]

Good advice thanks for the reminder.

pete

[GerryS]

I needed mine last week too. A tactical folding knife plus modern packaging plus hurrying equals trip to ER with 6 stitches and a vacation that's. Little less fun.

Accidents happen quickly, theres no stopping them. But a roll of Coban, gauze pads, an a bottle of saline will do wonders to help prevent infection and a SERIOUS problem.

[pmowers]

The Red Cross has a pretty well equipped first aid kit that is about 9x13, with everything in compartments by need. I would also recommend a quick course such as those offered by local hospitals and the Red Cross. You never know when you will need some knowledge of CPR or First Aid.

I also carry a swiss army knife and keep a Leatherman/Gerber multitool. With those two items we have done everything from minor surgery to rebuilding an outboard, and yes the two events were related.

[CliffinGA]

I cheated, before I met my wife I dated a paramedic and she gave me a first responders kit with just about anything you can imagine in it. I keep the stuff up todate and thogh to big to keep in the tear I do keep it in my Dodge truck under the back bench seat. We've used it alot camping, not necessarily for us but others in the neighboring campsites.


Cliff

[GerryS]

Another point that isn't taken too seriously is freshness....Adhesives break down in heat...and if you have any medications (eg, Benydril (SP?) or even asprin) these do expire. Keeping them 'fresh' is another important thing to think about.

This whole conversation reminds me...I need to budget to replace a LOT of whats in my kits...I think thats the point

-G

[pjo129]

Verna, Glad you're ok. You needed us next to you. I've got 3 scouts all trained in first aid.

You're right about keeping the first aid kit stocked up. And most of the commercial ones are a joke, nothing you need, too much junk you don't.

All great points. I believe the Red Cross has a pretty good list of what should be included in a kit.

Here's a list I found on www.scouting.org:

Personal First-Aid Kit Contents
6 adhesive bandages
2 sterile, 3-by-3-inch gauze pads
A small roll of adhesive tape
A 3-by-6-inch piece of moleskin
A small bar of soap or small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel
A small tube of triple antibiotic ointment
Scissors
Disposable nonlatex gloves
CPR breathing barrier
Pencil and paper

Home or Patrol/Troop First-Aid Kit Contents
A more comprehensive group first-aid kit can contain the following items:
A 2-inch roller bandage
2 1-inch roller bandages
A roll of 1-inch adhesive tape
24 alcohol swabs
A box of assorted adhesive bandages
2 3-inch-wide elastic bandages
12 sterile, 3-by-3-inch gauze pads
4 3-by-6-inch pieces of moleskin
2 packets of gel pads for blisters and burns
A tube of triple antibiotic ointment
4 triangular bandages
A small bar of soap, or a travel-size bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel
Scissors
Tweezers
12 safety pins
6 pairs of nonlatex disposable gloves
Protective goggles/safety glasses
CPR breathing barrier
Pencil and paper

These optional items also are recommended:
An instant cold compress
A space blanket
A SAM® Splint

[Angiewy]

Cliffin its a good idea. Galls has some great First Aid kits for Responders.

[Miriam C.]

Glad you are recovered and ready to go at it again. For those with cell phones, and purses.....in a pocket where it is available or attached somewhere. My sister, the trucker, slipped on ice at a very lonely stop and her purse went flying. She broke the ankle so she had to crawl to the truck and climb up to get her husband awake. Hours later they got her to a hospital....What went wrong:
Wake someone
Walking stick---I have a cane!
Her cell phone was in the lost purse (they found it the next day in the snow.
A boat horn, the portable kind so it makes noise....3 blasts will usually get help.

Be careful out there!