Survival/ First Aid kit.

[redtab78]

I was reading an outside magazine tonight and there was a big article in it about survival in random situations, and began wondering about my survival/first aid kit I carry in my truck for when i'm camping or hunting and though I would ask you all here to see what your opinions were, or what do you pack (and for how long of an emergency)?

In mine I have very basic things:
Back up Knife
Small fishing kit (5 hooks, 3 weights, 20' line all in a prescription bottle)
Magnesium fire starter
ace bandages
small tube of neosporine
band aids (plastic cap of 10 large and 10 small)
alcohol wipes (10 packets)
5 Iodine tablets
Compass (I always carry a topo map when Im hiking or scouting for hunting areas)



So what do you pack in yours or what do you carry?

 

[rcmodel]

Mmm?

I don't know what part of the country you live in?

But here in the Midwest, especially in the spring, fall, and winter.
It can get mighty cold and wet at times.

A space blanket, or at least a small plastic tarp or sheet would be worth it's weight in gold if you had to stay out overnight in cold wet weather.

And 25" - 30' foot of Paracord to make a shelter with one, or the other, or both.


Also, you are a far better man then I if you can start a fire with wet tender in a rain or snow storm with a Magnesium sparker.

At a minimum, I would carry a couple of new BIC lighters and some waterproof matches, and a candle stub or two for the wax fueled flame to get wet tender dried out enough to burn.

Summer months?
I wouldn't go to a dog fight without a can of Deep Woods Off in the pack, and another one in the truck where I left it!!

Here, the deer ticks will swarm you.
And the mosquitos will suck you dry and make you cry.

rc

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

Your survival kit should have some duct tape,a jar of honey for energy and antibacterial properties, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, coffee filters for a first stage of water filtration, something to boil water in, tweezers, rope,twine,thread,needles and thats just to start with.

 

[redtab78]

well, I see your point on alot of your things, but most of the time when Im out by myslef (where I would really need any of the things I have) it usually fall time where it doesnt get too cold at night (East Coast Va) and Im usually dressed for the occasion to protect me from the pest like mosquito's.

I do carry a lighter as a smoker, but the fire starter I have used quite a bit (especially with my 2 boys) out camping when we can find easy tender to use....and when they just cant get it right, I will cheat...but they need to know how to do it.

 

[zorro45]

I think there is a difference between a kit for personal comfort items (bandaids, aspirin, etc.) and a serious first aid kit. It is nice to have both. It is also nice to have some common meds such as antihistamines, ibuprofen, Epipen, etc. For serious first aid, Kerlix rolls, Ace Wraps, triangular bandages, Mylar blankets, airways, folding C-collar, etc. Depending on where you are and time of day emergency response may take "quite a while" I also carry an ax, folding saw, tow ropes, jack that can be used for opening doors if need be (now where did I put those directions) and a bunch of other stuff. Big flashlights, flares, roadway markers. If really in the boonies, CB and Marine radios as well.

 

[Leanwolf]

REDTAB 78, you did not mention if you have any First Aid training, but those who have not had some advanced First Aid courses, should -- if possible -- contact their local American Red Cross chapter and inquire as to when they put on their First Aid courses. It costs very little.

Also, some city or county fire fighting crews have EMTs who put on First Aid courses for community members. Might check into that, too.

Make it a point to attend, and in my very strong opinion, your wife/girl friend/boyfriend, whatever, should attend with you.

I have no idea of the number of people I have encounterd over the years who had an emergency, not only out in the boonies, but at home, who had some "items" but had not the faintest idea how to use them in an emergency.

If you've not had good training, get it. Someday, it could save you, or a loved one, a lot of misery.

L.W.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

Must agree with the first aid training.

 

[splattergun]

When I was about 19 years old, a friend of mine went to the Grand Staircase area in southern Utah for a day hike. It was a lovely spring day, the route was only about 5 miles, and he was young and healthy. 36 hours later search and rescue found his frozen body just over a ridge about 150 yards from his car. He was wearing shorts and a t-shirt, no jacket, he had no water, no food, no way to start a fire, and no compass. They figured the spring snow storm blew in while he was furthest from his car, he lost his way in the blizzard and gave up the fight within minutes of the shelter of his vehicle.

I learned my lesson. I do not leave the road without a small day pack that contains at least 2 qts of water, a few energy bars and/or other high energy snacks, 1 knife in the pack and a multi tool on my belt, a 1st aid kit including triangle bandage, roll bandages and tape as well as the basic disinfectants and bandaids. I also have a space blanket, 2 ways to start a fire and a water filter straw or bottle. This whole kit weighs around 10 pounds and is a small burden, especially when I consider the alternative if caught out in the open without it.

 

[climbnjump]

REDTAB 78, you did not mention if you have any First Aid training, but those who have not had some advanced First Aid courses, should -- if possible -- contact their local American Red Cross chapter and inquire as to when they put on their First Aid courses. It costs very little.

Also, some city or county fire fighting crews have EMTs who put on First Aid courses for community members. Might check into that, too.

Another training option for those who want more extensive knowledge is taking a "Wilderness First Responder" course. The course description I've linked to is only one of many options - just Google "wilderness first responder" to check out others.


These courses do require a commitment of time (and $) but depending on how much time you spend in the backcountry, it might be worth the effort. And obviously, the skills you learn are valuable even when you are not in a remote location.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

As to first aid kits I check mine twice a year to ensure its properly stocked and nothing has expired. I use the 4th of July and Christmas Holidays as a reminder to inventory, check and restock any needed supplies. This way I'm assured that my first aid kit is up to date and properly stocked.

What I really need is guidance on creating a mobile kit. The first aid kit I have is for my home or long trips by car. I don't have anything in the bug out bag category.

 

[witchhunter]

I ran hounds for bear and lion for most of my life. I have always carried a first aid kit in a Tupperware container in my back pack. It holds bandages, sutures, vet wrap, bandaids, tape, saline and Neosporin, aspirin, and emergency shears. I also carry a stainless cup with tea, sugar and soup mix in it, along with baggies and trash bags. I have a knife, steel, several fire starters, a pair of gloves, 30' of nylon rop, beanie, silk neckerchief and a candle, mini Maglite, spare batteries, 2 emergency blankets and a 8x10 tarp. I also carry an Uncle Mike's saw, a canteen of water, spare sox. A filter straw and iodine tabs. I have duct tape and paracord wrapped around it. I have had to use these things on several occasions and believe me it was worth packing then. Oh, and some toilet paper in a baggie, along with some candy and energy bars. I have spent the night out there several times, each time I have added something or another until this is what I carry now. This pack is hanging in my loading room right now with my S&W 651 .22 Mag along with a box of ammo. Where I go it goes.

 

[David E]

Tinder works better than "tender."

It's easy to carry your own tinder, but it's not especially difficult to find/create some.

A mini flashlight like the Fenix that takes a triple A battery is incredibly bright for its size.

 

[Fred Fuller]

But tender can get you room service .

You all warm the cockles of my heart when you talk about training without even being prompted. The basic Red Cross first aid class is widely available - there's class information and a class locator at http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class. It's a great introduction to basic skills. And don't forget CPR...

 

[thefish]

Back when I was doing a lot of climbing and mountaineering we always kept a few tampons for puncture wounds in our kit, and small ziplock of dogfood in the bottom of the climbing pack. Dogfood will keep you alive, but you have to be hungry enough to eat it.

 

[RBid]

1. Water
2. Calories
3. Shelter/protection from the elements
4. first aid kit
5. fire
6. security
7. information gathering (light falls under this, for me)

Those are concerns to address. Within those, the question is how much to bring for each. I have an EDC bag that is also a 24-48 hour bag. It's on the small/lean side, and is built to supplement things that I carry on body every day. Nalgene water bottle (always full, rotated regularly of course), water purification tablets, food items on board that are rotated frequently, space blanket, emergency poncho, first aid kit (plus another in my vehicle), spare AAA batteries, a hand held flashlight, a back up/external battery and cable for my iPhone 5 (charged nightly), 2 pencils, 2 pens, sharpie, highlighter, Starbucks Iced Via packets, baby wipes, travel pack of kleenex, 16oz bottle of water (specifically for use with the coffee packets), spare ear buds.

All of the above fits into a Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack or UTG Tactical Organizer (a clone of the Maxpedition bag), with room to spare. I make frequent use of many contents of the bag.

That supplements my on-body carry:

- Glock 19 Gen 4 + spare magazine
- Spyderco Persistence
- Leatherman Juice S2
- wallet
- home keys + safe/lock box keys
- work keys on caribiner with a Fisher Space Pen 'Trekker'
- iPhone 5
- weather appropriate clothing

I also keep a pair of Timberland boots and a change of socks in the trunk, as well as having a FAK in the driver side door of my car and another in the trunk (these ones are bigger than the one in my EDC bag), a large bath towel, and snow pants.

I've had formal first aid training, and it feels like 90% of the females and a couple of the guys I know are nurses, including my lady, mother, and sister in law.

The basic concept for my bag is to be able to safely get back to loved ones from anywhere in the Portland metro area in the event of a disaster.

 

[Nighteyes]

1. Water
2. Calories
3. Shelter/protection from the elements
4. first aid kit
5. fire
6. security
7. information gathering (light falls under this, for me)

Great list but, if I may, I'd like to suggest a slightly different sequence

Priority 1. Immediate Life Safety (Minutes)

This includes your first aid kit and emergency extraction gear​

Priority 2. Adequate Body Temperature (Hours)

This includes firemaking and "shelter" items, along with appropriate level of insulation​

Priority 3. Adequate Hydration (Days)

This includes water collection, treatment water storage items​

Priority 4. Adequate Nutrition (Weeks)

Universal. Communication and Self-Rescue

This includes map, compass, GPS, whistle and anything else of similar nature. Some of this stuff will actually help you avoid the need for items in the first four priorities, of course.​

By the way, at any point in an actual situation these priorities also help to figure out what to do first, or next.

 

[Librarian]

And while thinking about training, here's a really nice short article on assessing medical problems - Initial assessment and treatment with the Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ABCDE) approach

ABC I had completely - I'm an RN. D & E I knew but did not have in my mnemonic.

D – Disability: what is the level of consciousness?

E – Exposure: any clues to explain the patient’s condition?

(This orders what to think about in Nighteyes' step 1, above)

 

[hso]

As a shooting forum the first aid kit should at least focus on dealing with gunshot wounds (however improbable a GSW may be the consequences are catastrophic).

You need training as the first part of such a kit so you know how to use what you've prepared as well as what is at hand.

The basic Red Cross first aid class is widely available

People need to start with the 2 day Wilderness First Aid or something equivalent focused on trauma response. The Red Cross course is inadequate. I had decades of RCFA certification and until you take an advance course you think they're of some use. Subsequently I've focused on finding training like the WFA and GSW response course. They're more expensive and take more time, but they teach real skills.

 

[Toml]

Kayakers carry candle lanterns. Hover over for warmth. Candle doubles as a fire lighter.

 

[RBid]

As a shooting forum the first aid kit should at least focus on dealing with gunshot wounds (however improbable a GSW may be the consequences are catastrophic).

You need training as the first part of such a kit so you know how to use what you've prepared as well as what is at hand.

Having the tools and learning to help stabilize trauma is more useful than many people realize. Items used to treat GSWs may be used to treat injuries sustained in traffic accidents, for example. I'm of the opinion that being prepared for these situations is a worthwhile pursuit.

Thank you for calling this out, sir.

 

[Al Thompson]

Having the tools and learning to help stabilize trauma is more useful than many people realize. Items used to treat GSWs may be used to treat injuries sustained in traffic accidents, for example.

Very apt. I've seen many more traffic accidents that gunfights. However, we (in the state) had a guy die from a GSW a year or two back that was probably survivable. Not sure if he could have self-treated, but I want to be trained enough and have a blow out bag on hand to give me a chance.

 

[Kayaker 1960]

Wilderness 1st aid

Most 1st aid classes tell you some really basic stuff, stop the bleeding and call an ambulance. What if there is no ambulance? I've taken a wilderness 1st aid class a couple of times ( if you don't use it you'll eventually lose it )
The class is more intensive and goes much deeper than a 2 hour Red Cross 1st aid class. We put in 2, 8 hour days. It's been about 6 years since my last class, I'm due for a refresher.
As a whitewater kayaker there is a high probability that I'll be far from help when the need arises. These classes are great for any outdoorsman.

 

[hso]

Did you do your's with SOLO or out of NOC?

 

[Kayaker 1960]

I'm on the west coast. I did it through "Foster Calm"

http://www.fostercalm.com/

 

[justashooter in pa]

you should include some alcohol/betadine, pain and anti-inflamatory meds, some water purification tabs, and some electrical tape, which is useful for closing significant soft tissue injuries in an expediency.