Wilderness Emergency

entropy said:
:rofl:




We had to have a first aid kit available for 4-H when I was a Shooting Sports Leader. I had (still have) a very large first aid kit in a backpack that has everything from the usual 'snivel kit' items to large abdominal bandages (local thrift shop has medical items regularly) The only time I ever used it was at a 4-H Softball game, one of the kids slid into home-in shorts. 😬
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Big kits are nice, and I carry a big one in my Jeep, or throw it in the truck or whatever I'm driving, but really, gauze, pressure bandages tape and a however-you-spell-it tournaquet is about all you can do, besides getting to a hospital or clinic as soon as possible. And of course some basic first aid knowledge does not hurt. !!! But the big kits (and I have one) have lots of un-necessary items.
 
Unnecessary until they become necessary. I look at this situation like rifles and pistols. If a pistol is for fighting your way back to your rifle, a small first aid kit with essentials is for getting back to truck/camp/home/atv or wherever your larger one might be. This assumes you’re still not immediately close to a hospital. You just need to be able to tape or stitch yourself together enough to get to real help.
 
Interesting. My brother and I were discussing this the other day. I’ve been bad about this in the past. I sliced myself a good one 20 years ago on the inward shattered ribs of a whitetail. Fortunately it was an afternoon after work hunt, and I had a roll of black electrical tape in my jeans pocket…
My grandpa once cut a digital artery in his hand while dressing out a whitetail. Ended up with a bunch of stitches and cauterized some stuff. I’ve since started putting together a new first aid kit.
 
Ugly Sauce said:
Big kits are nice, and I carry a big one in my Jeep, or throw it in the truck or whatever I'm driving, but really, gauze, pressure bandages tape and a however-you-spell-it tournaquet is about all you can do, besides getting to a hospital or clinic as soon as possible. And of course some basic first aid knowledge does not hurt. !!! But the big kits (and I have one) have lots of un-necessary items.
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I was in a Medical unit in the Army, and although I was not a Medic, I received a bit more training than average, much of it in stabilizing gunshot and shrapnel wounds, which of course includes the items you mentioned, and other things like triage and starting IVs and such. (No bags of DS2 or 5 in my pack, though.) Better to have and not need, than need and not have. I have in IFAK for carrying around in the wild for myself.
 
The most important tool in any wilderness emergency is the six inches between your ears. Remember the rule of 3s, and have a backup plan for your backup plan. Stay calm. Stay put. Make sure you tell others where you are planning to be and for how long you plan to be out there. (So they know where to start looking. In other words, file your flight plan before takeoff!)

I always pack a garbage bag and some camera film canisters with Vaseline smeared cotton balls stuffed inside. And some spare toilet paper rolls stuffed with paper. Keep matches and a couple of bic lighters. That’s 2 sources of fire fuel and 2 starters. Redundancy.

The garbage bag makes for a great insulation/liner and keeps you dry if your clothes are soaked. The fire starters and fuel sources are so I can stay put and stay warm until help arrives. YMMV
 
Anchorite said:
The most important tool in any wilderness emergency is the six inches between your ears. Remember the rule of 3s, and have a backup plan for your backup plan. Stay calm. Stay put. Make sure you tell others where you are planning to be and for how long you plan to be out there. (So they know where to start looking. In other words, file your flight plan before takeoff!)

I always pack a garbage bag and some camera film canisters with Vaseline smeared cotton balls stuffed inside. And some spare toilet paper rolls stuffed with paper. Keep matches and a couple of bic lighters. That’s 2 sources of fire fuel and 2 starters. Redundancy.

The garbage bag makes for a great insulation/liner and keeps you dry if your clothes are soaked. The fire starters and fuel sources are so I can stay put and stay warm until help arrives. YMMV
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Yep I always have a garbage bag. Not much of a weight penalty, and hardly takes up any space. I always have one, but usually carry a poncho if it looks like getting caught in a rain storm is a possibility.

Although I can start primitive fires, indeed I've found toilet paper to be a great asset. Keep it in a zip lock, fire starter, and can be used under gauze to soak up blood. And of course, it's intended purpose. Bonus!! And I also carry other fire starters, I carry those fuel tabs for my little stove, and other "over the counter" fire starters. Several lighters, in pack, pants pocket and vest pocket, and some matches in water proof container. I am not a primitive fire starter snob for sure. But again, when you learn to make and use a bow-drill, and actually start a fire with it, you can start a fire with matches or a lighter under any condition. Dang, I got back-ups to my back-ups!!

The grey matter is most important. I'd say the main cause of death up here in the mountains, and there are lots of them, is panic. People get lost or in a situation, and they panic. Then they die of hypothermia. Lost hunters up North have been found dead of hypothermia with dry matches or lighters on them. They panic, exhaust themselves, lay down to rest and freeze to death.
 
I guess I've had 2 experiences that qualify. The second one was an elk hunting trip, probably 22+ years ago. Horseback with good buddy and a friend of his. Friend was small but riding on a BIG palomino about 16 hands! As we were getting ready to take a break his horse spooked a bit and reared his head back real quick just as the guy was leaning forward. Reacted quick and caught the back of the horse's head with his right hand - bent one of his fingers back severely, and when we checked it out it wasn't moving back and a had split the skin. Figured dislocated but not broken. Got out the FAK's and bound it in dressing wrap and made the decision to head back to camp. About 2pm, but at least 10 miles to camp, so 2-3 hrs. Then the 45 minute ride to nearest town and luckily they had a small clinic still open. That was the end of his hunt on horseback.

First was 30+ years ago when I first became a Scoutmaster. Weekend Council-wide camp, our site was secluded, surrounded by trees. I was at a leader's meeting after dinner, when one of my scouts burst into the meeting and called me out "we have a problem". Stepped out and he explained how a group of scouts had been just "messin' around" on some downed trees and one of the boys fell, hit his arm on a stump, and "we think it might be broken". Not what a 2nd year SM wants to hear. Hot-footed it back to camp, the SPL had already done a make-shift splint (two sticks, couple of neckerchiefs - we'd been doing the FA Merit Badge that month in meetings). I took a quick look and yup, I'm pretty sure that's broken (luckily NOT open). Of course, no cell coverage at camp - had to use the camp land line to reach his parents, decided I'd take him to the nearest hospital and they's meet us there, so into my little red Dodge D50 and off to the nearest hospital I know of (about 45 minutes). Got there, parents not there yet (I think I did the 45 minutes in 35 minutes :what:) quickly got him into the ER. Parents showed up just about the time the ER doc comes out and says "who did the splinting"? Told him we'd been working on the MB that month and it was my SPL who had it all done by the time I got back to the campsite. He said "Give him the MB, he earned it, and you taught him well." My relief was obvious when his parents were there to tear THAT 😅.

Knowledge, and the willingness to believe in your own capabilities are the best thing in any FAK.
 
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I was on a trail ride in Hoosier Nat'l Forest when the horse in front of me flipped a big rock up that hit me squarely in my open left eye. My sister was on the ride also. We got together and she decided that I needed to go to the E-room at the hospital in Bloomington. We were probably 2 hours from the truck and horseback. By this time we had gathered the attention of the other riders. One of them had some medical background. Sfter having canteens of water poured into my eye.....He suggested that I wear a bandana over both eyes to keep my injured eye from moving. Thus began my two hour ride back to camp with a blindfold over my eyes. I don't remember much except for the throbbing pain.
At the Eroom I was given some drops and cleaned up and diagnosed with a corneal abrasion. No vision loss....just wore an eye patch for a week.
 
Armored farmer said:
I was on a trail ride in Hoosier Nat'l Forest when the horse in front of me flipped a big rock up that hit me squarely in my open left eye. My sister was on the ride also. We got together and she decided that I needed to go to the E-room at the hospital in Bloomington. We were probably 2 hours from the truck and horseback. By this time we had gathered the attention of the other riders. One of them had some medical background. Sfter having canteens of water poured into my eye.....He suggested that I wear a bandana over both eyes to keep my injured eye from moving. Thus began my two hour ride back to camp with a blindfold over my eyes. I don't remember much except for the throbbing pain.
At the Eroom I was given some drops and cleaned up and diagnosed with a corneal abrasion. No vision loss....just wore an eye patch for a week.
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Aye, mate.

Was tuna fishing in the Gulf once, about 90 miles south of Venice, LA. Fellow fisherman on the boat had a hook go through his thumb and out the nail. Deckhand had some wire cutters and clipped the eye off and then pushed the hook on through the thumb.
Never knew a thumb injury could bleed so much, and he was in terrible pain the remainder of the trip. Bandaged that sucker tight and he had to keep his arm elevated for a while until the bleeding got under control. But he survived. He had to get a tetanus shot but I don’t recall any stitches.
 
October 17 2007 snake river between hoback and alpine wy. Trying to canoe across to hunt elk in the morning. It had been mixed snow and rain all day. Canoe turned over at the top of a rapid and dumped me and Billy into the river. I went down champaign rapid under water. Darn near drowned . Life jacket? Don't be daft man! Of course not. We had them in the canoe but wear it? Just to cross the river? Pffffttttt! Thankfully, Billy ended up on the right side of the river and was able to go get help. I, on the other hand spent two hours on the opposite bank doing deep knee bends to stay warm. Search and rescue finally got there with a raft.
I got the canoe back. All the rest of our camping and hunting gear is on the bottom of the snake river. In the deepest part unfortunately. I did have a survival kit on me at the time. It came out of my jacket pocket as I was tumbling down the rapid underwater. Now my survival gear is ATTACHED to my person.

Fighting fear was the hardest part of that entire ordeal. Except for dealing with the wife afterwards.
 
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courtgreene said:
I would gladly spend on a Garmin in reach if I hiked further away from home. I think they're excellent to have. I only hike sporadically so I rely on my Garmin watch to keep me from getting lost and the buddy system to keep me from getting stranded. I would still get one if it were only the upfront cost, but I would not use it enough to justify the monthly cost. Maybe if the youngest ever grows into something a little more manageable I'll have enough time to spend out doors that it will warrant the cost, but if you do spend time outdoors frequently I say go for it. They're good at what they're made to do.
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we have one of the Garmin Inreach units and I think it is worth every penny we spent on it. We go camping and side by side riding just my wife and I most of the time. Our kids like that we can check in a few times during the day and they know everything is good. Never had to use it in an emergency but it feels good to have it.
 
Came way too close twice. Once involved a 550 lb wild boar stopped at the end of my gun barrel with my last round. That one took several large measures of wild turkey to calm my nerves. The other was a rattlesnake that still causes me to wake up in the middle of the night sweating profusely. I thank god every day for his help in those spots.
 
Patocazador said:
I didn't have to call for help but I got between a sow and her pigs while turkey hunting and she nailed me. I drove to the nearest hospital emergency room and received 20+ stitches.

I have 2 diseases that don't allow me to clot normally so uncontrolled bleeding is an emergency for me. Therefore I usually have suture packs, novocaine, and antibiotic ointment in my truck.
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Did you get the pig?
 
When I plan on going into the back country for a few days, I go to my doctor and get a prescription for 3 days of antibiotics and pain killers. When I get back I take those drugs to the doctor and tell him to either dispose of them or give them to someone less fortunate. The first timebhe was a bit apprehensive. Now he has no problem with it.
 
Larry in wyoming said:
When I plan on going into the back country for a few days, I go to my doctor and get a prescription for 3 days of antibiotics and pain killers. When I get back I take those drugs to the doctor and tell him to either dispose of them or give them to someone less fortunate. The first timebhe was a bit apprehensive. Now he has no problem with it.
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Wow very interesting. Most doctors wouldn't do that. ? Or do they? I seldom have ever seen one, except when I injure myself...which happens. Chain saws, motorcycles, etc. Anyhow, sounds like a great asset.
 
9x56MS said:
The other was a rattlesnake that still causes me to wake up in the middle of the night sweating profusely
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A rattlesnake bite is no joke. I knew a guy that had neurological problems for over eight months after one. Wasn't able to get to a doctor for quite some time, which didn't help.
 
Todd NE WY said:
we have one of the Garmin Inreach units and I think it is worth every penny we spent on it. We go camping and side by side riding just my wife and I most of the time. Our kids like that we can check in a few times during the day and they know everything is good. Never had to use it in an emergency but it feels good to have it.
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The "Spot" I have is very basic, and I can send a pre-programed "I'm okay" message on it, which I try to do periodically to keep the Misses happy. (my son calls it "my leash") But the cool thing is that it marks my location each time, so later I can go into the web-site, and see exactly where I was on google earth. As I like to explore off trail, run compass courses, etc., it's good to see exactly where I was, look at the terrain, compare it to my maps, all that good stuff. I could of course get out the map and figure out exactly where I am...but way faster to just turn on the spot and send the "okay" message and look at it later.

The "Spot" has three pre-programmed messages, the "I'm okay/fine", the "I'm having trouble, need help, but don't call out search and rescue" and then the "SOS" which calls out the Army and the Navy and the Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies and Cubs, and the militia. Hopefully not the CIA, FBI, IRS or DOJ.

It also has a feature that tracks you/me/one constantly but I don't use that, I can't see burning up the batteries and having the thing go dead in case I really needed it to send the "SOS" message. So I only turn it on for the "okay" message, and turn it off.
 
Ugly Sauce said:
A rattlesnake bite is no joke. I knew a guy that had neurological problems for over eight months after one. Wasn't able to get to a doctor for quite some time, which didn't help.
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I hope he has recovered now. I was lucky I didn’t get bit, but to this day a baby rattle makes me cringe. You never forget that sound.
 
I have eaten a couple of them, they are quite good. Even caught one using the tip of my bow...but don't do that anymore. The last I heard from that person was in that eight month afterwards period, and he was still having problems, but have not heard from him since. Yeah, I hope there was no permanent damage. I suppose a snake bite is something that a first aid kit isn't going to help. As far as I know you just have to get to a clinic as fast as possible, and keep one's heart rate down, if possible. That guy I speak of had to hike a couple miles just to get to a car, as I remember. But, must be someone here that is knowledgeable about snake bites. ??
 
Ugly Sauce said:
Most doctors wouldn't do that. ? Or do they?
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I don't think most of them will. However, my doctor used to write me prescriptions for Diamox (to help prevent high-altitude problems) and an antibiotic before I'd go on a climb back in my mountaineering days. Of course, my mountaineering days were a long time ago. Nowadays, I worry about how much longer I'm going to be able to climb the front stairs just to get in our house! ;)
 
courtgreene said:
Unnecessary until they become necessary.
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Well, truth to that, but in a big kit (and it's good to have a big kit)(but not if one is traveling far with a pack on one's back) there will be stuff you would never use for a bad cut, super bad road rash like in a motorcycle crash, broken bones, etc. "Comfort items" I'm sure, but in an true emergency it's a race against time to get the person to a hospital or clinic, or an ambulance. Splinting and stopping or checking the bleeding is what is necessary Maybe flushing/cleaning the wound. Not asperin (sp) or ban-daids. (sp!)

Of course, someone expert in advanced first aid, like a "medic" might be able to use much more than gauze and tape, but for most of us, even with some formal training in first aid it's stop the bleeding or stabilize the wound, and get them to the hospital. Which would fall under using the pistol to get to the rifle. Trouble is that the rifle is at the clinic.

Again, nothing against big kits. I have a couple, have them at camp or in the car/Jeep/truck. But when I'm far off trail and deep in the wilderness it's just going to be some tape and gauze, pressure pads. I do wish it was legal to carry/get something like morphine "styrettes" or some very potent pain killers, but it's no mystery why we can't. Then every bum and doper would be in line, "yeah...I'm a backwoods wilderness survivalist...just need them for emergencies!"

I hope that made sense!!! ;)
 
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