Outdoor First Aid Kit - Part 1

An outdoors specific first aid kit. I take a look at some of the options for different types of outdoor related first-aid kits and then do an in depth review of the lightweight level 1 kit that I carry when hiking, backpacking, or fishing in the backcountry or wilderness. This particular kit weighs in at about 10 ounces and covers a range of uses from minor wound treatment... to bites, burns, and allergic reactions... to more serious trauma, until proper medical attention can be administered.

I've gotten a few questions on how I made the individual packets of ointments for these kits, so I've included a short "how-to" video on it... the link is below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l25lL7QSkXQ

Category:

Education

Tags:

• first
• aid
• kit
• emergency
• wilderness
• backcountry
• tactical
• outdoors
• backpacking
• hiking
• fishing
• adventure
• medical
• training
• medicine
• FAK
• level
• wound
• care
• dressing
• EDC
• contents
• DIY
• home
• car
• boat
• red cross
• health
• trauma
• bleeding
• blood
• sports
• injury
• accident

[Ebiczebulanious]

Nice kit! I like your videos but ditch the Band Aids (Useless in the Outdoors) and make your own to fit with Gauze Pads (4 x 4-inch) and Johnson & Johnson First-Aid Waterproof Adhesive Tape

Also add Sodium Bicarbonate - Antacid + 137 other uses from Tooth Paste to Foot Powder

Tinactin Antifungal Cream

Imodium -Anti-diarrheal

[intenseangler]

@Ebiczebulanious Thanks my friend. Really appreciate the tips on the Sodium Bicarbonate, I didn't know it had so many uses... it's in the kit now though. I do gotta keep the band-aids in here (I have kids... enough said? lol). Take great care..... -John

[medicjimr]

I used to carry allot of first aid gear being a paramedic but cut it down to about 8 oz If it's that bad and I am back in 10 20 miles anything that bad what I do really won't matter much by the time I get more help. Good job

[intenseangler]

@medicjimr Yeah, being a paramedic I'm sure you know your stuff alright! I'd be very interested to see what you carry along and your personal philosophy around this topic... I'm sure I could pick up some invaluable info. I guess my own (with what little formal training I have) is that first aid in the backcountry is kinda like an insurance policy... you buy what makes you feel most comfortable and affords you peace of mind. Thanks for the great input Jim!

[CheddaFreeze101]

We have something identical but with less things. We like to be as lightweight as possible when hiking with our hiking bag. Good video and good tips!!

[intenseangler]

@CheddaFreeze101 I agree, I like to carry as little weight as possible too... I have a smaller version of this for solo use ( goes about 5oz.). Thanks Chedda!

[kambelzful]

Peroxide isn't as bad as people think it is. It helps you tell if the wound is infected and if you have antibiotic ointment to put on after it, it won't damage tissue.

[intenseangler]

I wouldn't say it's "that bad".... it does kill tissue cells in the wound to some extent, but also acts as an antimicrobial agent to effectively clean the wound (as well as irrigates the wound effectively). One benefit is it's ability to stop capillary bleeding quicker (think skin abrasions). The downside is the increase of scarring at the wound site, as well as slowing the healing of deeper, more serious wounds. So my rule of thumb is: good for scratches and scrapes, bad for deep lacerations.

[ironearth701]

Is hydrogen peroxide really that bad? I normally carry it in my first aid kit.

[steintanz]

Thanks for all your good tips!

CU around, Tim

[dmacken11]

Good stuff. I like your little sealed ointment bags. I never thought about the burn cream that's a great idea. On to part 2.....