Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

I was thinking the Red Cross might have free stuff? Are there any really cheap online wholesalers? What do I need in the kit for self care in case of emergencies? Anything special for children and babies needed?

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

This is an excellent question. This product was suggested on this board about 2 months ago.

DynaMed� Modular Trauma III BLS Kit

I can't recall who posted it. To me it looks like it has far more useful stuff than most of what I have seen. Better than the building site/workplace kits that are available here. They seem to consist of a few bandages, some eye wash and a couple cuetips.

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

For those who are not aware:

The most important piece of First-Aid kit is and always has been a pair of hands controlled by a brain that has been taught and remembers basic First Aid; and does not go into panic mode when things look bad.

You are f****d iff you cannot do such things as opening airways, applying effective CPR, treating shock and controlling bleeding.

Equipment is a secondary consideration.

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

A few links I just searched for after reading Argentos post:

http://www.medicfirstaid.us/index.php?page_id=26

http://www.redcross.org/where/where.html
go here and find your local chapter which will list classes available and the fees.

http://www.nsc.org/ec/training/index.aspx

http://www.ashinstitute.org/

Another option could be in the Citizen's Corps training program but I am not sure. I think the tried and true is the red cross.

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

Cheapest I've seen after months of looking was at good 'ole Wally World...

Ozark Trail 201-piece kit for about $12 I think. I backed up the truck for 5 kits myself.

Good luck.

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

Wow, they must be huge kits.

I was looking at the Dynamed Kit posted earlier and find that I would mosty likely do more harm than good with a kit like that. So I'm ordering two. I have had Army basic training level first aid and some advanced but still feel very uneducated on the subject, as well as rusty (training was over 15 years ago).

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

my first aid kit is a very sharp knife, bandanna, and a .45

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

Argentos -

You are absolutely right; knowledge is priceless.

Having said that, I've packed a "Commercial Fishing First Aid Kit" for years.

Commercial fishermen, at least in my neck of the woods, play very rough,

So severe burns, lacerations, finger amputations, broken bones, shock, etc.,

Happen fairly regularly when you may be days or weeks from direct aid.

Which, to me, fits the SHTF paradigm pretty closely.

These kits are not cheap.

Here are a couple sites:

http://www.allthingsfirstaid.com/Amk...Kit-Am1000.asp

http://www.firstaidpak.com/right-pak.html

You don't have to jump right out and buy one,

But it does give you an idea of the scope of stuff you might need.


scyth

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

Yikes! A lot has changed just in the past couple years. First aid training from 15 years ago is damn near useless today. You may want to get updated.



I'm glad I wasn't drinking anything when I read this.

Re: Cheapest Way to Compile a First Aid Kit
 

I agree Satyr. After a bit of research I've decided to go through CERT training with my local Sheriff's department. One other important link I didn't think about was your local community college. Most of these schools have some sort of paramedic training and I would assume a few of the classes would be a great investment.

Here's a list of courses for a school in my state. With a certificate only requiring 29 credits, it may be worth it to go through the whole program.

Paramedic Certificate
(29 credits)


Purpose: This program is designed to provide an option for Emergency Health Services students who have already earned or do not wish to earn a college degree. Graduates are awarded a paramedic certificate and are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic written and practical exam. It provides an entry level credential for employment as a paramedic. Students are admitted to the college and complete basic Emergency Health Services (EHS) courses before applying for formal admission into the paramedic core. Admission requirements exist for students seeking admission to the formal paramedic core; see the EHS Program brochure for details on admission requirements and procedures.


Occupational Courses (29 credits)

Paramedic Core (these courses do not require formal acceptance into Paramedic Core Program to register)

(Emergency Health Services course descriptions)

HS 1111 Introduction to Emergency Medical Services, 1cr
EHS 1112 Paramedic Core Preparation, 1cr
EHS 1123 Emergency Response to Crisis, 1cr
EHS 2252 Special Rescue Operations, 2cr


Paramedic Core (these courses require formal acceptance into Paramedic Core Program to register)

EHS 2228 Hospital Clinical I, 1cr
EHS 2229 Field Clinical I, 1cr
EHS 2230 Field Skills Lab I, 2cr
EHS 2231 Introduction to Prehospital Pharmacology, 2cr
EHS 2233 Shock and Trauma, 2cr
EHS 2234 Shock/Trauma Practicum, 1cr
EHS 2235 Medical Emergencies and Pharmacological Interventions I, 3cr
EHS 2236 Medical Emergencies and Pharmacological Interventions I-Practicum, 2cr
EHS 2240 Field Skills Lab II, 2cr
EHS 2244 Pediatrics, OB/GYN, 2cr
EHS 2245 Medical Emergencies and Pharmacological Interventions II, 2cr
EHS 2248 Hospital Clinical II, 1cr
EHS 2249 Field Clinical II, 2cr
EHS 2250 Synthesis and Application of Advanced Life Support, 1cr

Course descriptions

EHS 1100 First Responder

3 credits; 3 classroom hours/week; 0 lab hours/week
Includes patient assessment, CPR, airway management including
oxygen, adjunct airways and other resuscitation equipment, medical
emergencies including seizures, strokes, heart attacks, poisonings
and covers trauma management as well as bandaging, splinting
and spinal immobilization. Designed for those first on the scene of
an accident or medical emergency; intended for police officers,
firefighters, and other public safety personnel. Students will be

certified upon completion through the Minnesota