First Aid kits..
 

Our survival group is in the process of building bug out bags and first aid kits...

What kind of shape are you guys in with first aid supplies?
I am working on having a very extensive kit that includes suture material , antibiotics and IV fluids.

I was hoping to find a ready made kit for others in the group that didn't want to go that distance. Im not finding anything already put together that doesn't seem like a rip off..

Can anyone suggest a ready made kit that is a good value. ?

Re: First Aid kits..
 

Good topic Avalon and important whether or not you're stocking up or just living day to day. I have hydrogen peroxide and duct tape. lol.

Re: First Aid kits..
 

Take a look over at www.adventuremedicalkits.com

They sell packaged medical kits and quickclot. Moreover, their kits are itemized. You could always construct your own kit using their lists and add/subtract items for your anticipated situation.

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Do not forget a large bottle of cynoacrylic glue.

Re: First Aid kits..
 

THANKS FOR THE REMINDER!!! I keep forgetting about first-aid stuff.

Right now, I have a few bottles of hydrogen peroxide, and about a dozen bottles of 91% alcohol (the higher per cent alcohol).

I want/need to stock up on bandaids (usually go for the 1"-er's since they pretty much work for everything) some gauze, and that WHITE tape (not only to secure gauze, but they make for great semi-splints for sore joints on fingers).

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Good idea!

I am guessing you're thinking "chemical" sutures or stitches... to keep wounds closed?

In that case, wouldn't a bunch of the baby-size one-time usage crazy-glue tubes be better (less chance of wastage)?

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If you guys don't mind a wordy video by an anal retentive guy , there is a series of first aid kits by youtube user nutnfancy that I saw mentioned on another forum. I watched the level one video and thought he put together a was decent little compact kit. Personally, I would replace the translucent tape he carries with waterproof bandage tape. I definitely would want a more equipped kit by at least two in the group.

I find a lot of value in superglue. It is so cheap now that I often just use the tiny little tube and toss it. I use it all the time for minor cuts and skin cracks at my fingertips in the winter. A group on foot, especially poorly conditioned people, could deal with a lot of strain/sprained ankles, so I would consider packing an ACE bandage and plenty of ibuprofen in each "level one" kit.

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Re: First Aid kits..
 

When I started prepping, I took this into account, but I never got serious. I have multiple bottles of rubbing alcohol, multiple bottles of hydrogen peroxide, lots of cayenne pepper (normalizes blood pressure whether too high or too low - also stops bleeding in minor wounds) and some gauze and serran wrap. Bunch of super-glue. Some anti-biotics (get as many as you can NOW) both cream and pills.

That's about it really. I realize I am woefully underprepared in terms of first aid. But at least I'd do okay for myself in a lot of situations.

I look forward to learning what more I can do to prep for medical oriented disasters. I have more interest in putting together a kit by myself than in buying a pre-made kit with 3 of everything. (or however it is they come)

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I am also in the process of putting together a first aid kit. Aside from the basic band aids, gauze and tape, I am also looking at suture materials, splints, betadine/iodine for sterilization, tweezers, scissors, scalpel, hemostatic bandages...

On the medication side, you run into an issue with shelf life. Most antibiotics start to degrade after 12 months although longer term storage can be achieved in cold storage with some varieties. Same goes for other medications like aspirin, ibuprofen... That doesn't mean that you shouldn't have them, but check expirations frequently. I was also thinking an epi pen would be a good thing to have.

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I tend to keep the large bottle of CA since that's what I use for repairing RC aircraft. It's a lot cheaper buying it at the hobby shop like that, and I've found that it doesn't dry in the bottle like the small tubes that 'close' with a pin. It also has many more uses than just the chemical suture. Keeping bandages in place when wet is a very useful trait ... since it sets when exposed to water. Repairing a smashed nail, or busted glasses, or even a split shoe sole ... you can use it up in a hurry

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If you want a pre-assembled kit, I like the kits found on Pro Med Kits.

I'm looking at getting the MOLLE Immediate Response Kit (http://www.promedkits.com/immediate_response.html). They have two different configs, standard or ALS load out. The ALS load out kit is the one that I am interested in. You have to hover over ALS towards the bottom of the page to see its contents.

We had a conference with a medic, and he said that the ALS load out is a great personal medical kit and includes all of the necessities.

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thanks for the links and videos. Ill go through them today..

Since we are putting kits together for the group as I get more organized ill post the list we compile and the links where you can buy stuff. I would liek to start with a good basic kit and add itmes such as Celox, anitbitoics and various meds...We are fortunate and have a trauma nurse who is going to help with the kits. Her input should be very valuable.

When you really start looking at basic medical needs it can be overwhelming..
You have wounds, burns , infection, broken bones and a wide assortment of medical needs that need to be meet.

Ill post back on this link in the next few weeks as we get our resources together. Ill also let you know how I like the suggested kits mentioned above..

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You can make your own saline in an emergency situation too. Carry medicinal quality (ie. pure salt NaCl) and glucose. You can filter, boil and prepare the water. "Normal" saline is around 0.91% NaCl. This can be used intraveneously.

If putting a catheter/needle in, is beyond you, or too difficult, get a hose and pop it in the poop chute for instant hydration (don't do this for fun!).

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Where are you buying the individual components for your kit?

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we decided on the M3 Medic bag from this site. We actually went and bought one before suggesting them.. We found it to be a great kit for the price. We are adding some quick clot sponges, a bigger Sam splint, tourniquet and the surgical kit from the same site.. I am buying odds and ends either on Amazon or at the stores.

http://captaindaves.com/shop/firstaid.html

We have a truama nurse coming in to start teaching basic first aid this weekend.

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Looks like good choices

Add some over the counter and web bought
med's and antibiotics and you all should be
good to go....!

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Dr. Stephen Ducey is one of our Safecastle Advisory Board members. He is, among other things, the Chief Medical Officer for the Connecticut-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (he and his team are in Haiti right now).

He recently recommended that we carry the Mountain Medic kit, assembled by Adventure Medical Kits. He in fact took one with him to Haiti. They are about as comprehensive a kit out there that the layman can get. There is room in them to add special items as well, such as meds. FYI, our club member price on this kit is $328, shipped. We have several other smaller Adventure Medical kits as well.

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Looks like a decent kit, but one thing I would seriously question is the inclusion of latex gloves. They should know better.

Latex allergies are serious and more common than you would think. If you are dressing a wound on someone that is allergic to latex with those gloves on, you might end up killing them. Nitrile gloves are a much better choice.

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If you have not used 'Vet Wrap' made by 3M then you have a 'hole' in your first aid kits.

It works great on people AND animals of all sizes. We bought several cases. You can use them up easily, so keep an eye on them. Kind of like an 'all weather' type exterior wrap.

This is but ONE place we've used.

http://www.nelsonwholesale.com/Horse...p-Display.html

Cheaper is better. As long as it's 3M. They come in 2", 3", 4" & 6" sizes. And colors galor.

Don't forget your Iodine pills.

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ill double check but it looked like the ones in the kit we bought were not latex. Thanks for reminding me.

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I was a Vet Tech for many years. I
remember when coban came out. It was like a miracle. Try getting stuff to stick to fur!! I consider coban the duct tape of the medical world. You could probably reattached a limb with it. :shine:

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I want to once again remind everyone that nonprescription antibiotics are available cheap as dirt on Amazon. They are of course for your fish because it is illegal to sell them for humans that way. They are the same dosage and quality as the stuff humans get. Please read up and have a guide printed out on what antibiotic is needed for different illnesses for your fish... You need the minimum of about four or five different ones they sell. You would treat a stomach bug from drinking bad water with a different antibiotic then a tooth abcess..Also keep allergic reactions in mind as some are penicillin based. Read and educate yourself.

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Avalon

because of your experience in the medical field
are the other members of your survival group looking to you for medical leadership ?

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Wish this info was posted back in Sept... would have saved me a ton of money (medical emergency for lack of antibiotics).

Bumping this VERY useful info... :yes:

THANKS FOR POSTING!!! :s1:

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yes but a Doctor and trauma nurse joined the group so i am off the hook.. LOL

We are actually looking at taking an intense three days field trauma course. Ill post more details of that later.

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I ordered this http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...questid=106227 this past week. It hasn't arrived but it looks like a good starter kit.

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We had our meeting tonight and learned the subtle art of stitching/suturing a pig's foot, as well as the ABCs of first aid; clear the AIRWAY, check for BREATHING, check the CIRCULATORY system (bleeding).

Avalon made her famous dehydrated carrot cake and some awesome fudge for a snack, which was scrumptious. All in all, it was a VERY VERY good meeting.

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I'm a little late to the show here, so I am gleaning more than what I have to add. Great thread and responses.

Btw Avalon... You're Greek, why not just put Windex on it? :biggrin: