Looking at some of my gear and I came across my First Aid Kit. It got me wondering what other people have in there's.

I have items such as
- Ace Bandage
- Assorted sizes of Band-Aid bandages
- Anti-Diarrhea medicine
- Advil, Allieve, Decongestant, Day-Quil
- Eye Drops (for my contacts)
- Surgical Tape
- Tweezers, scissors
- Anti-biotics
- Surgical Super Glue
- Surgical Stapler

What do you all have and why do you bring it along?

Not sure what you mean by antibiotics. That is a broad category.

I would add ibuprofen (for pain) and hydrocortisone ointment (for insect bites).

I added a Quick-Clot and need to add a Sam splint.

Another small, but potentially useful item is one of the dental kits.

quote boonie: "Another small, but potentially useful item is one of the dental kits."

Yep, I include DenTemp. Doesn't take up much space, and you never know when someone might lose a crown or filling.

Being the leader on portage clearing trips, where one is more likely to get cut, conked on the head, end up with back pain, get something in your eyes etc, I like to carry a rather substantial kit, along with a sat phone.
I see that I could add a few items like... anti-diarrhea medicine (I had a bout with this once at the beginning of a portage clearing trip, and was worried that it would affect that trip. Luckily, someone else had some med's which helped.
Sutures... my brother-in-law is a doctor and was going to get me some but they keep getting forgotten.
Surgical Super Glue... I keep forgetting to add this as well, but I do carry skin closure strips.
A dental kit... need to add that too.
I have carried Quik Clot since it first came out. They made me wait 'til the armed forces were stocked before they would send me any. When they did, it came in the olive drab military packaging. I still have that, and the newer smaller package that is on the shelves now. When there is a need to carry an axe, there is a need to carry Quik Clot in the first aid kit.
I have also carried a SAM Splint since they came out, and luckily haven't had to use either one.
I carry an eye wash kit, as I personally don't want to wash my eyes with water from my bottle, especially if there is drink mix in it.
If there are any extra heavy duty pain meds at home, I'll usually throw a few in.
Otherwise, I carry the normal stuff, including a epipen and antihistamine for bee stings.

Hemostat - you never know when you're going to need one.

Medical Kit Inventory

Trauma Kit

SAM Splint II X 2
QuickClot (25G) X 1
Sterile Irrigation Syringe (10ML) X 1
Suture Kit/with tools (30” and 48”)
Sterile Gloves
Assorted Bandages (Knuckle to 4” X 4” Gauze) and /Tape
Ace Bandage
Hand Sanitizer (4 OZ)
Digital Thermometer

Blister/Burn Kit

Mole Skin
2nd Skin Burn Pack
2 tubes Liquid Skin
Blistex
Solorcaine (3 ounces)

Dental Kit

Dental Wax
Temporary Filling Mix
Oragel
Dental Floss
Tooth Picks
Cotton Pellets
Cotton gauze
Dental Picks and Mirror
Dental First Aid Guide

Pharmacy

Pepto Bismol Tabs X 16
Imodium AD X 16
Acetaminophen(500MG) X 24
Ibuprofen(200MG) X 24
Aspirin (325MG) X 24
Zantac (150MG) X 24
Benadryl Tabs (25MG) X 24
Tylenol Cold Tabs (Acetaminophen (325MG); Guaifenesin (200MG); Phenylephrine (5MG) X 24
Anti-Diarrheal Liquid (4 OZ)
Calamine Lotion (4 OZ)
Betadine (4 OZ)
Hydrogen Peroxide (4 OZ)
Tramodol (50 MG) Prescription Pain Medicine X 40
Triple Antibiotic Ointment - 1 OZ tube
Anti itch Cream – 1 ounce tube
Sterile eye drops
Chloraseptic Throat Tabs X 20
Medi-Lyte Hydration tabs X 20

All Meds are stored inside “Pill Bags” with Dosage Information annotated with a Sharpie. Bags are then placed inside ½ Size Ziplocs.

All Ziploc's are placed inside Alosak water proof bags and placed in an Army Medical Kit Bag

Wilderness Medical Guide in Waterproof Document bag

PortageKeeper, if it is a suture kit that you want REI sells them for about $15.00.

Bojibob that is a nice First aid kit. Can you post a picture for us?

quote bojibob: "Medical Kit Inventory


Trauma Kit


SAM Splint II X 2
QuickClot (25G) X 1
Sterile Irrigation Syringe (10ML) X 1
Suture Kit/with tools (30” and 48”)
Sterile Gloves
Assorted Bandages (Knuckle to 4” X 4” Gauze) and /Tape
Ace Bandage
Hand Sanitizer (4 OZ)
Digital Thermometer


Blister/Burn Kit


Mole Skin
2nd Skin Burn Pack
2 tubes Liquid Skin
Blistex
Solorcaine (3 ounces)


Dental Kit


Dental Wax
Temporary Filling Mix
Oragel
Dental Floss
Tooth Picks
Cotton Pellets
Cotton gauze
Dental Picks and Mirror
Dental First Aid Guide


Pharmacy


Pepto Bismol Tabs X 16
Imodium AD X 16
Acetaminophen(500MG) X 24
Ibuprofen(200MG) X 24
Aspirin (325MG) X 24
Zantac (150MG) X 24
Benadryl Tabs (25MG) X 24
Tylenol Cold Tabs (Acetaminophen (325MG); Guaifenesin (200MG); Phenylephrine (5MG) X 24
Anti-Diarrheal Liquid (4 OZ)
Calamine Lotion (4 OZ)
Betadine (4 OZ)
Hydrogen Peroxide (4 OZ)
Tramodol (50 MG) Prescription Pain Medicine X 40
Triple Antibiotic Ointment - 1 OZ tube
Anti itch Cream – 1 ounce tube
Sterile eye drops
Chloraseptic Throat Tabs X 20
Medi-Lyte Hydration tabs X 20


All Meds are stored inside “Pill Bags” with Dosage Information annotated with a Sharpie. Bags are then placed inside ½ Size Ziplocs.


All Ziploc's are placed inside Alosak water proof bags and placed in an Army Medical Kit Bag


Wilderness Medical Guide in Waterproof Document bag
"

Wow now that's what i call a Medical Kit. Are/were you a doctor? I also am interested in Size/Weight and Pics of your Med Kit.

Thanks for the info, picked up a couple of ideas i might add to my kit.

I have this one. med kit

I added a few burn gel packs and ActCel gauze. It seems to be a well rounded kit now and there's still space for a few more items.

First Aid Kit (old posts)

See above (This is an old bunch of posts)

For what it's worth, I put all my first aid stuff in a small rubbermaid container, with removable lid. Waterproof, and easy to get into. It goes in my Thwart bag.
SunCatcher

Duck tape and whiskey

quote vinnie: "Duck tape and whiskey"

Don't forget a bullet to bite on in case you have to do any amputations.

quote Jackfish: "

quote vinnie: "Duck tape and whiskey"

Don't forget a bullet to bite on in case you have to do any amputations. "

A stick will do, a lot better on the teeth.

David,

I am not a Doctor. I spent 24 years in the Army and was trained as a combat lifesaver (an additional skill, not the same or as extensive as an Army Medic).

The weight of the medical kit is around 3 lbs and the cost to assemble was around $100. (Almost all items were purchased on eBay, Dollar Store or Walmart)

My thoughts on weight and cost:

People are willing to spend at least or in some case more on a paddle, sleeping bag, stoves or tent, etc etc etc.

The weight is worth every penny if the items are needed. And it is one item that goes that is non-negotiable!

I couldnt live with myself if I wasn't prepared to help my crew get through ANY emergency. We take a SPOT for anything we can't handle.

I guess it comes home to my Army background. "Everyone Comes Home"

My kit is stored in South Dakota at "Base camp" - my friend's house.

I will take some pics of the entire kit this summer.





Click here to start to building your kit - It may save a life!

FYI the actual dimensions are 10 X 8 X 14 - NOT 10 X 8 X 41!

quote Savage Voyageur: "

quote Jackfish: "

quote vinnie: "Duck tape and whiskey"

Don't forget a bullet to bite on in case you have to do any amputations. "

A stick will do, a lot better on the teeth. "

The stick would be my choice

From my old thread post-

I'm a nurse- have access to stuff others may not so my list looks a bit more medical than others. It was also put together with advice from a good friend who is an Emergency Room MD that spends a good amount of time in the woods. The list is grouped by use and doesn't include stuff that is already packed and can be used for medical stuff- Like duct tape, multi tool, knife or electrolyte replacement like Gatorade

Cuts/Wounds-
Band-Aids, Steri strips, tinctures of benzoin, butterfly bandages, Kerlex rolls, Small needle driver and 3.0 silk suture, Irrigation syringe, Sm squirt bottle of hydrogen peroxide, Non stick Gauze pads, Dermabond-tissue glue.

Blisters-
Mole Skin, GlacierGel blister pads

Infection Prevention-
Triple antibiotic ointment, Iodine wipes, Z pack

Pain Relief-
Lidocaine patch, Lidocaine gel, Lidocaine for injection (with syringe and needle) Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Vicodin tabs (very few!) Excedrine

Tummy Meds-
Tums, Pepto Bismal, Imodium, Activated charcoal

Misc Meds-
Pink eye- eye drops, Outer ear infection- Ear drops, Sudafed, Melatonin, antifungal cream

Allergic Reaction/Insect stings-
LifeStat Emergency Pocket Airway Emergency Airway , Epi Pen, Benadryl fast melt strips, Meat Tenderizer, Hydrocortisone cream, After-bite, Zanfel (removes poison ivy from the skin)

Burn Treatment-
Silvadine ointment, GlacierGel blister pads

Sprains-
Small splints, Ace bandage

Misc Tools-
Scalpel, Tweezers, nail clippers, Q tips, small space blanket

Believe it or not- this all fits into a small trifold kit! It's kindof fat and weighs a bit- but it is rather compact for all the crap I get into it. I consider my kit a masterpiece of woods gear- but really we mainly use the Ibuprofen, Band-Aids, and moleskin.

The emergency airway stuff is because I have a kid with a severe bee allergy.

quote SunCatcher: " First Aid Kit (old posts)


See above (This is an old bunch of posts)


For what it's worth, I put all my first aid stuff in a small rubbermaid container, with removable lid. Waterproof, and easy to get into. It goes in my Thwart bag.
SunCatcher"

i would sure hope it had a removable lid. :)

I broke my arm on a portage this past summer. Thank GOODNESS I had a SAM splint and vicodin tabs. It would've been a long 3 days without both before getting a cast on. You never know what could happen. Be prepared.

My first aid kit includes: bandaids, molefoam, neosporin, epi-kit (I have a bee sting allegry, and actually used it the day before I broke my arm), glucagon (type 1 diabetic), antibiotics, advil, tylenol, vicodin, immodium, butt paste, SAM splint, ace bandage, butterfly bandaids, tweezers, hydrocortisone, dental floss, dental kit.

quote sterngirl: "I broke my arm on a portage this past summer. Thank GOODNESS I had a SAM splint and vicodin tabs. It would've been a long 3 days without both before getting a cast on. You never know what could happen. Be prepared.


My first aid kit includes: bandaids, molefoam, neosporin, epi-kit (I have a bee sting allegry, and actually used it the day before I broke my arm), glucagon (type 1 diabetic), antibiotics, advil, tylenol, vicodin, immodium, butt paste, SAM splint, ace bandage, butterfly bandaids, tweezers, hydrocortisone, dental floss, dental kit.


"

Butt paste?????

Butt paste?????"

It is for diaper rash!

Butt paste- We use it for heat rash.

My wife maintains the first aid kits -- I know that whenever I need something it is there!

I think the most important part of 1st aid that many forget about is prevention! I remember from my wildereness first responder course that something like 85% of injuries occur with the hour before meal time! And how many of us have pushed to do "one more portage" before lunch or dinner? And how man of us have said "lets skip lunch" and get to camp.

After learning this during that course, I have worked really hard to focus on nutrition, and as a result, have greatly decreased the need for my first aid kit. I don't think we have taken anything out on the last several trips except a couple of asprin washed down with magic water (whisky) to help with sore muscels.

bacitracin packets
#4 absorbable suture kit
tweezers
sewing needle
small packet of quick clot
tiny roll of surgical tape
alchohol wipes x2
ibuprofen
aspirin
bismuth tablets
calcium carbonate tablets
nasal decongestant
diphenhydramine (dual purpose sleep aid/antihistamine)
assorted bandages
2 gauze pads
2 packets of burn cream (the good stuff with lidocaine acts as local anesthetic for other things as well)
butterfly closures

I can get it all except the quick clot in a very small 3x4x1/3" plastic container.
I tried to get a little bit of everything but still wanted it very lightweight.

sutures
pain killers
penecillion
vet wrap (it's like an ace bandage but stays on even when wet)Find it at your local farm and fleet store. Fantastic stuff.
Duct tape.
Iodine
I do carry bandaids and little burn cream packets and such that are included in a normal kit as well.
The natural moss in the area works great for light to medium burns wrapped in a bandana or gauze..(got a pan of hot oil spilt on my ankle on year up north. And wrapped my ankle in moss under my moccasin. Worked well and was readily available for changing througout the day.)

Because you never know and doctors aren't around the corner.

Don't forget a good pair of wire cutters. Cutting off the barb of a fishhook can be very difficult w/o them.

Butt paste?? Is this something like diaper rash stuff? Or actually called Butt Paste?

quote fitgers1: "Butt paste?? Is this something like diaper rash stuff? Or actually called Butt Paste?"

Anti monkey butt powder

tony

Some excellent postings here. I was researching older post on this topic and ran across a link to Cold Weather Challenge. Most of old timers/experienced woodsman have this knowledge but for others it's a fun and educational short quiz. Learned something or two about cold weather survival in the process.
I scored 60. Not too great but, hey, I'm from the deep south.
Hope this isn't considered hijacking. I'm thinking it all ties in together.

double post omitted

Quote mjmkjun - Some excellent postings here. I was researching older post on this topic and ran across Cold Weather Challenge. Most of old timers/experienced woodsman have this knowledge but for others it's a fun and educational short quiz.
I scored 60. Not too great. Learned something or two about cold weather survival in the process.

I got a 70. great quiz though, definitely make you think a little bit. I should probably watch more "Bear Grylls" though.

I just picked up another new addition for my kit. Marie's Original Poison Ivy/Oak Soap. Just another in case thing.

For some reason I can't get link to post so here it is.

http://www.poisonoaksoap.com/

Poison Oak Soap

Here it is.

I'm surprised that Five of the responses said that they take a suture kit. When I said that I take sutures last summer many on here said that they would never use or take them. I still think about the guy that took an axe the the leg that had to be air lifted out. I will never travel without a small suture kit now.

Been a carpenter for years. And well paying the doc for stitches is a pain. Just started telling my doctor about my trips and how far away I would be from a hospital. And she wrote perscriptions for vicodin,pennicilin and gave me a half dozen suture kits. Which I've used up on myself over the years. Now I buy sutures off of ebay to always have in my kit. Super glue works on small most common stuff. But you wack yourself with a blade or axe and your gonna need a bit of embroidery on your pelt ;]

Over the years up in quetico. I've gashed my thumb open tillering a bow.
2nd degree burn on my ankle and top of foot from my cousin knocking a pan of hot oil over when I was setting there barefoot cooking.

Tore the skin 3/4's of the way around my finger breaking a stick for the fire.

And my friend sprained an ankle pretty bad goofing around on an island on sark lake right in the middle of the park. So the ace bandage came in handy that time.


Nothing too serious but you never know what the next trip will bring.

double post

quote fitgers1: "Butt paste?? Is this something like diaper rash stuff? Or actually called Butt Paste?"

BUTT PASTE

quote Jackfish: "

quote vinnie: "Duck tape and whiskey"

Don't forget a bullet to bite on in case you have to do any amputations. "

....oh yeah....tree saw

quote sterngirl: "I broke my arm on a portage this past summer. Thank GOODNESS I had a SAM splint and vicodin tabs. It would've been a long 3 days without both before getting a cast on. You never know what could happen. Be prepared.


My first aid kit includes: bandaids, molefoam, neosporin, epi-kit (I have a bee sting allegry, and actually used it the day before I broke my arm), glucagon (type 1 diabetic), antibiotics, advil, tylenol, vicodin, immodium, butt paste, SAM splint, ace bandage, butterfly bandaids, tweezers, hydrocortisone, dental floss, dental kit.


"

...ok, if no one else is going to ask....what is butt paste???

(brings to mind Two and a Half Men episode where Charlie's testicles are glued to his thigh by Rose)....LOL

quote Longpaddler: "

quote sterngirl: "I broke my arm on a portage this past summer. Thank GOODNESS I had a SAM splint and vicodin tabs. It would've been a long 3 days without both before getting a cast on. You never know what could happen. Be prepared.



My first aid kit includes: bandaids, molefoam, neosporin, epi-kit (I have a bee sting allegry, and actually used it the day before I broke my arm), glucagon (type 1 diabetic), antibiotics, advil, tylenol, vicodin, immodium, butt paste, SAM splint, ace bandage, butterfly bandaids, tweezers, hydrocortisone, dental floss, dental kit.



"

...ok, if no one else is going to ask....what is butt paste???


(brings to mind Two and a Half Men episode where Charlie's testicles are glued to his thigh by Rose)....LOL"

Is that like frumunda cheese? :)

Butt Paste = diaper rash ointment
or.... anti Monkey Butt powder
:-) Great when high temps/excessive rubbing causes rash.

quote Naguethey: "
vet wrap (it's like an ace bandage but stays on even when wet)Find it at your local farm and fleet store. Fantastic stuff."

I also recommend this. I always have issues with gauze coming loose from underneath tape, tape coming off, using too much tape so it is uncomfortable... or on smaller wounds, the band-aid coming off. Vetwrap is made by 3M and is a self-adhesing synthetic material. Ever give blood or plasma before? They use this type of wrapping to keep the gauze on the hole in your arm.


On the topic of poison oak/ivy soaps or detergents... I researched them when I was suffering from poison ivy all over both ankles and feet over the summer. The reviews were pretty hit-or-miss, and I wasn't willing to spend $40 on a product that may or may not work. Problem with poison ivy is if you get it, it's because you weren't watching where you were going... And if you didn't see it, you won't know until it's too late to wash off the oils from the plant that are on the surface of your skin.


I pack many of the items listed by previous posters. When making sure your kit can prepare for more serious injuries or aches/pains... Make sure to pack some tums! Heartburn isn't pleasant, especially if you're trying to sleep. I also skip all cold medications and similar drugs... Just keep an antihistamine (benadryl) on hand for allergic reactions. Also carry an Afterbite stick for skeeto or fly bites. Going to look into some SAM splints & DenTemp. Thanks all.

quote TallMatt: "

On the topic of poison oak/ivy soaps or detergents... I researched them when I was suffering from poison ivy all over both ankles and feet over the summer. The reviews were pretty hit-or-miss, and I wasn't willing to spend $40 on a product that may or may not work. Problem with poison ivy is if you get it, it's because you weren't watching where you were going... And if you didn't see it, you won't know until it's too late to wash off the oils from the plant that are on the surface of your skin.
"

The soap that I bought cost more for shipping than the actual bar that was right at $3.

I purchased a nice first aid kit for my travels, and just supplemented it. I added the following:

- regular Super Glue (imo, no need to pay $$$ for the surgical stuff)
- a mini Swiss Army Knife (scissors, tweezers, toothpick, knife blade, nail file)
- Steri-strips
- Triangular bandages
- Excedrin Migraine (I get whoppers from time to time)

When family camping, I also bring Naptha soap--it's great for eliminating the oil from poison ivy.

i take a fairly large kit from adventure medical kits. i added high quality tweezers, strong broad spectrum antibiotics, extra strong pain killers, extra disinfectant with a plastic syringe, and a small mirror for eye problems.

quote KevinL: "

quote TallMatt: "

On the topic of poison oak/ivy soaps or detergents... I researched them when I was suffering from poison ivy all over both ankles and feet over the summer. The reviews were pretty hit-or-miss, and I wasn't willing to spend $40 on a product that may or may not work. Problem with poison ivy is if you get it, it's because you weren't watching where you were going... And if you didn't see it, you won't know until it's too late to wash off the oils from the plant that are on the surface of your skin.
"

The soap that I bought cost more for shipping than the actual bar that was right at $3. "

Sorry Kevin, I was referencing the product known as Zanfel, which is $30 for a small tube (online, anyway. In stores it is $40).
http://www.amazon.com/Zanfel-Poison-Ivy-Cream-tube/dp/B0000Y3GJS

The reviews vary pretty greatly. I decided to just wear tall socks and try not to itch (impossible in the shower, doable for the rest of the day) my poison ivy covered ankles and feet.

quote HikingStick: "...

When family camping, I also bring Naptha soap--it's great for eliminating the oil from poison ivy."

Naptha is good stuff.
From recent issue of AARP magazine addressing poison ivy or poison oak: Another low cost way is any liquid dish soap (any brand) to wash affected area within 2 hrs of contact.

A group of volunteer med students rubbed poison ivy leaves on their forearms and then washed with dish-washing soap for 25 seconds before rinsing. Soap prevented a reaction in almost half and and reduced inflammation in rest by 56%.

The important thing is to make sure you have the right medical supplies for the situation. In most cases the items you listed are a good start, but I agree with some of the other commentators; you should add things like QuickClot and a SAM Splint.

I have one of the prepackaged kits you can purchase at the outdoor store. I can tell that I would be woefully unprepared if a major emergency cropped up. I'm going to do some rethinking of what's included and add a couple of items like a SAM splint, sutures and high power pain killers. Thanks for the enlightening thread.

Does a Sherpa come along to carry it all?

My kit looks like most.

One big addition though: prescription antibiotics from my eye doctor!

I have scratched my cornea on several trips. It nearly ruined a few early trips. Now, it is no big deal becauase I can use the drops andbe as good as new the next day.