Need to put a first aid kit together and would be Interested to see what most people carry with them for a week long trip with two people. I haven't been too Impressed with the redi-made kits that I've seen. They seem to highlight how many pieces are in the kit as compared to what the kit will treat.

That's gonna get several replies. In case of trauma, broken bones, serious cuts, you need to get the person transportable, because the trip is over. Otherwise, you're looking at blistered heels, minor cuts, gastric issues, bee stings, poison ivy etc, things that would be minor at home but could force you out.

I went with the DIY option last year. Keep everything in a 1L dry sack.

- Various Bandages/Band Aids
- Gauze
- Athletic Tape
- Ace Bandage
- Ibuprofen & Tylenol
- Immodium & Pepto tablets
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Neosporin
- Quick Clot
- Scissors, Hemostats & Tweezers
- Foil Blanket
- Lighter
- Signal Mirror

I'm sure there's stuff I'm forgetting, but this is a majority of it.

pills, creams, finger sized band-aids, butterfly closures, gauze, blister care, tape, tweezers, eye drops.

Everyone's first aid kit will vary. It depends on the level of training you have, and if any of your trip partners have a condition that may warrant special supplies.

Bandages, anti-biotic ointment, mole skin, butterfly closures, super glue, tweezers, tape, and burn cream are good starts.

A splint, pain relievers, suture kit/stapler, and quik clot are options too.

Knowledge is one of the most important items in your kit. A product/tool can cause more harm if you don't know how to use it.

quote TeamTuna06: "I went with the DIY option last year. Keep everything in a 1L dry sack.
- Various Bandages/Band Aids
- Gauze
- Athletic Tape
- Ace Bandage
- Ibuprofen & Tylenol
- Immodium & Pepto tablets
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Neosporin
- Quick Clot
- Scissors, Hemostats & Tweezers
- Foil Blanket
- Lighter
- Signal Mirror
I'm sure there's stuff I'm forgetting, but this is a majority of it."

Good kit! I also have a Samsplint (use with Ace Wrap) and some eye irrigant and a small bottle of antiseptic wash to irrigate a wound with. A small bottle of Newskin gets use every trip. Also a couple ABD pads and a candle with matches and lighter. I can't think of one single thing in mine or Tuna's list that I haven't used over the years. Warning about the space blanket, though. Make sure it's sealed and shiny. We had to use a couple once and my friend's emergency blanket's package was open and it was discolored and came apart when unfolded. Mine is in a Pelican Box.

Anbesol. Nothing like a tooth going hyper to spoil a trek.

I'll try to update with what I learn from a Wilderness First Aid class in two weeks.

Good advice so far especially about serious Injuries meaning trip's over, time to get out. What would be a strong pain killer that I could buy over the counter for a serious injury? Another common problem seems to be gastro Issues and that's something I would not have thought of. I'll take the advise and recommendations from this board and put a kit together from scratch.

quote billconner: "Anbesol. Nothing like a tooth going hyper to spoil a trek.


I'll try to update with what I learn from a Wilderness First Aid class in two weeks."

I'm sure a lot of people Including myself would be Interested to see what you learned from that class

quote ozarkpaddler: "

quote TeamTuna06: "I went with the DIY option last year. Keep everything in a 1L dry sack.
- Various Bandages/Band Aids
- Gauze
- Athletic Tape
- Ace Bandage
- Ibuprofen & Tylenol
- Immodium & Pepto tablets
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Neosporin
- Quick Clot
- Scissors, Hemostats & Tweezers
- Foil Blanket
- Lighter
- Signal Mirror
I'm sure there's stuff I'm forgetting, but this is a majority of it."

Good kit! I also have a Samsplint (use with Ace Wrap) and some eye irrigant and a small bottle of antiseptic wash to irrigate a wound with. A small bottle of Newskin gets use every trip. Also a couple ABD pads and a candle with matches and lighter. I can't think of one single thing in mine or Tuna's list that I haven't used over the years. Warning about the space blanket, though. Make sure it's sealed and shiny. We had to use a couple once and my friend's emergency blanket's package was open and it was discolored and came apart when unfolded. Mine is in a Pelican Box.


"

I'm curious what you had to use a hemostat for? I've been a Professional paramedic for over 35 yrs and have never seen a need to use one. Most bleeding can be controlled with direct pressure and elevation.

quote wingnut: "

quote billconner: "Anbesol. Nothing like a tooth going hyper to spoil a trek.



I'll try to update with what I learn from a Wilderness First Aid class in two weeks."

I'm sure a lot of people Including myself would be Interested to see what you learned from that class"

+1 I'm wondering if Super Glue is really safe to use as and alternative to stiches??

Actually there is MEDICAL Superglue which is sterile, whereas regular is not. I've used the regular though without any problems. Here is what you need to know though. The glue DOES NOT go into the laceration. You push the edges of the laceration together and then apply glue over the top of the laceration. This works fine on small lacerations. I recommend using steri-strips. I worked in an ER for 15 year and part of my job was taking care of wounds and bandaging. I used to suture too. We used steri-strips instead of butterfly bandages. You just need to use some tincture of benzoine along with them.

A couple of other things to add to the other lists:

Bendadryl/Diphenhdramine- for Allergic reactions

Steri-Strips and Tincture of Benzoin for small cuts instead of butterflies

Moleskin for blisters

Coban instead of tape, can also be used as an ace wrap and for splinting.

I took a ready made kit, put it in a couple wide screw top nalgenes and a good dry bag and added stuff to it that seemed missing

Mine has the following in it

antibiotic ointment single packs
alcohol wipes
pain pill single packs
assorted bandages
gauze pads
tape roll
finger splint
couple pairs of gloves
qtips
foot care pack (moleskin etc)
splinter remover (coin with a small needle attached in a sterile pack)
small asprin bottle cross loaded with antacids (i get some heartburn...)

I knew there were a couple of things I wanted to add like Immodium and real tweezers. Looking at other peoples there are some other things I should add like eye irrigant, benadryl and quick clot

i keep a repair kit in the same bag and it has sewing stuff, gorrilla tape, and super glue (2 SINGLE use super glues!). Its in a 3" * 2" * 1 " fishing box

I picked up one of these REI first aid kits a couple of years ago. It has many useful basics, but I supplemented what I wanted to have in there like extra advil and iodine tablets.

We got ours from REI and just added to it. It's worked perfectly to this point.

I think one thing that we all forget about is that we should be taking something like a pocket mask or CPR shield along with, since we are in a water environment. I prefer it not so much as to need a barrier from germs as much as not wanting to get vomit in my mouth. I have two different First Aid kits set up. One for Backpacking and one for Canoeing. For the most part they are identical, however this is one item that gets carried in my canoe first aid kit. CPR shield

Pocket Mask

quote OldFingers57: "as much as not wanting to get vomit in my mouth."

Yuck wouldnt have thought of that...

I havnt had CPR training in at least 10-15 years and havnt had a wilderness first aid class since high school (~20 yrs).

I also need to get some more burn cream. I had forgotten it was in my kit last year but used it on my 4 y/o son.

I thought we weren't doing mouth to mouth anymore - just the hands only CPR since the pausing to take the breaths was thought to do more harm that good?


Can anyone say with confidence?

I do remember when this type of news article came out. And am aware of the Red Cross

Stayin Alive campaign.

However I am not sure if any of those are applicable to backcountry type situations where it will be a good while, even in the best of circumstances, for professional help to arrive.

I suppose I should take a class like wingnut is rather than relying on internet advice for such things anyway.

About 5 years ago, I purchased 2 really expensive,and well stocked with quality itemsfirst aid kits which we bring on every one of our canoe/camping/hunting trips.

My older son just got married to a registered nurse, actually a Captain in the USAF, last year. She came on our BW trip for the first time last year.

One night while sitting around the campfire she asked to see our first aid kits. After going through the kits and pulling out everyting that was expired, there wasn't much left besides hardware (needles, scissors, tweezers, splits) and band-aids.

This was a good reminder to periodically go through your first-aid kits and ensure that everything is current and replentished. Luckily, my daughter-in-law had a current first aid kit or we would have been screwed had we needed something.

"
I'm curious what you had to use a hemostat for? I've been a Professional paramedic for over 35 yrs and have never seen a need to use one. Most bleeding can be controlled with direct pressure and elevation. ""



Well, Oldfingers, just because you see no need....... I've been in healthcare since 1981 too, much of the time as a nurse, with plenty of years in the ER. I'm not doing any vascular clamping nor suturing with y hemostats. But they come in handy for MANY things. I've used them to help extract fish hooks and splinters, etc. They make excellent hook extractors for the tacklebox too. Hemostats are a handy little item that weighs very little and will definitely be used.

Forgot to mention the pocket mask. Thankfully, never had to use mine on the river or in the woods.

That would be fine if you use a hemostat like a pair of pliers. However some may get the impression of using it for what they are intended for and try something they have no knowledge of.

quote Drab: "I thought we weren't doing mouth to mouth anymore - just the hands only CPR since the pausing to take the breaths was thought to do more harm that good?



Can anyone say with confidence?


I do remember when this type of news article came out. And am aware of the Red Cross


Stayin Alive campaign.


However I am not sure if any of those are applicable to backcountry type situations where it will be a good while, even in the best of circumstances, for professional help to arrive.


I suppose I should take a class like wingnut is rather than relying on internet advice for such things anyway."

That's all well and good if they don't have a pulse. But what if they have a pulse and are just not breathing as in a near drowning situation. Then you are going to need one.

quote LuvMyBell: "About 5 years ago, I purchased 2 really expensive,and well stocked with quality itemsfirst aid kits which we bring on every one of our canoe/camping/hunting trips.


My older son just got married to a registered nurse, actually a Captain in the USAF, last year. She came on our BW trip for the first time last year.


One night while sitting around the campfire she asked to see our first aid kits. After going through the kits and pulling out everyting that was expired, there wasn't much left besides hardware (needles, scissors, tweezers, splits) and band-aids.


This was a good reminder to periodically go through your first-aid kits and ensure that everything is current and replentished. Luckily, my daughter-in-law had a current first aid kit or we would have been screwed had we needed something."

Yes, everyone should think about doing things like going thru our first aid kits and checking for outdates. Not only meds, but all of the other items also, as bandages, dressings, bandaids, ointments, all of it has expirations dates to it. So do it now while we are all sitting around planning out trips so you can get it restocked and ready to go before the trip.

quote ozarkpaddler: ""

I'm curious what you had to use a hemostat for? I've been a Professional paramedic for over 35 yrs and have never seen a need to use one. Most bleeding can be controlled with direct pressure and elevation. ""



Well, Oldfingers, just because you see no need....... I've been in healthcare since 1981 too, much of the time as a nurse, with plenty of years in the ER. I'm not doing any vascular clamping nor suturing with y hemostats. But they come in handy for MANY things. I've used them to help extract fish hooks and splinters, etc. They make excellent hook extractors for the tacklebox too. Hemostats are a handy little item that weighs very little and will definitely be used.

Forgot to mention the pocket mask. Thankfully, never had to use mine on the river or in the woods."

Mainly this...don't really expect to use it to stop bleeding.

quote Drab: "I thought we weren't doing mouth to mouth anymore - just the hands only CPR since the pausing to take the breaths was thought to do more harm that good?



Can anyone say with confidence?


I do remember when this type of news article came out. And am aware of the Red Cross


Stayin Alive campaign.


However I am not sure if any of those are applicable to backcountry type situations where it will be a good while, even in the best of circumstances, for professional help to arrive.


I suppose I should take a class like wingnut is rather than relying on internet advice for such things anyway."

I won't say yes or no but just took a CPR/AED certification class in last two weeks and it was 30 pumps and two breaths every 20 seconds. Drilled on it. Of course a shield or other for mouth to mouth. Not much different than two years previous.

Thanks for all your input. I have a better Idea now as to what I need to put together.

Looking forward to Bill Conners reply after the wilderness first aid course. That should be Interesting.

quote Arlo Pankook: "

quote wingnut: "

quote billconner: "Anbesol. Nothing like a tooth going hyper to spoil a trek.



I'll try to update with what I learn from a Wilderness First Aid class in two weeks."

I'm sure a lot of people Including myself would be Interested to see what you learned from that class"

+1 I'm wondering if Super Glue is really safe to use as and alternative to stiches??"

I've used it on myself -- at home, not a trip -- and it worked admirably. Pinch the slice together and apply a drop or so over top, on the skin's surface. Lord knows I've also UNintentionally glued my fingers several times, and it works as advertised. :)

quote LuvMyBell: "This was a good reminder to periodically go through your first-aid kits and ensure that everything is current and replentished. Luckily, my daughter-in-law had a current first aid kit or we would have been screwed had we needed something."

I'm not a health professional, but I've read, and heard from other health professionals, that expired medicine is typically safe, just not necessarily 100% potent/effective. Here's an example article here from Harvard Medical School.
Now, I do try to go through my medicines, etc. to purge very old items, but I don't typically sweat it if I have advil that has a date on it from 12 months ago...

EDIT: LuvMyBell, please know that I'm not trying to call into question your daughter-in-law, who is a trained medical professional and I'm not. I only wanted to relay some info that I had heard from other sources to throw that out there as something people could think about and make their own call.

quote Drab: "I thought we weren't doing mouth to mouth anymore - just the hands only CPR since the pausing to take the breaths was thought to do more harm that good?
"

I'm a certified CPR instructor, and will give you the best explanation I can without overdoing it. There are various things to consider:

Some places (American Red Cross) teach standard CPR- breaths and hands
Some places (American Heart Association) teach hands only CPR when dealing with lay people (ie the general public or other non-professional rescuers).

Both agree that hands-only CPR is better than no CPR at all (fairly obvsious). The choice is yours based on your knowledge of the patient (your mind may change is its a stranger) and what personal protection (ie mask or breathing barrier) you have available.

Another reason the breaths part (again, for non-professional rescuers) is often phased out- when you breathe into someone, think about what you are doing. Your outgoing breath has less oxygen in it than when it went in, and more carbon dioxide. So as you breathe it into a rescue victim, they aren't receiving as much oxygen as they would on their own. Hence the common use of BVM's (Bag valve masks) for professional rescuers.

Last thing to consider- the average person performing CPR is going to be flustered, amped up adrenaline, emotional, and easily confused. Hands-only CPR attempts to reduce the chances of you losing track and thus giving up by making the process easier to remember.

All that being said, learn both.

Add a side cut pliers for removal of fish hooks!

Add a side cut pliers for removal of fish hooks!

quote TeamTuna06: "I went with the DIY option last year. Keep everything in a 1L dry sack.


- Various Bandages/Band Aids
- Gauze
- Athletic Tape
- Ace Bandage
- Ibuprofen & Tylenol
- Immodium & Pepto tablets
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Neosporin
- Quick Clot
- Scissors, Hemostats & Tweezers
- Foil Blanket
- Lighter
- Signal Mirror


I'm sure there's stuff I'm forgetting, but this is a majority of it."

I take all of that plus an epi pen, blood sugar testing kit, powdered oral rehydration packets, glucose tabs, a general antibiotic and flagyl, Benadryl, and a wound closure kit. I have often been mocked for my overdone first aid kit, until my husband slipped on some rocks swimming and gashed open his foot. By the end of the ten day trip we had used every single bandage, ointment, cleansing wipe, steri strip, and pain pill in our kit.

Yes, everyone should think about doing things like going thru our first aid kits and checking for outdates. Not only meds, but all of the other items also, as bandages, dressings, bandaids, ointments, all of it has expirations dates to it. So do it now while we are all sitting around planning out trips so you can get it restocked and ready to go before the trip. "

My solution to this is to put the camping first aid stuff in the general household first aid stuff in the fall, and then re-create the first aid kit new each spring. That way we use it up and I don't feel dumb for wasting it all.

My first aid kit is like many others. For two or more I use an Adventure .7 kit with other things added. I use an orange sea-to-summit dry bag to keep everything in.

I have added the following:
Sam Splint
Coban Wrap
QuikClot
Dental Medic
Steri-Strips
Syringe and stapler
Tick Key
Space Blanket
Dikes for cutting fish hooks
Marie's Original Poison Ivy / Oak Soap
Prescription Pain Pills
Anti-Diarrheal
Sudafed
Benadryl

My solo first aid kit is a little smaller, but not much.

I was an EMT for about 10 years. Should take a wilderness first aid class.

My question relates more to how to do you folks organize your kit. I have, I think, enough of what I need, but the stuff is crammed into one bag in no orderly fashion. I know Ken, aka Butthead, will have a system that I will probably want to emulate! Thanks in advance for ideas.

I found a REI Hiker first aid kit case and used that to hold all of my items in. It has 4 panels that fold out.

Not my kit but the same case I use.

quote OldFingers57: "I found a REI Hiker first aid kit case and used that to hold all of my items in. It has 4 panels that fold out.

Not my kit but the same case I use."

Nice. I could make something like that. Thanks!

quote rupprider: "Everyone's first aid kit will vary. It depends on the level of training you have, and if any of your trip partners have a condition that may warrant special supplies.


Bandages, anti-biotic ointment, mole skin, butterfly closures, super glue, tweezers, tape, and burn cream are good starts.


A splint, pain relievers, suture kit/stapler, and quik clot are options too.


Knowledge is one of the most important items in your kit. A product/tool can cause more harm if you don't know how to use it."

The first paragraph was what I was thinking. Sometimes the more you know sometimes the less you need. You realize you can use many other things you have to get by. But very good to have sterile/clean pads and such. And if your in need of them you'll likely need to change them at least a couple times. My biggest thing is good tape. A lot of them won't hold up it wet or movemthingSplits and such can be made with what you have out there, but a good Sam's splint doesn't take up a lot of space. Anti clotting gauze is good, but knowing to apply pressure is a good thing and can be as good and sometimes more effective. Knowledge is a good thing... Another reason I liked this response. A good thread might be what kinds of emergencies have people have experienced and even practice what you might do in situations. You can carry a whole hospital worth of supplies, but if you don't know what you have or where it is or what to do with it it likely won't help you much. As far as CPR, I hope no one needs to use this out there. A full blown pocket maak is a little much for me to carry. But they do have smaller barriers. Old fingers had a good point about situations like drowning and such. I like the breaths just for the fact you know the airway is open. Lot of emotion in this. A week after having to administer CPR in an emergency situation we had our recertification class. Kind of rekindled some emotions. All in the last month. Some good lists here... Keep your stuff organized and handy. Ziplocks or vacuum sealed bags can keep things dry and organized. Vacuum sealed bags could be harder to open without sissors or knife. Sorry to ramble, but one more thing... Good to know everyone's conditions and such. If someone is taking certain meds they may not be able to take common things like even aspirin.

Initially we bought one of the Adventure Medical Bags......Came with a few of the specialty items and was a quick "go to" bag that I didn't have to think much about. My wife takes all of our first aid kits ever spring and goes through them, adding various supplies and medicine as needed.

I have much of what is in this thread in my kit. The difference is in how they are carried. I have all the medical supplies in a Condor Pack Insert that has lots of pockets, straps, mesh, etc. Then the Condor insert goes in a Cabellas blaze orange small backpack. The Pack is water resistant, but not water tight (not a dry bag). But it is ultra light. If in a canoe I would drop the entire pack into a dry bag when on the water.

I have been very fortunate to never need much over the years. One of my tripping partners is an EMT and brings his grab bag with each year.

Lots of the above plus KERLEX GAUZE. It's the spongy self-adherent wrap they use after they draw blood to keep the cotton ball inside the crook of your elbow. Great option to help keep bandages or gauze in weird places, or keep dressings in place in a wet situation. Less icky feeling than tape IMO.

@ocky I probably have 20 of those afterbite sticks mixed in my gear ... I have severe reactions to mosquito bites where it feels like I am burning after they bite me. Afterbite nips most of those problems right away.

quote TallMatt: "Lots of the above plus KERLEX GAUZE. It's the spongy self-adherent wrap they use after they draw blood to keep the cotton ball inside the crook of your elbow. Great option to help keep bandages or gauze in weird places, or keep dressings in place in a wet situation. Less icky feeling than tape IMO.

@ocky I probably have 20 of those afterbite sticks mixed in my gear ... I have severe reactions to mosquito bites where it feels like I am burning after they bite me. Afterbite nips most of those problems right away."

The colored tape type material they use after they draw blood from you after lab work is not Kerlix gauze it is Coban or can also buy for cheaper under the name of Vet Wrap. Kerlix gauze is a thick white gauze material.

Just going through my kit as I do before each trip. Last year someone I knew was on a trip and got some bark in her eye. Had a heck of a time getting it out. So, this year I am adding an eye flush cup.

the waterproof nexcare bandages work great
i also like to bring an EpiPen

quote zski: "the waterproof nexcare bandages work great
i also like to bring an EpiPen
"

I would love to bring an Epipen but I already have two mortgages.

Rather than purchasing a generic "first aid kit", I encourage everyone to make their own, so you can be mindful of what goes in it and why. In wilderness recreation you are only ever providing aid for Two reasons: 1) first aid to resolve minor injuries so you can continue the trip/paddle out, or 2) first aid to stabilize injuries for 6-48hrs that will require a rescue. In the latter case, knowledge trumps available equipment any day. Note: This is very different than expedition medicine where you are providing definitive care to the group in the field. This is different than SAR aid equipment. Keep it simple.

Here's my light solo kit- I have brought it along for tandem trips too.

Mixed nuts tin:
(2) triangle cravat bandages. (bleeding or splinting)
Dermabond (superglue) for cuts
Large and small bandaids (cuts/scrapes/blisters)
Betadine swabs (cleaning wounds)
Tweezers, safety pin (spinters, stings, hangnails, fishhooks)
Dayquil (is mostly tylenol, for fever/cold)
Ibuprofen (headaches, muscle soreness, injuries)
Benadryl (allergic reactions/sleep aid)
Allegra (seasonal allergy med)
Immodium (hope not to need it)
pepto tabs (heartburn/indigestion)
single dose doxycycline (deer tick bite)
ambesol (mouth/tooth pain)

6.27oz total
Again, this is tailored for a recreational solo/tandem trip.
With this many meds, its a good idea to have them in blister packs with name/dose on the back. Other items I have with can be used for first aid as well (cordage for splinting/tourniquet, gorilla tape from the repair kit, Leatherman multitool, clothing for massive bleeding, sawyer filter backflush syringe to flush eyes).


beer for size reference (although it would be nice to have in some first-aid situations):

quote muddyfeet: " Rather than purchasing a generic "first aid kit", I encourage everyone to make their own, so you can be mindful of what goes in it and why. In wilderness recreation you are only ever providing aid for Two reasons: 1) first aid to resolve minor injuries so you can continue the trip/paddle out, or 2) first aid to stabilize injuries for 6-48hrs that will require a rescue. In the latter case, knowledge trumps available equipment any day. Note: This is very different than expedition medicine where you are providing definitive care to the group in the field. This is different than SAR aid equipment. Keep it simple.


Here's my light solo kit- I have brought it along for tandem trips too.


Mixed nuts tin:
(2) triangle cravat bandages. (bleeding or splinting)
Dermabond (superglue) for cuts
Large and small bandaids (cuts/scrapes/blisters)
Betadine swabs (cleaning wounds)
Tweezers, safety pin (spinters, stings, hangnails, fishhooks)
Dayquil (is mostly tylenol, for fever/cold)
Ibuprofen (headaches, muscle soreness, injuries)
Benadryl (allergic reactions/sleep aid)
Allegra (seasonal allergy med)
Immodium (hope not to need it)
pepto tabs (heartburn/indigestion)
single dose doxycycline (deer tick bite)
ambesol (mouth/tooth pain)


6.27oz total
Again, this is tailored for a recreational solo/tandem trip.
With this many meds, its a good idea to have them in blister packs with name/dose on the back. Other items I have with can be used for first aid as well (cordage for splinting/tourniquet, gorilla tape from the repair kit, Leatherman multitool, clothing for massive bleeding, sawyer filter backflush syringe to flush eyes).



beer for size reference (although it would be nice to have in some first-aid situations):







"

The Sawyer syringe is also good for flushing wounds/cuts out too.

I bring a small "weekend" size kit a .5 adventure kit. With some extra pain meds, tick key, and a dental kit with ambisol. But what I honestly use the most is superglue, band aids, and aspirin. Although, I have had too many opportunities to use a #4 suture kit in my goody bag. I change content depending on the age of the group i'm with. The younger ones seem to need to be repaired, while the older one need to be medicated.

Everything you wanted to know about cyanoacrylates (superglues) for lacerations.

Regarding muddyfeet's reason#1: to continue the trip, what is often lacking is enough bandaids, especially for longer trips and larger groups. Wet footing can make it difficult to keep bandaids on blisters, although duct tape can help.

quote boonie: "Regarding muddyfeet's reason#1: to continue the trip, what is often lacking is enough bandaids, especially for longer trips and larger groups. Wet footing can make it difficult to keep bandaids on blisters, although duct tape can help. "

Coban or Vet wrap also work well to keep band aids and other dressings in place.

First I've heard of a tick key Looney_Canoe. Looks like a good addition to the kit.
This bag
Looks like a handy carry case for all the essentials

quote Savage Voyageur: "

quote zski: "the waterproof nexcare bandages work great
i also like to bring an EpiPen
"

I would love to bring an Epipen but I already have two mortgages. "

There is some sort of maybe a "support group" or some type of manufactures coupon that after you buy the first you get one free every like 4 or 6 months, or up to 2 free per year per person. Although their expiration is something like 6 months I would imagine keeping them in there for a year or greater wouldn't hurt anything.


I have an "adventure medical kit" the camper (I will include the link) that I thought would make an excellent start to a kit. it gets the basics and at least gets you thinking of what you have now and what you might need. I carry I think 4 or 5 small bottles of crazy glue. Superficial lacerations (small like a paper cut) are easily closed and easier to keep out infection. I also have and will likely catch flack for it but a suture kit for animals, bought from a vet clinic. Only reason for something like that is to be able stabilize a person for transport. basically a last resort. quick clot is probably one of the more important things to keep in your kit. The kit (most kits) come with a first aid booklet or a how to guide. and knowledge in these situations are higest priority. know what you got, what you can safely do, and what you might have to do if the situation arises. also pain killers and muscle relaxers do wonders in the Bdubs.

quote wingnut: "First I've heard of a tick key Looney_Canoe. Looks like a good addition to the kit.
This bag
Looks like a handy carry case for all the essentials "

I have that bag, and it is a great one!

One thing I carry that I didn't notice anyone else mention is a dental pack with painkiller, temporary filling and glue for if a crown came off. They can be found in drug stores for a few bucks.

quote moosedoggie: "One thing I carry that I didn't notice anyone else mention is a dental pack with painkiller, temporary filling and glue for if a crown came off. They can be found in drug stores for a few bucks."

Never would have thought of this...

A shemaugh that can be used for a variety of bandaging scenarios. A 5" roll of packing stretch wrap that also has a variety of uses for bandaging and splinting.

quote Drab: "I thought we weren't doing mouth to mouth anymore - just the hands only CPR since the pausing to take the breaths was thought to do more harm that good?



Can anyone say with confidence?


I do remember when this type of news article came out. And am aware of the Red Cross


Stayin Alive campaign.


However I am not sure if any of those are applicable to backcountry type situations where it will be a good while, even in the best of circumstances, for professional help to arrive.


I suppose I should take a class like wingnut is rather than relying on internet advice for such things anyway."

I'm a CPR instructor and a certified 911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher.

Hands-only CPR is the preferred method for teaching citizens to perform bystander CPR on someone they don't know (better to give 600 compressions with no respirations than to say "I'm not putting my mouth on his mouth, I don't know him at all" and give no CPR.) Any CPR course that is beyond "bystander" in nature (AHA's Heartsaver or Basic Life Support) will teach the old idea of 30 compressions and 2 breaths for single rescuer CPR. In the 911 environment there are certain situations in which we still give instructions for *ventilations first* CPR, generally boiling down to respiratory problems rather than cardiac problems - drowning, overdose, severe trauma, electrocution, allergic reaction, asthma, etc. Also, for children under the age of 8, respirations first is the recommended protocol because a child's heart is much more likely to stop beating because of a respiratory problem than the other way around.

As you'd be most likely to perform CPR on someone who drowned in the BWCA (I realize general cardiac arrest is also possible) you'd definitely want to have some kind of one-way barrier with you. When you perform CPR on someone you just pulled from the water, their lungs and/or stomach will be full of water. Which WILL come back up as you do CPR. You will definitely want to give respirations because the act of inflating the lungs will naturally expel some or all of the water from the lungs, as well as "remind" the lungs what they're supposed to be doing.

I buy those masks and a bunch of swappable one-way valves when I teach CPR, so nobody has to put their mouth on the dummy. The first time I took a CPR class, there were 30 or 40 people in the class, and we had one dummy... and the "sanitation" was "here's an alcohol swab. Wipe off the mouth before you take your turn." Pretty sure I went home with three kinds of herpes that night.

Another thing I like about that mask is that it allows you to pressurize both the oral and the nasal passages instead of having to worry about pinching the nose completely closed.

Just realized this question was three years old, but I've already typed it out... so here it is.

I always take a CPR mask with when out canoeing as I figure like you that if someone drowns I can give them respirations. Yes you can do it without a mask and one way valve however after 39 yrs of working as a professional Paramedic I have seen numerous people regurgitate when getting ventilated.