What preparations do you make for your trip as far as planning for dealing with emergencies? Satellite phones or other electronics, what’s in your first aid kit, medical history and information on each canoeist, medical training, and/or other considerations?

Pretty much three things:

1. I've taken a SPOT on longer trips or early or late season trips. I just got one as a wedding present so I'll likely be taking it on all trips in the future.

2. In addition, we obviously take a normally stocked first aid kit and common over the counter drugs that might be useful.

3. Lastly, on cold water trips, I made survival kits that go into our life-jackets. It fits in one of the pockets and includes (duct tape, emergency blanket, emergency shelter (basically more glorified emergency blanket, some fishing line, lighter, waterproof matches, fire-starter, LED, a little compass, and a mini swiss army knife. I usually put a photocopy of our map(s) in a zip loc and put a copy in each life-jacket. Idea being we could salvage a cold-weather tipping if we were separated from our gear.

On this note, I can't stress enough how important water-proofing your packs is during cold water. I use a liner in my Granite Gear packs. In addition to keeping stuff dry when it rains or water gets in the bottom of the canoe (common) it was really important one of the times I tipped.

My wife and I tipped a couple days after ice-out in the Phoebe River a couple years ago. While the water probably wasn't warmer than 40 and we were only in the water for about a minute total, our gear stayed dry despite being dumped into a rapids and floating about 30 yards downstream. Being able to change immediately into dry clothes was huge.

1 Attitude
2 PFD, worn not stowed
3 First aid gear you can use
4 Signaling gear as desired

Whats in your ditch kit.

Sharing medical history is a great idea, but I mostly paddle solo.

butthead

1. Leave as detailed of an travel plan as you can with someone back home. The travel plans that I leave indicate that the plan is not set in stone but it does outline a general area we will be in. It also states that a day or two delayed may not be cause for worry since weather conditions may have simply prevented us from exiting on time. I do leave contact info for the outfitter we used nearest or EP so they have someone to contact to check local conditions.

2. Obviously have the standard first aid kit items. I don't think i take anything out of the ordinary but also haven't traveled with anyone that has unique health concerns.

3. Since its usually just my wife and I on the trip the biggest emergency prep we do is to talk through potential scenarios before hand and think about correct course of action. That way if something happens to me and I can't help talk our way through it my wife doesn't have to guess at the best course of action since its already been discussed. We also make sure that we are both able to portage the canoe solo to that in the event someone needs to go for help they are able to do so. I also do the primary navigation but always make sure to check in with my wife or travel partner regarding our location so that they know where we are on the map as well. I've done trips with other groups and its amazing to me that most of the time the people that are actively doing the navigation have absolutely no idea where they are. I mean what happens if the lead navigator is out of commission? Now they have an injured person and are lost on top of it, not a good combo.

The right gear, as others have mentioned, is important. However it's little use unless those on the trip have been trained and have practiced. Key preps include:

1. Basic first-aid plus familiarity with the kit contents.

2. Basic fire-building, including ability to use all fire-lighting equipment and stoves.

3. Basic navigation including operation of GPS (if you bring one), compass, map-reading, location of spare maps. Make sure everyone in group knows where the group is, where it's going and where to exit. It's disturbing how often with bigger groups some people are just following everyone else around.

4. What to do if lost or disoriented.

5. Rally plans in case of separation or emergencies such as cold-water ditching, severe storm, health crisis.

I'm really curious to see how many people here carry a Spot or some other emergency GPS locator. If you don't, do you second guess not carrying one? Those who do, have you used it?

I've never brought a SPOT or GPS. Never felt I needed it or second guessed not having it. I don't see ever really regretting not having a GPS has I don't know how I'd get so lost that I couldn't figure things out using a map and compass.

A SPOT is one of those items you never need until you do. The only time you'll probably second guess not having one is the moment when you'd love to press a button and wait for an emergency team to come pull your backside out of a bad situation. Until that point its mostly for giving the people back home peace of mind.

quote anthonylane: "I'm really curious to see how many people here carry a Spot or some other emergency GPS locator. If you don't, do you second guess not carrying one? Those who do, have you used it? "

I carry a spot for my wife to send the I'm OK message. Have not used it for emergencies. Have read two accounts of people on one of the bulletin boards who have used it - quick response. Read the story of the couple this past year (prior year?) at below Basswood Falls and husband dies. Wife signaled - plane circled but cloudy night, and returned next morning. So I feel pretty confident it would work. Might be good for the broken bone that prohibits moving. I should worry more about heart attack or stroke - and not sure it's much good for that. But ultimately, I don't worry much about it. As I said, I carry it for my wife.

I carry a PLB. I've never used it. It's an ACR Resqlink.

As for the other questions:

I carry a first aid kit, stocked with normal things and meds.

I have quite a bit of first aid knowledge having 38 years of Paramedic skills under my belt.

I carry some survival items with and know how to use them in case of an emergency.

Knowledge is your best resource. You can have all sorts of gear/equipment but if you don't know what, when or how to do something it is just useless junk.

I'm on my second ACR Electronics PLB. ResQLink. Never needed to use so far, thank the maker!

I add trip details to the registration comments section, then print copies for family reference.

butthead

quote jtbwcaw: medical history and information on each canoeist
"

Our groups are 6-8 guys. Always there's new people to our group. There's no way I'm going to ask my good friends let alone new guys their medical history or information. If a guy has a problem then we will deal with it. Simple first aid kit, that's it.

I would ask any new guys if there was any type of medical problem that could be anticipated and what to do if it occurred. If I had a medical problem I would like to know someone new what to do if something happened.
We also each have a set of long underwear, wool socks, and a stocking cap vacuum sealed in our pack so no matter how wet everything got we would have dry stuff to put on. Once it's vacuum sealed it last for years, I throw mine in the truck in the winter.
A good loud whistle attached to your PFD can be heard from a long way. Anyone within hearing distance would know to respond to three blasts on the whistle.

quote Savage Voyageur: "

quote jtbwcaw: medical history and information on each canoeist
"

Our groups are 6-8 guys. Always there's new people to our group. There's no way I'm going to ask my good friends let alone new guys their medical history or information. If a guy has a problem then we will deal with it. Simple first aid kit, that's it. "

I'll disagree. I was just thinking about this today, after some news was told to us of a medical emergency (not related to canoeing). At the very least, ask, "Do you take any medications? Where do you pack them?" You might easily save a life. Or at least prevent unnecessary harm.

Being in the medical field it is always nice to know someones medical history. Especially if they have problems with things like diabetes, Seizures, or heart problems. Otherwise other non life threatening past med problems are not that essential.

duc tape a must.

A group leader should always know medical conditions, medications taken, know allergies for every member of the group.

Preparations:
Always let friends/family/outfitters know your rough itinerary, and the color of your tarp/tent/jacket in case a search is needed.

In general: Be ready for colder or wetter weather. Have skills and backup plans for making fire or shelter. Be ready to deal with the consequences of a capsize. Keep a clean campsite and hang your food away from camp. Make good decisions- thinking of worst-case scenarios. Know ahead of time how/where you would have to find help. All this can be done on a scale of packing heavy, or ultralight.

Carry the "10 essentials"

First-Aid kit: Important gear, but scaled appropriately. Multi-use items can be part of it (duct tape, cordage, t-shirt, multitool, etc). My light solo kit is: 2 triangle bandages, 2 band-aids, ibuprofen, a couple old Percocet tablets, Benadryl, immodium, doxycycline, antibiotic ointment packet, couple alcohol swabs, safety pin, superglue. It all fits in a plastic altoids container. Group first aid kit can be a lot more robust to handle more varied med emergencies or inconveniences. Know what you might encounter based on who’s with you. Learn CPR, how to stop/bandage bleeding, and how to splint a broken ankle.

( single-dose Doxycycline can be used to prevent lymes disease following a deer tick bite .- ask your doc for a Rx if you’ll be in the wilderness for more than 3 days.)

I carry a DeLorme on solo trips, but not with a group.

I am a doctor, and was a boyscout. I figure there are likely three non-preventable ways of dying in the BWCA: Lightning strike, tree-fall, or heart attack/stroke. Everything else can, by smart decision-making or preparation, be prevented or mitigated. Minor injuries and ailments are common and can ruin a trip; death would not be good either but is thankfully rare.

(be careful which drugs you may take over international borders and that they are legal and with a current prescription: the authorities might be real particular about that sort of thing!) ...and clearly label/package them individually so you can tell one from another!

I wear a red PFD. It's so someone can find the body. If you find me, let me know where I am. Thanks...

I carry a Glock model 20 with two extra magzines

We do health histories and a permission to treat form. along with PFD's, first aid kit and SPOT.

quote schweady: "

quote Savage Voyageur: "

quote jtbwcaw: medical history and information on each canoeist
"

Our groups are 6-8 guys. Always there's new people to our group. There's no way I'm going to ask my good friends let alone new guys their medical history or information. If a guy has a problem then we will deal with it. Simple first aid kit, that's it. "

I'll disagree. I was just thinking about this today, after some news was told to us of a medical emergency (not related to canoeing). At the very least, ask, "Do you take any medications? Where do you pack them?" You might easily save a life. Or at least prevent unnecessary harm.
"

Agree.

1. Leave a float plan back home.
2. Sat phone. My son used it once to communicate with us on a spring solo. He travelled hard on a wet snowy day and got to camp a bit hypothermic. Made me more nervous than he was, but it was good to know where to send help if needed. He was in a very remote area, and could not rely on fellow travelers.
3. First aid kit. I'm a doc, so it's a little more than basic. Yes I have sutured minor cuts in the wilderness.
4. Ditch kit with flint/steel, Vaseline cotton balls, iodine, space blanket, whistle, signal mirror, a bit of paracord, plus the multi-tool, fixed blade knife, and water bottle I carry on me.
5. PFDs - always worn on the water.
6. Compass.

Before I leave home I send an email to all of my kids and to my wife with a route map of my proposed route. Always include the Forest Service phone and website links. If I’m on the west end, I include WELY phone number and website as another way to possible get a hold of me if needed. A map goes up on the fridge as well with all the numbers posted.

Several years ago soloing, I started carrying an inReach for my wife’s piece of mind. Said she wanted some way of finding my body for the life insurance. That does not bother me, Ethan would make it into a two week trip to go find dad (or at least as long as his food held up). I always send the wife and kids an email explaining that the inReach can fail and to not flip out for a few days after my exit date. I then send them a text message form the inReach so they have it listed in their phones.

My PFD is on at all times and I include a space blanket in one of the pockets as well as a fire starting kit, and a small first aid kit. I also carry a very small dry bag in my cargo pants with a few more supplies. Water is cold in May. I have a whistle and compass around my neck as well. When solo, the inReach is on all the time.

First aid kit is pretty much the same for solo or group trip, just the quantity is different. I carry a SAM splint, super glue, epipen, and ankle brace, and a stapler. I figure that I can staple myself easier than putting a stich in if needed. My doctor is also listed as one of my contacts in my inReach and every year she asks me how far I’m going or how many days would it take for me to get to medical attention if needed and fills a couple of prescriptions for me. She also has been known to check in on me by sending me a text during my solo trips to see how I’m doing. One of my daughters is a med school student and has been known to check in with dad telling me to drink more water as well. I used to be an EMT so guess I have seen pretty much everything before, but know what you have in that first aid kit and know how to use it is more important that having a huge first aid kit.

More on the wife’s piece of mind. She completed her first trip last summer and I think she is more comfortable with me taking trips now and my outdoor skills. I think I actually impressed her.

Guess one of these days I should get a PLB, but the inReach has worked well for me. My personal reason for having it is for in case there is a family emergency at home. With elderly family members you never know. I rented a satellite phone one year when my grandmother was bad. It was no quick fix as it was not like a cell phone. Sometimes it would take up to fifteen minutes to lock on and dial out.

Knuckle thump the Glock.

I have been going to the Boundary Waters since 1993. I haven't missed a year since then, and usually go at least two to four or more times a year. In that time I have only had one true emergency. I ask everyone before they go on the trips with us if there are any potentially serious medical conditions that I should be aware of (e.g. seizures, allergies, etc.). I also tell them that it is in their best interest to have all medical information available, to the group, should an emergency arise; this we leave in predetermined secured area.

I definitely agree with leaving a rough itinerary/float plan at home and, where possible, with an outfitter.

In my “previous life” I was in the Marines, a volunteer firefighter and EMT; and I’m currently in Law Enforcement (LE).

In the Boundary Waters (and other wilderness excursions) I take a “wilderness” first aid kit told include the super glue, SAM splint, epipen, some meds recommended by my personal physician, Quik Clot bandages, regular gauze bandages, ace wrap, Band-Aids, tweezers, needle, and some other “lesser” items; all of which fit into a small pack (approx. 8” X 8” X 8” or smaller).

My motto for my trips has become “know that the wilderness is inherently dangerous, but that’s no excuse for dangerous behaviors”; it is safety first with me. Fire, hatches, saws, knives, fish hooks, portages, trees, lightening and storms, animals, people, personal physical/medical conditions, and a lot more will happen… that’s the nature of the beast. But, we can mitigate risk through modified behaviors and safety strategies. Things like always wearing your PFD’s, not paddling or traveling when the lightening or in extreme weather conditions, kids do not get to mess with the fire or sharp objects, proper adult supervision (especially on the other child-like adults), and in general just being mindful to anticipating risky conditions and behaviors.

I was glad to see the weapons mentioned… being in LE, I am thoroughly trained, but many folks are not. I recommend that if you feel the need to carry, do so with due diligence, adequate training, and proficiency. I never carried until a few years ago, when my wife insisted, due to taking the grandkids. I carry concealed, legally, with every precaution I can manage.

Given the progression of age and young kids on the trips… I purchased a satellite phone for insurance (again, a wife thingy), but there is some solace in having one with you under certain conditions.

I see many great ideas here, so spread the word, use your own judgment on what will work for you, get some training if you need it, and be prepared mentally for the day will come that something will happen if you go canoe camping long enough.

Be safe!

Medical history is a must. Nothing major just about 3 big things...


allergies and epi pen: Bee stings, shellfish, and nuts come to mind.


heart history: carrying some chewable aspirin might be a good idea.


Diabetes: good to know

quote yogi59weedr: "Knuckle thump the Glock."

oooooooh yaaaa

quote Mad_Angler: "heart history: carrying some chewable aspirin might be a good idea.
Diabetes: good to know"

But not if you are on blood thinners....

And don't forget teeth - I have Anbesol in my first aid kit - would hate a tooth ache to end a trip early.

quote billconner: "

quote Mad_Angler: "heart history: carrying some chewable aspirin might be a good idea.
Diabetes: good to know"

But not if you are on blood thinners....


And don't forget teeth - I have Anbesol in my first aid kit - would hate a tooth ache to end a trip early."

Didn't know about blood thinners. I thought everyone should take a chewable aspirin in response to heart attack symptoms. Might be the only first aid you are getting if you are way back in.

Good comment on the teeth. You can also get temporary filling stuff from the drug store. The container is very small and a good idea for folks that have lost fillings before.

quote Mad_Angler: "

quote billconner: "

quote
Didn't know about blood thinners. I thought everyone should take a chewable aspirin in response to heart attack symptoms. Might be the only first aid you are getting if you are way back in."

My cardiologist said no aspirin (among other things) because of blood thinner. Ask your doctor I guess.

My thoughts after reading these posts.

Since I solo a lot, I leave my general route plans/areas with my family. I bring a SPOT. Never had to hit the 911, but my wife can track my locations each evening.

A basic first aid kit is a must. I also think everyone should know some basic wilderness first aid. Know how to treat possible bone/joint injuries. Know how to treat bleeding wounds, including significant wounds so you can maybe keep the person alive while waiting for the 911 response. Know what to do in case of shock, hypothermia, heat stress and dehydration.

I always carry some bacitracin, anitbiotics, motrin, and prednisone (for poison ivy which can ruin a trip fairly quickly for some people).

If I'm with someone else, I would like to know if they have significant issues such as peanut allergies, epi pen, diabetes, etc.

In the end, common sense is vital. But, as a retired military guy, training can rarely be overempahsized...

Is anyone a WEMT (Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician) ?
Does it differ greatly from an EMT?

From reading this thread it seems many are passionate about preparedness and first aid, but it seems like the private forum for wilderness survival/first aid is seldomly used? Just my observation.

quote Fortunate1: "Is anyone a WEMT (Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician) ?
Does it differ greatly from an EMT?


From reading this thread it seems many are passionate about preparedness and first aid, but it seems like the private forum for wilderness survival/first aid is seldomly used? Just my observation.


"

Ive taken a wilderness 1st aid course given by SOLO. The techniques and courses of action are different when your outside the golden hour....so yes a WEMT is more advanced then a regular EMT.

Lots of good content here.

I would strongly support the idea of asking about medical conditions and specially allergies. I have taken 3 parties where nut allergy was truly life threatening. Just touching a fork/spoon that had contacted nuts would result in anaphylactic (sp?) reaction. There is ZERO room for error on this one. An epi pen was always in two separate pockets day and night.

The food planning process was incredibly detailed. I literally read EVERY ingredient of EVERY food item I packed for the entire trip. Then I made copies for the father to ALSO read as proof I had not overlooked anything.

It was an amazing lesson for me. There are nut allergy alerts on most chocolate bars (no nuts in finished selections), pancake mix, biscuit mix, dried fruit, and even generic Crystal Light (from Walmart) for a few examples.

To not ask everyone about medical and allergy risks is bordering on gross irresponsibility. Sorry if I offend anyone, but the wilderness is no place to not be fully aware and well prepared.

Old Hoosier

I do the wilderness first aid course every couple of years for Scouts.

Staplers and Guns??

Never even thought of bringing a stapler, but I guess it makes sense. Do you just bring in a regular old swingline stapler?

As far as bringing a gun, and this is just me thinking out loud, but I would think a gun (especially a hand gun) in camp would be more likely to cause an emergency than to get you out of one. Especially if there are kids around. One can't possible have a gun on their hip 24/7, so there is the potential for it falling into inexperienced hands.

quote walleyevision: "Staplers and Guns??

As far as bringing a gun, and this is just me thinking out loud, but I would think a gun (especially a hand gun) in camp would be more likely to cause an emergency than to get you out of one. Especially if there are kids around. One can't possible have a gun on their hip 24/7, so there is the potential for it falling into inexperienced hands."

I do retain my weapon 24/7, or I have another trained adult maintain it for me in the few instances that arise where I can't. I was raised around weapons, I have raised my kids around weapons, and I am professionally trained. I personally do not feel that a weapon presents another potential emergency situation, anymore than other items do. It is wreck less behavior that creates potential emergency situations.

Note: it was my wife that finally insisted that I carry (same for the sat phone too). For many years I never felt the need, but she does now. She's not anti-gun, but she's definitely not pro-gun either; she falls into the only when necessary category. With me carrying one everyday at work there is another level of confidence that she has with me and mine.

Good to know you are taking all the proper precautions, but I gotta ask, where do you put it while you sleep? I can't imagine it would be comfortable rolling over onto gun. My wife worries about me when I'm up there too, and wants me to take precautions. I just don't see the need for a gun. Is your wife worried about bears?

quote walleyevision: "Good to know you are taking all the proper precautions, but I gotta ask, where do you put it while you sleep? I can't imagine it would be comfortable rolling over onto gun. My wife worries about me when I'm up there too, and wants me to take precautions. I just don't see the need for a gun. Is your wife worried about bears? "

It's safe with me; never had an issue sleeping with it.
My wife is concerned about the kids on many levels.

Like what has been said their has been a lot of good info said hear.

The conversation on med. conditions is key to plan for worst case scenarios. this will help you top off you first aid kit with those
couple of things you hope never needed but priceless if you do.
(example: a glucose shot for a diabetic that has probs. controlling
it from going to low.)

As said before theirs no need to pack beyond your skill level.
that's just wasted space. Common sense goes a long way.

The 2 most used items in my kit is NEW SKIN w/antibiotic and IBU

Relax and Have Fun

Darcyn

quote walleyevision: "Staplers and Guns??


Never even thought of bringing a stapler, but I guess it makes sense. Do you just bring in a regular old swingline stapler?

Emergency use of Surgical Stapler

Life jacket worn on the water. Not tucked under my seat.
Spot- I carry it when soloing and on tandem trips. Extra batteries for the Spot.
Extra set of maps when I solo, tucked in my pack in a ziplock
I copy the maps and let my husband know my tentative route. Since I carry the spot there is really no need to stick to the route as he knows me and knows I wont travel on windy days.
First aid kit.
ditch kit.
spare set of glasses. I cannot read a map without my glasses so I carry an old set of glasses in my ditch kit.

quote jeepgirl: "spare set of glasses. I cannot read a map without my glasses so I carry an old set of glasses in my ditch kit."

Good point for those of us who like you can't read a map (or compass) without glasses. I can no longer even tell which way is up to read. I did discover I could read the map - barely - with the magnifying lens in the base of my compass.

(We must not be first to realize this - cabelas have them in a camo case!)

quote billconner: "I carry a spot for my wife to send the I'm OK message."

This is exactly why I do not want to carry one. I like to have zero communication when in the bwca. If I was able to communicate with my wife then I would have to be continuously in touch. She calls about once every 10 min already when I am on the way up to Duluth where I meet up with the rest of the party. That would be bad if I was expected to check in. I like my peace and quiet.

I prefer to travel with a group of 4 guys in 2 canoes, so if something happens then we have the second canoe with 2 more guys. We always pack a first aid kit but I have been thinking about expanding it to include some trauma kit stuff in case of deep cuts or punctures. I'll have to add asprin too, we always took advil not thinking about heart issues since we are all under 30, but you never know.

quote A1t2o: "

quote billconner: "I carry a spot for my wife to send the I'm OK message."

This is exactly why I do not want to carry one. I like to have zero communication when in the bwca. If I was able to communicate with my wife then I would have to be continuously in touch...."

??? So is not communicating with your wife for you or her? I could understand your desire to have her unable to talk to you seeing how she calls you every 10 minutes on the road. Sounds like you're frustrated with her and perhaps you want her to be more comfortable to live without you for awhile. But with the Spot I have, I am only able to send the ok message each evening so she knows everything is normal and can know where I am....there is no ability to communicate with her other than that.

quote PineKnot: "??? So is not communicating with your wife for you or her? I could understand your desire to have her unable to talk to you seeing how she calls you every 10 minutes on the road. Sounds like you're frustrated with her and perhaps you want her to be more comfortable to live without you for awhile. But with the Spot I have, I am only able to send the ok message each evening so she knows everything is normal and can know where I am....there is no ability to communicate with her other than that."

Wasn't sure how they worked exactly. I thought it was like a satellite phone but for text messaging. She just gets anxious whenever I go somewhere without her and always has something to ask me or wants to talk (I do the cooking so most the calls are about how to make dinner). And its not just her, I don't want any calls or emails from work either. No spam, telemarketers, fundraising, or anyone coming to me because they want something. Just my buddies and the wilderness. That's why I go.

The Spot 2 I have is a one way device - it sends preset messages - actually three which I write in advance, each with it's own distribution list - up to 10 email addresses or text numbers. Says your OK, doesn't help with dinner. That's what the stack of take out menus is for, when I'm not home to cook.

"No spam, telemarketers, fundraising, or anyone coming to me because they want something."

Emergency communication devices do no have to be 2 way, and they can be left off till needed.

butthead

A firearm in the BWCA is about as useful as Ann Franks's drumkit, unless you're hunting. But if it makes you feel better.......

quote billconner: "

quote Mad_Angler: "

quote billconner: "

quote
Didn't know about blood thinners. I thought everyone should take a chewable aspirin in response to heart attack symptoms. Might be the only first aid you are getting if you are way back in."

My cardiologist said no aspirin (among other things) because of blood thinner. Ask your doctor I guess."

Definitely ask your doctor to be sure.

But I would wonder if the Doctor's no-aspirin-with-blood-thinners advice was for prolonged/daily use of aspirin, not a one time emergency dose?

Aspirin (ASA) use in an emergent heart attack usually calls for a one time 325mg uncoated aspirin to be chewed and swallowed as soon as MI symptoms appear.

The single baby aspirin is often recommended for daily use to prevent blood clots in the place of other blood thinning therapies. For instance, I have a hole in my heart and take one 81mg low dose/baby aspirin daily to prevent blood clots from forming and migrating through the hole causing a stroke.

Guess I missed this one? I have a good First Aid kit that I put together myself with Sam Splint & ace wraps, quick-clot, New Skin, a couple space emergency blankets, matches, lighter, and candles, et al.

I carry a spare map and like some I carry a spare set of glasses with it. And, most importantly, my PFD is WORN, not sitting in the bilge somewhere. I won't jump on the pulpit and start preaching, but it's one of my pet peaves.

Never used any other electronics myself and have always discouraged trip mates. Only time a tripmate brought something, it was a fish finder. It broke on day one, so my buddy portaged it's dead weight for nothing for a week. It's just not my idea of escaping to the woods if I have a watch on, a fish locator, a GPS, a cell phone or radio, et al. Different strokes.....

quote luft: "

quote billconner: "

quote Mad_Angler: "

quote billconner: "

quote
Didn't know about blood thinners. I thought everyone should take a chewable aspirin in response to heart attack symptoms. Might be the only first aid you are getting if you are way back in."

My cardiologist said no aspirin (among other things) because of blood thinner. Ask your doctor I guess."

Definitely ask your doctor to be sure.


But I would wonder if the Doctor's no-aspirin-with-blood-thinners advice was for prolonged/daily use of aspirin, not a one time emergency dose?


Aspirin (ASA) use in an emergent heart attack usually calls for a one time 325mg uncoated aspirin to be chewed and swallowed as soon as MI symptoms appear.


The single baby aspirin is often recommended for daily use to prevent blood clots in the place of other blood thinning therapies. For instance, I have a hole in my heart and take one 81mg low dose/baby aspirin daily to prevent blood clots from forming and migrating through the hole causing a stroke.


"

As part of our ambulance protocol for someone having a heart attack we give 4 baby Aspirin (chewable) even if someone is on blood thinners.

quote luft: "

quote billconner: "

quote Mad_Angler: "

quote billconner: "

quote
Didn't know about blood thinners. I thought everyone should take a chewable aspirin in response to heart attack symptoms. Might be the only first aid you are getting if you are way back in."

My cardiologist said no aspirin (among other things) because of blood thinner. Ask your doctor I guess."

Definitely ask your doctor to be sure.


But I would wonder if the Doctor's no-aspirin-with-blood-thinners advice was for prolonged/daily use of aspirin, not a one time emergency dose?


Aspirin (ASA) use in an emergent heart attack usually calls for a one time 325mg uncoated aspirin to be chewed and swallowed as soon as MI symptoms appear.


The single baby aspirin is often recommended for daily use to prevent blood clots in the place of other blood thinning therapies. For instance, I have a hole in my heart and take one 81mg low dose/baby aspirin daily to prevent blood clots from forming and migrating through the hole causing a stroke.


"

I asked about the hear attack and he still feels the risk of bleeding is more significant. I'll ask again.

quote billconner: "

quote luft: "

quote billconner: "

quote Mad_Angler: "

quote billconner: "

quote
Didn't know about blood thinners. I thought everyone should take a chewable aspirin in response to heart attack symptoms. Might be the only first aid you are getting if you are way back in."

My cardiologist said no aspirin (among other things) because of blood thinner. Ask your doctor I guess."

Definitely ask your doctor to be sure.



But I would wonder if the Doctor's no-aspirin-with-blood-thinners advice was for prolonged/daily use of aspirin, not a one time emergency dose?



Aspirin (ASA) use in an emergent heart attack usually calls for a one time 325mg uncoated aspirin to be chewed and swallowed as soon as MI symptoms appear.



The single baby aspirin is often recommended for daily use to prevent blood clots in the place of other blood thinning therapies. For instance, I have a hole in my heart and take one 81mg low dose/baby aspirin daily to prevent blood clots from forming and migrating through the hole causing a stroke.



"

I asked about the hear attack and he still feels the risk of bleeding is more significant. I'll ask again. "

Well I've learned over the 38 years that I've worked in the medical field both Prehospital and in the Emergency room that EVERY doctor has their own opinion about situations, sometimes even regardless as to what major studies suggest in the way of treatment or whatever.

quote peteb: "A firearm in the BWCA is about as useful as Ann Franks's drumkit, unless you're hunting. But if it makes you feel better.......
"

I'm afraid I'll have to disagree. I've carried a weapon for over 25 years in Military, Law Enforcement (LE) or LE type work and I've never had to use it yet, but I've never had to use it. Still I wear it and a BP vest too. I carry pepper spray on the job too, and I've rarely had to use it, but people still take pepper spray into the wilderness.

Why take the extra weight of a first aid kit; just be more careful.

Life jackets aren't necessary if you're careful and know how to swim.

Ultimately it's up to each individual to determine what is necessary for them.

A good first aid kit, A GPS used in conjunction with map and compass. (sat photography on a GPS makes navigation really easy) When I have the nephews with me I rent a sat phone for emergency use only. DRY discipline-- bag liners rolled up, bags lashed to boat, emergency blanket and fire starter in PFD.

So I didn't read, all but anyone for a few band aids and enough water and trusting yourself....?

"I'm afraid I'll have to disagree. I've carried a weapon for over 25 years in Military, Law Enforcement (LE) or LE type work and I've never had to use it yet, but I've never had to use it. Still I wear it and a BP vest too. I carry pepper spray on the job too, and I've rarely had to use it, but people still take pepper spray into the wilderness.


Why take the extra weight of a first aid kit; just be more careful.


Life jackets aren't necessary if you're careful and know how to swim.


Ultimately it's up to each individual to determine what is necessary for them. "

Well put! AT the end of the day, we prepare for a lot of situations that we will never have to encounter. Wearing PFD's, bringing first aid kits, bear spray.. . when it gets to it. . .even hanging packs. Our groups (we bring 6-18 men up each year)have an extensive first aid kit in camp that includes the basics, but also emergency splints, wound clot patches, Israeli splints, wound staplers and every type of pain medication, and medications for diahrea, insiect bites, etc. We also have small first aid kits with us when out paddling. Some items that we have added. . .specialized small kit to remove fish hooks if they become imbedded, a dental first aid kit.

We also have at least one side arm in each camp that is controlled by a trained individual that not only has a permit, but classroom training beyond the basics. Years ago (mainly for use in KY) we added a "snake tamer" shot gun (stainless steel 20 gauge single shot). It has a stock with shell holders in it. Depending on where we travel in the US we vary the shells from slugs, to snake shot.

We view firearms like everything else on the list. We have never yet had to use any of them. But we are prepared and trained in their use if needed.

Acr resqlink, never had to use it. G20 also, I pretty much ALWAYS bring a gun, for protection against 2 legged animals. Especially with my kids. Let's stop all this "why do you bring a gun" nonsense. Same reason I bring everything else, Just in case....if you don't like guns, are afraid of guns or your skills/responsibility with one are lacking, don't bring one. I've been around way too many evil people to go unarmed, even in the backcountry. I also leave route,plans with at least 2 other adults.

I always prep my own first aid kit with basic bandages/gauze. ace bandage for sprains/splints. pain meds, both OC and prescp., alcohol swabs and antiseptic swabs. Antacids and ambesol (makes a good local when doing field stitches).
I have a ditch kit that attaches to my PFD with an emergency blanket, emergency mirror, waterproof matches, small firestarter cubes, button compass and small waterproof container with various needed pills (prescriptions, pain meds, antacids) and fish line/hooks.
Map is in wetbag tucked inside PFD while traveling.
I also have a PLB. On my third one now. Father gave me my first one since I solo canoe, hike, fish, camp a lot. Have never had to use it but nice to know it is there.
Of course when soloing, always let someone know your plans.

Great discussions and recommendations!

Hydration, hypo/hyper-thermia, medications, staplers (never considered this one, well stocked first aid kits, communication devises, weapons, mindset, specialized items, training, major and minor medical concerns, solo verses group outings, dental issues, PFD’s, map and compass, epi-pen, itinerary, medical history, medical documents, super glue, paracord, and of course duct tape.

I’m sure there are many minor nuances in everyone’s gear and planning, but these are great tools and consideration for each of us to ponder. Do what is right for you, what is within your skill set, and gives you the peace of mind to go safely into our Boundary Waters!