Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => General Chat => Topic started by: Rich.H on August 02, 2011

Title: Medical kit contents
Post by: Rich.H on August 02, 2011
Just wondering what folk on here pack into their medical kits for the country here?
Title: Re: Medical kit contents
Post by: twentyclicks on August 02, 2011
On a day walk:
alcohol gel for hygiene or cleaning cuts, crepe bandage for sprains, few plasters /compeed, safety pin & lighter, some steri-strips for deep cuts, paracetamol and ibuprofen for various pains, and 2 pro-plus tabs incase I'm really caught out and getting weary /need to be sharp. A buff can easily be used for a sling. Tweezers and scissors on a multitool.

For longer trips I may variously add depending on length, conditions, country, remoteness:
plain gauze, vaseline gauze for burns, micropore tape, E45 cream for mild rashes/sunburn, handwarmers, antiseptic cream, anti-fungal cream (canestan) anti-sickness tablets, antacids, rehydration salts (dioralyte), prescribed anti-malarial/anti-biotics, thermometer, fluoroscen (?) strips for seeing eye debris, suture kit, latex or sterile gloves, duct tape can turn many a stiff item into a splint. My wilderness medical handbook. Insurance.

If with a group in a really remote place with poor rescue/healthcare perhaps also:
Pretaken notes of group medical history/contacts, Sam splint, actual sling, stethoscope, eye/ear scope, neck brace, pelvic brace, leg traction splint, sterile scalpel, sterile needles/canulas, IV fluid/meds, naso-gastric tube...

The items and quantities thereof can really escalate, and unless a vehicle based expedition, you could never take it all with you. Appropriate risk assessment is called for. Knowledge and adaptability go a long way. Not everyone could go using the last list, but there is great training out there: I did the Far From Help modules with Wilderness Medical Training, but it's worth doing a St.John's/Red Cross course or a REC course to gain effective skills for this country. I'm sure some of the other guys will be able to give feedback on those.

Do a search on the forum: this has been looked at before, and LennyJ has a video looking at his first aid kit contents!
Title: Re: Medical kit contents
Post by: LennyJ1 on August 02, 2011
That is a good list from twentyclicks.

All I would say is if you dont know what you are doing with bits of medical equipment for etc canulas, sutures and needles then dont use them. you could do more harm than good.
Title: Re: Medical kit contents
Post by: twentyclicks on August 02, 2011
Quote from: LennyJ1 on August 02, 2011
That is a good list from twentyclicks.

All I would say is if you dont know what you are doing with bits of medical equipment for etc canulas, sutures and needles then dont use them. you could do more harm than good.

Thanks Lenny! I really didn't say that the right way... yes, only use if you know how!
Title: Re: Medical kit contents
Post by: surfnscenic on August 02, 2011
If with a group in a really remote place with poor rescue/healthcare perhaps also:

At the rate A & E's are closing this could be closer than we think!?
Title: Re: Medical kit contents
Post by: RedLeader on August 03, 2011
Does Pro Plus actually help?
Title: Re: Medical kit contents
Post by: twentyclicks on August 03, 2011
Quote from: RedLeader on August 03, 2011
Does Pro Plus actually help?

It's caffeine, and as someone who never drinks coke and wouldn't even have a cup of tea per day, it certainly has an effect on me  :o