Corey

iTrader: (1)

My main kit is an old backpacking one from REI I bought twenty plus years ago.
Time to retire it, and I just ordered a new one yesterday called the Weekender from Adventure Medical Kits.
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/
This one will stay in the rig full time.

Here is the model.
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/...der&product=87



Good video on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv7mw...layer_embedded

I ended up getting it through Amazon, it will arrive tomorrow.
http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medi...dp/B000G7YIL4/

I also keep a Tupperware kit I have had for years that has a ton of various size band-aids in it, along with some bandage scissors that were my parents that are from around 1960+ or so.
They do not make scissors like that anymore.

I will stuff a few more items into this new kit, and maybe pick up a few of those blood clot packs too.

I know there are a few EMT's on the site here, what is your opinion on this kit?
I am CPR and first aid certified too through the Boeing company.
We get trained for free and a card which is a good deal.
About time for me to re-certify again.
CPR changes all the time is seems.

blake.nemitz

anyone know where to get one with sutchers, my kits ok but would like one with stuff i can give myself stiches in an emergency, be alot easier than using a needle and cotton thread

dark_fairytales

i hear medical staples are more practical, could be another good option.

MaK92-4RnR

super glue and duct tape is more practical

aa1911

iTrader: (1)

Don't bother with staples, suture is far superior and the only reason docs will use staples other than on the head is to save time. I'm a medic and have access to suture but if I had to buy it, check with Chinook Medical online, they have excellent products. Dental floss (especially the 'tape') works good in a pinch but if you have a choice of suture, go non-absorbable ethilon or similar. 5-0 on the small end, 3-0 is about as big as you should need.

If anyone does get a staplegun, make sure to learn how to take them out first with hemostats or buy a staple remover!

For stopping bleeding, carry quality tourniquets and try to get your hands on some Celox or combat gauze, those are the best 2 hemostatic agents available right now. (and expensive)

That looks like a nice kit though, it's amazing how few people carry anything at all; I can't leave the house without an entire aid bag!

aa1911

iTrader: (1)

oh yeah, super glue really does work too! electrical tape also makes amazing bandages too in an emergency

aviator

Anyone know a good book to get to learn how to suture?

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

Corey--that is a good price on that kit...might ask the missus if we can spring for one.
I have a couple of SAM splints I have had since my Army days...they are a good addition to any first aid kit

as far as sutures, I had a knee stitched up with mint dental floss, scar is ugly but it got me down the mountain

aa1911

iTrader: (1)

"Ditch Medicine" (my favorite)

"Clinician's Pocket Reference" by ScutMonkey

"Special Forces Medical Sergeant's Handbook"

These have some of the best suture diagrams of my medical books. I would especially recommend the ditch medicine for someone who has a decent foundation of general medicine (EMT-B or equivelant, military medic, etc...)

aviator

thanks 1911

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Robb, the kit came yesterday, very nice.
Everything inside is indeed labeled for the type of situation you might run across.

I briefly read the included book as outlined in the video above while in bed yesternight.
The book alone is a valuable resource.

It is a nice kit, but not much room in it to add more stuff to it.
The only things I really want to add is a blood clotting pack, and some Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Cream.
I have used the cream on insect bites, and it goes to work immediately.

I feel the kit was worth the $45 from Amazon.
There were two left when I ordered mine, now there are 13 more in stock.
The reviews are pretty good on it.

aa1911

iTrader: (1)

If you can only carry one drug in your medkit, make it diphenhydramine (benadryl) and don't waste money on brand name, get generic.

It can stop and even reverse anaphalaxis even in severe cases, it's a good sleep aid, moderate sedative for anxiety, pain, etc.... allergies, congestion, cough suppressant and much more. Generic tylenol 500mg (extra strength) is about the best OTC med for pain when there is any bleeding/blood loss as it doesn't 'thin' your blood as does motrin, aspirin and pretty much any other NSAID drug.