Putting together small 1st Aid Kit

I'd appreciate some feedback on this. I'm taking a 1st aid course (health care provider lvl) and need to update my stuff.

-2x barrier device
-EMT shears
-Hand sanitizer
-Nitrile gloves
-Non stick pads
-Sterile gauze pads
-Elastic roller bandage
-Medical tape
-Assortment of bandaids
-Eye covers
-Razor (primarily for AED)
-Have some of the stuff in disposable ziplock bags for clean up (also dog poop bags sinc'e they're so compact)
-Glow stick
-Pen light
-Pre made dressing for sucking chest wound
-Israeli tourniquet (I'm aware of the dangers and legal ramifications)
-Saline solution for wound irrigation
-Instant cold pack
-Tweezers
-Emergency blanket
-Burn cream

*No alcohol pads/iodine or hydrogen peroxide as apparently they inhibit healing

This is the one I'm going to keep in my backpack, so it needs to remain pretty small. Here's the bag.

I have a larger bag I'm going to keep in the trunk of my car, but I want something that can deal with most issues with me on hikes/work/school etc.

Appreciate any advice!

a reply to: Domo1

Items I would:

Candy.

A lighter.

Toilet paper.

And a small bottle of high-proof alcohol.

a reply to: Domo1

Pure grain alcohol
Your burn cream should actually be Silver sulfadiazine.

a reply to: introvert

At first I thought you were suggesting a party, but I think those are all good ideas.

Appreciate it. You also reminded me of those little packets in case someone needs electrolytes.

a reply to: DBCowboy

Pure grain alcohol

For me if I have to deal with an avulsion? Yuck.

My understanding is that alcohol is actually bad for the wound. I was pretty incredulous about it, but it seems to be the case.

a reply to: Domo1

Not talking about wounds so much, but it could be used to clean, sanitize instruments, it could also be used as an anesthetic.

a reply to: DBCowboy

Good call on sanitizing. Wouldn't use as anesthetic though, alcohol thins the blood.

a reply to: Domo1

If you need to set a bone, it's easier to have a few. Takes the edge off.

originally posted by: Domo1
a reply to: DBCowboy

Pure grain alcohol

For me if I have to deal with an avulsion? Yuck.

My understanding is that alcohol is actually bad for the wound. I was pretty incredulous about it, but it seems to be the case.

Alcohol is an amazing pain-killer. Can also use it to start fires, if needed, and sanitation.

I have sterile sealed curved sewing needles and thread to sitch up wounds. Also got a couple wound staple guns on Amazon. also haxe the anti nuke iodine tablets

a reply to: Domo1

ASPRIN, you gotta have Asprin for a heart attack or angina victim. Tiny weeny and won't take up hardly any room but could save a life.

Don't just consider external first aid.

Aspirin for Heart Attack and Unstable Angina

How It Works.

Aspirin slows the blood's clotting action by reducing the clumping of platelets. Platelets are cells that clump together and help to form blood clots. Aspirin keeps platelets from clumping together, thus helping to prevent or reduce blood clots. During a heart attack. Blood clots form in an already-narrowed artery and block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When taken during a heart attack, aspirin slows clotting and decreases the size of the blood clot that is forming. After a heart attack. Aspirin can help prevent a second heart attack. Taken daily, aspirin's anti-clotting action helps prevent a first or second heart attack.

a reply to: nerbot

Good call! Should certainly slap some medications in there. Think I'm going to buy the kind in those little packets for size and 0 confusion.

Caution, HELP people take aspirin or any other drug. I might be inclined to "help someone" inject epinephrine even though you're legally not supposed to.

a reply to: nerbot

Nice call!

81mg aspirin.

Just broke open my kit that I've been evolving over the last few years. Here are a couple recommendations from experience.

Trade out your pen light for a small head lamp. Nothing's more frustrating than working on things , or carrying things with one hand tied up holding a light.

Small pair of nail clippers. If you find yourself or others with you on foot for a long time, untrimmed toe nails rubbing away adjacent flesh and hang nails will often shut things right down. Also great for trimming sutures, customizing band-aids, etc. The ones I have are only about 1.5" long. I also carry a very small pair of precision scissors for fabbing and modding dressings, removing clothing at the wound, cutting caught hair (usually from descending devices) etc. Mine are for embroidery but there are some good ones for making fly fishing lures.

On the topic of blisters, make sure some of your band-aids are the slippery plastic kind. They don't rub off of foot blisters as quickly as the frictiony cloth ones. I spend countless, hard days walking through rugged forest and plastic band-aids are a life saver when you have to spend the whole day in the same footwear.

Don't just buy any tweezers. Make sure they come to a very fine, accurately closed point. I recommend a pair of #5 or #3 tweezers. Put a short section of drinking straw over the tips to protect them from getting bent in your kit.

Your favorite pain reliever. I like Tylenol extra strength but also carry a few aspirin.

Light leather gloves. This is the number one item people talk about missing in testimonials about disaster experiences. Great for clearing debris, especially for first response while helping or searching for other victims. They can also be put over your nitrile gloves to protect them from abrasion while handling hazardous materials, bodies, etc.

Electrolyte powder pack. When you see somebody suffering from exposure its a great, safe way to get them back on track.

Edit to add: Since I see you are considering meds, I carry over the counter antihistamine tablets. They can really help someone out if they get multiple bites or stings. Especially if they are fairly sensitive or downright allergic.

a reply to: Domo1

I have always used Q-tips to apply neosporin type antibiotic ointment. I keep those and cotton swabs in a small ziplock bag in my kit, they help to clean out the wounds as well. I use hydrogen peroxide to wash away a wound. It helps to clot up the blood a bit too. It helps to liberate dirt particles and other pathogens that you cant normally see as it fizzes out of the wound. It should only be used to clean out the wound initially, and after you dry it simply apply the ointment with a swab. My wounds dont seem to heal any slower than usual though.

I also keep those little packets that generate heat for several hours in my car, just in case of an breakdown during winter somewhere or whatever. I took them out of my home kit though because, well honestly this is Florida and we rarely have cold long enough for it to be a problem if power goes out. Its still an interesting thing to have though.

Colloidal or ionic silver for sanitizing a wound instead of the alcohol or peroxide. Can also be used to sanitize water. Aloe gel, the type that can be taken internally as well as used externally.
Tube of anti-itch cream like Benadryl.
Washcloth in a plastic bag. Small towel as well.
Safety pins in assorted sizes.
Dental floss can be used as suture material on humans in a pinch.

If size vs. versatile use matters to you, which it seems like it does, I would consider adding a bottle of tea tree essential oil to your kit. I know a lot of people are highly skeptical of "hippy-dippy all natural stuff" which I am myself... However, I can assure you and anyone else that tea tree oil is an amazing antibacterial/fungal/viral (among other uses) substance. Helps wounds heal twice as fast for My girl and I every time.

I'm exhausted and on my cellular device. Otherwise I would include links that prove the substantial benefits tea tree can give, but I figure you can google some studies if you're willing to give it a try. Only thing is you gotta be careful who you order it from. No cheap crap, and no pyramid scheme companies.

Shoot me a message if ya want and I can explain more if you have any interest at all because I won't be around for a few days most likely.

Oh and also maybe throw in a couple of those masks that snugly cover your mouth and nose. Little chance you'll ever need them, but they take up so little space and could really help protect you depending on the situation.

Domo, back in 2009 when we all thought we might be wiped out by the Swine Flu, I made a thread with detailed items of what one might want to have on hand, including in the event an ambulance couldn't get to you .......I found the thread and have copied the list.

1. Disposable gloves. Packages of about 10 pair are available at any drug store or super market.
2. Soap either antibacterial or just regular soap.
3. Plenty of straws.( I'll explain in a bit ).
4. At least 5 boxes of acetaminophen. 5 boxes of Ibuprofen. (Any brand will do).
5. sterilized small knives
6. Any bandages 4x4's would be best.
7. Several boxes of Antihistamines. Zyrtec, Benadryl, Claritin, Etc. (Over the counter or prescription.)
8.Any prescription you have for bronchial dilators. Asthmatic's, you will know what I mean. Try and fill at least 3 months worth.
9. Any prescription you have for Antibiotics. Old or new! In an emergency it won't matter.
10. Over the counter Cough Medicines, (Your choice) At least 3 bottles, *Remember to have medications dosed for children! Pediatric dosing is always done by weight. Age does not matter.
11. Antacids
12. Antidiarrheals(over the counter)
13. Cough Drops
14. Masks * Are Not Going To Help Much, because viral particles are so small they will get through.* However, they will reduce the AMOUNT of particles that you are exposed to. ( the one's at Home Depot or Lowe's are as good as any hospital mask's) * YOU WILL NEED TO SECURE THEM TO YOUR FACE WITH TAPE IN ORDER FOR THEM TO BE SOMEWHAT EFFECTIVE. * Very Hard To Breathe with them on.
15. Tape ( paper tape would be best, if you can get it.
16. Rubbing Alcohol

* Any Prescription you take on a regular basis. Fill at least 3 months worth.

Here are some natural remedies that will boost your immune system and help prevent infections.

* At least 1 bottle of Colloidal Silver( Try and find 10ppm, it will say on the package)
You will find this at any health food Store.
Silver is a natural Immune booster. *START TAKING TODAY* You only need 5-7 droppers a day. = 1 teaspoon. It is formulated for Children and Infants.

* Garlic Powder, Minced or Fresh will work. Garlic is an Antibiotic. * Many people die after getting the flu due to secondary bacterial Infections.* Ear Infections are a biggie. Ear Pain is horrible!! It can be relieved by placing 1 cap full of Olive oil in your Ear followed by a Cotton Ball. It Works!! I don't know why, but it does! I have personal experience with Ear infections.

* Cinnamon will help with stomach Ailments as well as diabetic problems and will also help lower your blood pressure, naturally. No more than 1 Teaspoon dissolved in Hot Tea or Hot Water( If things get really bad).

* Turmeric Has great healing properties. Boost your immune system. Did you know India has the smallest incidence of cancer, because they eat so much Turmeric.

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures.

In the event that you are facing a LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY and your loved one can't Breathe AND ALL HOSPITALS ARE FULL, YOU CAN DO SOMETHING AS A LAST RESORT................* THAT IS IF, THEY WILL DIE IF NOTHING IS DONE!*

Perform an emergency tracheotomy:

You will be creating a very small hole in the patients airway through an incision in their throat to assist their breathing.

How to Perform an Emergency Tracheotomy This procedure, technically called a cricothyroidotomy, should be undertaken only when a person with a throat obstruction is not able to breathe at all-no gasping sounds, no coughing-and only after you have attempted to perform the Heimlich maneuver three times without dislodging the obstruction. If possible, someone should call for paramedics while you proceed.
/
This is an excellent article with diagrams on exactly how to perform this procedure.
Bookmark this link! You may need It.[www.tracheostomy.com...]

Maybe there are one or two that you haven't thought of....Hope this helps a little..

Pax

Jesus tape and Women's Sanitary Pads, and im not joking. Other things should be tamponds and condoms, tamponds for pluging punture wounds, condoms for water carrying and covering wounds. If one is wilderness hiking you have to think about weight and bulk of your first aid kit as it takes up space and weight of other equipment you will need ( food ect)

In Europe you will often find in home first aid kits iodine tablets. Just incase some nuclear power station pops its lid