First aid kits

[Ray-CA]

Other than the normal stuff (band-aids, tape, alcohol, etc.) what special items are you putting in your first-aid kits?

Based on my nephews experience as a medic in Iraq, I've learned that tampons and sanitary napkins are great for bleeding wounds so a couple of each have been stocked but what else?

Thanks,

Ray

PS: Thanks for all the replies so for. I am not looking for a kit to toss in a bug-out-bag (but, that's a great idea) with survival blankets, rations etc. but more of a sliver out, stop the blood until EMT's arrive basic thing. Living in San Diego our EMS services get here FAST. Great suggestions and please keep them comin'!!!

 

[Contract_Pilot]

Syringes Different Sizes (Local Pharmacy Most States), Antibiotics (Fish) No Prescription Needed, Iodine, Sutures, Etc. Will also double as bug out emg kit.

 

[Wuaname]

What about for eyes? I guess it would be a hose located handy...

 

[Falcon67]

Shop rags and duct tape.

 

[cheechi]

Iodine, peroxide, paint stirrers & popsicle sticks are always in mine. Distilled water & fire ext are always close. Not just for splints, sometimes you need to straighten/separate like with broken toes, burns (skin melting is no fun) etc.

I now live next to an EMT so I do have some things but my first aid plan is usually stop the bleeding and get to the phone. That said, I have had to use the above in addition to what you listed so I would definitely include them.

Sanitary pads are also great if you need to prevent sweaty feet on a regular basis. Takes some getting used to though.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

The classic blue hockey puck LED free flashlight from Harbor Freight. Magnetic, has a hook, and is where you need it when you need it.

Tweezers for those slivers of metal and wood you get.

Tape of different sizes. Tape works well to snag slivers out too.

Plastic trash bags. For a nasty situation, you want both one bag to put used materials into for safe disposal, but another to use as a quick tarp/work space. Lay that out on the work area for an instant clean area for you to do your injury treatment on. Helps protect clothing, upholstery, etc. I prefer black as blood won't show up on it as much and helps calm a person down if they are affected by the sight of red stuff.

I have first aid kits in every vehicle- even my little three wheeler Cushman. The garage has its own larger metal case mounted with a flashlight. I use that one the most for simple cuts and bandages.

I wish there was some Stop Leak I could use for the red stuff.

 

[Outlander]

Shop rags and duct tape.

Paper towel and electrical tape here. Oh, I do have a small first aid kit in the garage and my vehicles, too.

 

[Professur]

Every good emergency kit I've seen comes with a solar blanket and they're usually the first thing discarded to make room for bandaids. Keep that in there ... serious injury is nearly always accompanied by shock. Best treatment is to keep them warm. A bottle of CA glue doesn't go wrong either.

 

[kelpaso1]

Crazy glue. Works for deep cuts. Doctors use it in place of stitches so it must be ok.

 

[PCO6]

I have a "proper" first aid box in my garage which contains a lot of the above (& and thanks for some of the suggestions) but I also have a few that I keep just for old times sake.

I cleaned out my Dad's shop a few years ago after he entered a home. He's 88 now. I found an "Automobile First Aid Kit" in one of his tool box drawers that appears to be pretty much in tact. I believe it's from the '60s.

I also got another kit that we actually used in his gas station in the early '70s. It's a better kit but still a bit out of date.

They inspire me to work safely!

 

[KRB52]

Something to keep in mind is periodically checking the expiration dates on some of the products in the kit. I checked one on a post at work that had been closed for a couple of years; some of the stuff was 3-4 years out of date.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

FYI: First aid kits need to be refreshed and restocked. Adhesives start to fail on stored bandages from exposure to heat and time. If you have bandages more than 3-4 years old, toss and replace them.

 

[thdewey]

Here is the kit I made for the shop. Make sure to include gloves and a CPR mask.

Here is the build thread. I had a lot of great input from GJ.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159250

 

[Lippyp]

Unless you're out in the middle of nowhere then the objective is to stabilise someone until qualified help arrives which shouldn't take long and you actually need very little to do that with. For dealing with all the minor injuries you are likely to get then its the usual band-aids, antiseptic spray, sterile dressings, surgical tape, the tubular finger bandage is good stuff for bigger finger injuries, antihistamine cream for stings, tweezers, scissors, the spray plaster stuff is great for grazes over a large area but it does sting like a *****, some gloves and a sterile airway is also good to have in a vehicle. All my vehicles have mylar space blankets in anyway.

As a trained first-aider I would also say its good to have all the kit but getting some training really helps. I did mine as its a requirment for all Scout leaders to do and we also have to requalify every three years. For people leading more adventurous stuff like mountain walking then theres a week long advanced course.

 

[brycez28]

Maybe it's just me lol but anyone have tips on how to open a band aid using only your non-dominant hand? I have a hard enough time getting this open with two hands, when I only have one hand available it REALLY starts to irritate me.

 

[G McKay]

I have a regular first aid kit with just about anything I would ever need. But it is in the house. I only have bandaids in the garage.

 

[cheechi]

you could hold part of it in your teeth and rip away.

I have a few here I was trying to open one handed. without using my teeth I don't think I could either. Gave me something to do while it was slow at work though, thanks.

 

[big.jim]

I have a regular first aid kit with just about anything I would ever need. But it is in the house. I only have bandaids in the garage.

i have a pack of plasters that are fastened to the pack so when you pull one it opens and removes the first half of the sticky bit , not sure of the make will look when im in back of the van next

 

[Mattlt]

Benadryl for allergic reactions. Take this first and have someone take you to the ER / call EMS for serious reactions. If you're allergic to something you should have Epi handy...

81mg baby aspirin. Chew 4 of them at first sign of chest pain and call EMS. Don't drive yourself to the ER!

I don't know if PPE has been mentioned, but gloves are a must. Glasses and face shield are handy as well.

 

[Heavymetalmechanic]

I go through a bunch of 'Splinter-out', they are great for digging out stuff that's really stuck in ya.

 

[shocker998md]

Quick clot! If hes still in try to bum some from him. Found that one usefully when I sliced my hand open working on a motorcycle slightly drunk.

Training kicks in now matter how intoxicated you are with wounds like that. Also gauze wraps are a life saver too.

 

[nehog]

A bottle of contact lens solution. It can be used to flush wounds, flush eyes, and many other purposes.

 

[brass89]

For a good cheap blood clotting agent, try ground cayenne pepper. It might sting like hell but it works (use it for livestock emergencies).

Also depends on the person, but for allergies liquid benedryl (usually kids version). Safe for kids should they need it, works for adults and metabolizes faster.

Small bottle of whiskey isn't a bad idea either (crude antiseptic), or for a chipped tooth works to numb it.

Also some handy stuff, idk what it's called or if there's a version of it sold in pharmacies but if you're near an agricultural store like tractor supply or have a feed store nearby - check out some stuff called vetwrap. It's a flexible bandaging material thinner than ace but clings to itself (like thin toolbox drawer liner non skid pads). Can be used to hold gauze in place and can be applied one handed.

 

[zcar751]

Damn some of these responces scare me. No one mentioned a bone saw or a plaster kit to make your own cast.
In my shop I keep bandages for small cuts and alcohol wipes but I'm in the city only a few minutes from several hospitals. My wife also has bandages with cloting agent since she works with stained glass.

 

[NUTTSGT]

A couple of battle dressings are good for severe lacerations or the like.

 

[southalabama]

I live about 3 miles from the hospital.

My deceased sister in law lived 30 mins. away. Had she lived 20 mins away she would probably be here.

When I ran the local drug task force we carried an ambulance on high risk raids far out in the county.

If you are close to medical help. Stock enuf to stabilize and get to medical treatment. If your in the boonies and zombies attack you are on your own.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Other than the normal stuff (band-aids, tape, alcohol, etc.) what special items are you putting in your first-aid kits?

Based on my nephews experience as a medic in Iraq, I've learned that tampons and sanitary napkins are great for bleeding wounds so a couple of each have been stocked but what else?

Thanks,

Ray

PS: Thanks for all the replies so for. I am not looking for a kit to toss in a bug-out-bag (but, that's a great idea) with survival blankets, rations etc. but more of a sliver out, stop the blood until EMT's arrive basic thing. Living in San Diego our EMS services get here FAST. Great suggestions and please keep them comin'!!!

A lighter and handled knife. I don't bleed that much I'm not sure why it's probably not a good thing. I don't bother with blades or rubbing alcohol/hy-po; just go right to the lighter. Heat it up by lighting it then press into the wound (doesn't need to be incredibly hot just enough to kill the bacteria). Not for everyone obviously but in a pinch this is the best setup you're going to get to prevent infection in the field.

"Bleeding wounds" I would go straight to the lighter then cover with super glue (if I had it). If you're in a populated area or don't mind calling the ambulance I don't think you need anything like this. If a wound is severe enough (in the right place) you probably won't survive to get to the hospital anyway, alternatively if it's severe enough but survivable you need to do more than you'd be able to stomach by yourself in the field; you'd need intermediary help. Super glue is probably your best bet for a stab or gunshot wound if its not in a critical area but...if it's a long term transit you need to stitch it shut then use the super glue. Not something people are willing to stomach.

Was this what you're asking or "losing a finger". You lose a finger and can't get to a hospital quickly they won't be able to re-attach it.

 

[Nick G]

I keep larger hollow needles in my tackle box's first aid kit. They work wonders for when you get a barbed hook stuck deep in your finger. I sat in the emergency room for hours and when I finally saw the doc, it took her all of 3 seconds to remove it. She gave me a few of them.

 

[Bondo]

Other than the normal stuff (band-aids, tape, alcohol, etc.) what special items are you putting in your first-aid kits?

Based on my nephews experience as a medic in Iraq, I've learned that tampons and sanitary napkins are great for bleeding wounds so a couple of each have been stocked but what else?

Thanks,

Ray

PS: Thanks for all the replies so for. I am not looking for a kit to toss in a bug-out-bag (but, that's a great idea) with survival blankets, rations etc. but more of a sliver out, stop the blood until EMT's arrive basic thing. Living in San Diego our EMS services get here FAST. Great suggestions and please keep them comin'!!!

Ayuh,... I've been carrin' a jobsite 1st aid kit for over 20 years,...

The only thing that's ever needed refillin' is the Bandaids, 'n Aspirin,...

 

[mrjaw14]

band aids (various sizes)
non-adhering bandages (3x3, 4x4) - this goes on the wound and gauze goes over this. gauze will clot in with the wound and re-open it and it'll start bleeding again. These don't stick or clot with the blood.
gauze pads (3x3, 4x4)
medical tape
steri strips for closing wounds that should be stitched temporarily
butterfly closures
knuckle bandages
anti-biotic ointment
antihistamine ointment
burn gel
alcohol prep pads
gloves
tweezers
single use scalpel blade or razer blade
magnifying glass
needle (for splinters)
feminine hygiene products for bleeding control (duh!)

ibuprofen
aspirin
Excedrin migraine
anti-diarrheal
antihistamine

 

[RossABQ]

My D-I-L is an RN, and I recently needed a band-aid to cover a small burn on my hand. She didn't have any band-aids but had these wonderful 3M products called TegaDerm bandages. Absolutely incredible (like most 3M products), stayed on for 3 days thru showers, no skin irritation, etc. I'm getting some to throw in my first aid kits, they are absolutely the ticket for large-area abrasions: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MC3SD/Wound-Care/Brands/Tegaderm/

 

[jd_1138]

I listen to a prepper podcast, and his wife is a nurse. They said that you can buy antibiotics at a pet store (sold for aquarium use) and use them on humans in the SHTF type of a scenario. Be sure to use the right type and dosage. Maybe check with your doctor. Might be handy to have in a first aid kit, though. Check with a Dr. first.

 

[BMcC]

A lot of good ideas already mentioned. The first aid kit in my garage has band aids, bandages, alcohol swabs, tweezers, and some other stuff. It's planned with what I'm likely to encounter accident-wise in the garage. My backpacking first aid kit is set up for hazards I'll encounter doing that.

I recently added a couple of instant cold compresses and plastic bags. The cold compresses can work for blunt injuries, and if I accidentally cut of a finger, in can toss it into an plastic bag with the cold compress and hopefully a doctor can sew it back on at the hospital.

 

[Steve from Socal]

Something nobody has mentioned is a tourniquet, you don't need the fancy one handed military ones, a piece of rubber strip or wide nylon webbing is all you need. Be very careful with "quick-clot" it can cause bad burns.

Steve

 

[pcmeiners]

"For a good cheap blood clotting agent"
Silver nitrate in various forms as a chemical cauterizing agent. Ebay has it, I purchased some sticks tipped with it. Diluted, an excellent antiseptic. Will often stop bleeding which pressure will not.

Packing tape. Broke both my wrists, had someone wrap them with and Ace bandage, used cheap packing tape (multible layers) over the Ace bandages, Phenomenal temporary cast, was as stiff as plaster, was able to drive 35 miles home. Orthopedist had no problem cutting it off .

 

[cjn1014]

0.9% normal saline, 1 Liter square bottle for flushing eyes or cooling burns. prefer NS to sterile water for eye irrigation.

antiseptic solution (i.e. povidone-iodine) for flushing lacs/abrasions/puncture wounds prior to bandaging)

in either case, a semi-rigid container helps for "power flushing" irrigation.


TSC has a good selection of veterinary supplies, if you don't have ready access/connections with the health care industry.

 

[cjn1014]

Something nobody has mentioned is a tourniquet, you don't need the fancy one handed military ones, a piece of rubber strip or wide nylon webbing is all you need. Be very careful with "quick-clot" it can cause bad burns.

Steve

good point on the quick-colt; it is an exothermic reaction. likewise, use caution with quick-clot on an open pneumothorax (sucking chest wound).

 

[bwringer]

Good point about replacing the supplies every so often. I carry my kit on my motorcycle, so things get bounced around quite a bit and I replace everything once or twice a year.

Haven't seen these mentioned yet -- the little disposable droppers of artificial tears are great for minor "something in my eye" moments.

If it's more drastic, of course you'll want to use saline or distilled water (or tap water) to wash the eyes, but it's far more common to get some minor irritant in there. The artificial tears will help dislodge a sand grain or bug parts and do a lot more to soothe the irritation afterwards so you can carry on.

One end of my FA kit is the "everyday" **** -- bandaids, ibuprofen, tape, etc. and the other end is the "oh ****" stuff. Having the everyday stuff in the same kit makes sure you're at least looking in there once in a while and you always know where it is.

Another random tip: the tweezers found in those little $10 cheapie Swiss Army knives are fantastic. I always have one of these knives (the version with the wee scissors is the most handy) tucked into a corner of my FA kit.

 

[ozyborn]

Lets look. Duct tape. Have several mesh bags full of old clothing for rags. Speaker phone to call 911 if needed. Yep good to go.

 

[jaye944]

what as a first aider are you planning on injecting?

Syringes Different Sizes (Local Pharmacy Most States), Antibiotics (Fish) No Prescription Needed, Iodine, Sutures, Etc. Will also double as bug out emg kit.