Field First Aid Kit

[Major Carrales]

I should very much like to compile a "kit" for our Hangar.  We don't currently have an Aircraft, but the time approacheth where we might.  Ideally, it would augment what things one would have in the Aircraft and on hand for other purposes.

Shall we have a discussion on exactally, based on common sense and documentation as well as specualtion, what should go into such a kit?

[SJFedor]

Well, if you want to get something prepackaged, as well as something you can use as a "First In" bag for any GT sorties, I'd recommend just googling a "trauma bag" and take a look at the bags and what they have. Obviously you won't need ET tubes or laryngoscope blades, but most of them have the good first aid stuff (splints, slings, bandaids, ABD's, ice packs)

That covers the first aid. When I was in PA, we always had a cold weather sleeping bag in the back, you may not need that down in TX though. Maybe some of those silver moon blankets, signal panels, flashlight, emergency strobe if you can get your hands on it, some flint to make a fire (though if you crash, there will probably be a lot of it for you to use already), and an MRE or two can never hurt.

Don't forget, weight is a factor. I'm sure some people would wrap the whole interior in 6 inches of foam rubber if we let them.

Speaking of, TP should make a new uniform for those "not so high speed" cadets. Foam rubber BDU's. I think it would go over well.

[Major Carrales]

Well, if you want to get something prepackaged, as well as something you can use as a "First In" bag for any GT sorties, I'd recommend just googling a "trauma bag" and take a look at the bags and what they have. Obviously you won't need ET tubes or laryngoscope blades, but most of them have the good first aid stuff (splints, slings, bandaids, ABD's, ice packs)

That covers the first aid. When I was in PA, we always had a cold weather sleeping bag in the back, you may not need that down in TX though. Maybe some of those silver moon blankets, signal panels, flashlight, emergency strobe if you can get your hands on it, some flint to make a fire (though if you crash, there will probably be a lot of it for you to use already), and an MRE or two can never hurt.

Don't forget, weight is a factor. I'm sure some people would wrap the whole interior in 6 inches of foam rubber if we let them.

Speaking of, TP should make a new uniform for those "not so high speed" cadets. Foam rubber BDU's. I think it would go over well.

Thanks for the tip.  I may purchase some of those "jungle" first aid kits for personal use.  Sort of a utilitarian gift.  The I plan to get a foot locker and fill it with assorted supplies.

I will look up the pre-packaged stuff.

[arajca]

For the hanger, I recommend an OSHA complinat first aid kit for the highest number of people you expect to be in the hanger at one time. They are available with all ingredients and componentes wrapped and sealed to prevent them going bad.

[Major Carrales]

For the hanger, I recommend an OSHA complinat first aid kit for the highest number of people you expect to be in the hanger at one time. They are available with all ingredients and componentes wrapped and sealed to prevent them going bad.

How about this...

Large, 10 Person Bulk Kit
Item: 222-G

Large, 10 Person Bulk First Aid Kit, plastic case w/gasket - 1 each
This 62-piece first aid kit, is ideal for contractors, vehicles or small companies with less than 10 employees. It exceeds federal OSHA requirements 1910.151b. (State requirements may vary.) Sturdy and convenient, the 10-unit plastic case contains the first aid essentials to prepare you for work-related accidents.

Kit Includes:
· (16) 3/4"x3" Adhesive plastic bandages
· (1) 2"x4" Elbow & knee plastic bandage
· (1) 1-3/4"x2" Small fingertip fabric bandage
· (4) 2"x2" Gauze dressing pads, (2) 2-pks
· (4) 3"x3" Gauze dressing pads, (2) 2-pks
· (2) 4"x4" Gauze dressing pads, (1) 2-pack
· (1) 5"x9" Trauma pad
· (1) 2"x4.1 yd. Conforming gauze roll bandage
· (1) 3"x4.1 yd. Conforming gauze roll bandage
· (1) Triangular sling/bandage
· (1) 6"x9" Instant cold compress
· (2) Exam quality gloves, 1 pair
· (1) Sterile eye pad
· (3) Triple antibiotic ointment packs
· (1) Burn relief pack, 3.5 gm
· (6) Alcohol cleansing pads
· (6) Antiseptic cleansing wipes (sting free)
· (1) 1"x5 yd. First aid tape roll
· (6) Aspirin tablets, (3) 2-pks
· (1) 4-1/2" Scissors, nickel plated
· (1) 4" Tweezers, plastic
· (1) First aid guide
Kit Dimensions: 7-11/16"x4-9/16"x2-3/8"

[NEBoom]

About the only thing I can think of that hasn't been mentioned already is some sort of barrier device for rescue breathing.  We used to have a couple or three in our GT kit.  The ones we acquired were real nice.  They were called "the Blob" and they had a silicon gel ring that went over the victim's face.  Sealed real well and was also good if the victim had facial injuries.  There was a check valve in the tube you blow into to prevent any "blowback" from the victim to the rescuer (never a good thing).

[Major Carrales]

About the only thing I can think of that hasn't been mentioned already is some sort of barrier device for rescue breathing.  We used to have a couple or three in our GT kit.  The ones we acquired were real nice.  They were called "the Blob" and they had a silicon gel ring that went over the victim's face.  Sealed real well and was also good if the victim had facial injuries.  There was a check valve in the tube you blow into to prevent any "blowback" from the victim to the rescuer (never a good thing).

There was an extremely old version of that that had to be thrown out.  In time I am sure we can get all of the in order.

Thanks

[SJFedor]

If you're gonna get a barrier type breathing apparatus, I recommend going just slightly more high quality then the one you keep on your keyring for 10 years.

The ones we use in the hospital (ok, the ones they use on M/S floors in the hospital, we use BVM's in the ED) are face shield like deals off the BVM (bag valve mask, ambu bag, whatever u wanna call it) but they have a 6 inch tube that comes off with a mouthpiece at the end. You hold it nice and tight against the victims face, and blow into the tube. It allows you to NOT be an inch from the victim's face, if they suddenly jerk or spew, regardless of what's over their mouth, and they're very effective.

[Major Carrales]

If you're gonna get a barrier type breathing apparatus, I recommend going just slightly more high quality then the one you keep on your keyring for 10 years.

The ones we use in the hospital (ok, the ones they use on M/S floors in the hospital, we use BVM's in the ED) are face shield like deals off the BVM (bag valve mask, ambu bag, whatever u wanna call it) but they have a 6 inch tube that comes off with a mouthpiece at the end. You hold it nice and tight against the victims face, and blow into the tube. It allows you to NOT be an inch from the victim's face, if they suddenly jerk or spew, regardless of what's over their mouth, and they're very effective.

PM me some links to some examples if you get a chance. 

[NEBoom]

If you're gonna get a barrier type breathing apparatus, I recommend going just slightly more high quality then the one you keep on your keyring for 10 years.

The ones we use in the hospital (ok, the ones they use on M/S floors in the hospital, we use BVM's in the ED) are face shield like deals off the BVM (bag valve mask, ambu bag, whatever u wanna call it) but they have a 6 inch tube that comes off with a mouthpiece at the end. You hold it nice and tight against the victims face, and blow into the tube. It allows you to NOT be an inch from the victim's face, if they suddenly jerk or spew, regardless of what's over their mouth, and they're very effective.

PM me some links to some examples if you get a chance. 

Actually, please put the links up here, there are probably many who would be interested.
Thanks!

[Major Carrales]

If you're gonna get a barrier type breathing apparatus, I recommend going just slightly more high quality then the one you keep on your keyring for 10 years.

The ones we use in the hospital (ok, the ones they use on M/S floors in the hospital, we use BVM's in the ED) are face shield like deals off the BVM (bag valve mask, ambu bag, whatever u wanna call it) but they have a 6 inch tube that comes off with a mouthpiece at the end. You hold it nice and tight against the victims face, and blow into the tube. It allows you to NOT be an inch from the victim's face, if they suddenly jerk or spew, regardless of what's over their mouth, and they're very effective.

PM me some links to some examples if you get a chance. 

Actually, please put the links up here, there are probably many who would be interested.
Thanks!

Excellent suggestion.  I had called for the PM out of respect for the "no soliciting on the forum" convention.

[DNall]

For the hanger, I recommend an OSHA complinat first aid kit for the highest number of people you expect to be in the hanger at one time. They are available with all ingredients and componentes wrapped and sealed to prevent them going bad.

How about this...

Large, 10 Person Bulk Kit
Item: 222-G

Large, 10 Person Bulk First Aid Kit, plastic case w/gasket - 1 each
This 62-piece first aid kit, is ideal for contractors, vehicles or small companies with less than 10 employees. It exceeds federal OSHA requirements 1910.151b. (State requirements may vary.) Sturdy and convenient, the 10-unit plastic case contains the first aid essentials to prepare you for work-related accidents.

Kit Includes:
· (16) 3/4"x3" Adhesive plastic bandages
· (1) 2"x4" Elbow & knee plastic bandage
· (1) 1-3/4"x2" Small fingertip fabric bandage
· (4) 2"x2" Gauze dressing pads, (2) 2-pks
· (4) 3"x3" Gauze dressing pads, (2) 2-pks
· (2) 4"x4" Gauze dressing pads, (1) 2-pack
· (1) 5"x9" Trauma pad
· (1) 2"x4.1 yd. Conforming gauze roll bandage
· (1) 3"x4.1 yd. Conforming gauze roll bandage
· (1) Triangular sling/bandage
· (1) 6"x9" Instant cold compress
· (2) Exam quality gloves, 1 pair
· (1) Sterile eye pad
· (3) Triple antibiotic ointment packs
· (1) Burn relief pack, 3.5 gm
· (6) Alcohol cleansing pads
· (6) Antiseptic cleansing wipes (sting free)
· (1) 1"x5 yd. First aid tape roll
· (6) Aspirin tablets, (3) 2-pks
· (1) 4-1/2" Scissors, nickel plated
· (1) 4" Tweezers, plastic
· (1) First aid guide
Kit Dimensions: 7-11/16"x4-9/16"x2-3/8"

Keep the wallmount hanger kit seperate from the GT version, which stays safely packed in the gear. I do 3 sets of gloves in a compass pouch for easy access & the sealed box in the bottom of my gear so it doesn't get volunteered to demonstrate with.

The above is pretty good. And do get a decent barrier breathing device as mentioned. Those are pretty easy to come by really. I inherited a couple just from the lil sisters working as lifeguards back in the day. Go with the mask, extra gloves, antiseptic, & bandaids that you intend to use, and then wall mount the sealed box just like you would a fire extinguisher.

[Major Carrales]

DNALL,

I am gratful for your input in this matter.  I consider your expertise very valuable.

Thank you.

Major Carrales

[DNall]

You know you're just happy I didn't turn it into a uniform discussion 
NP, buddy! Anything I can do to help.

[Major Carrales]

You know you're just happy I didn't turn it into a uniform discussion 
NP, buddy! Anything I can do to help.

I'm just happy for us all...we work best when we work together.  If you are the Dennis of which I have made inquiries and researched, it seems to me that you should be the guru of the safety forum.  Talk uniforms all you want, but here is your first best destiny.  Seriously.

Major Carrales

[DNall]

Great. Fan clubs, groopies, security investigators, and now I'm getting googled too - hey the one on ESPN about Rick Honeycutt (now pitching coach for the Dodgers) is me too.

[Major Carrales]

Great. Fan clubs, groopies, security investigators, and now I'm getting googled too - hey the one on ESPN about Rick Honeycutt (now pitching coach for the Dodgers) is me too.

Hey, you're a TEXAN and not all that far out of my unit's range.

I have long said I look forward to meeting you...a boast I would not make if I had reason not to. 

In anycase, I've declared you a friend.  I hope you consider me the same.

Major Carrales

[DNall]

Roger that, just so I don't have to duck.  Look forward to it. I know some others haven't met many people off these things, but man I swear it seems like everything I go to there's people there who know my work on these things & find it interesting to get to know me - I still don't know if that's good or bad, but it's interesting anyway & been very positive so far.

[SJFedor]

.

[SJFedor]

www.savelives.com

They've got tons of stuff, prices aren't too bad, and they have everything from basic first aid all the way to ACLS and ATLS.

Stocked Trauma bags are about $150 and up, but unless you're using them constantly, theyll last a long time, and have everything you need.

And, who knew, free shipping for anything above $100!

Toys....

[flyerthom]

A good kit from somewhere like galls.com would be good. That being said don't waste time or space on beta-dine or alcohol preps.  Unless you're planning on giving injections (not likely) they are just space hogs. In addition the preps over a wound cause chemical damage to already injured tissue, and they cause undue pain. A good hand sanitizer or even baby wipes will clean much better over more surface area and with better effect. Plus you can use it yourself after removing your gloves.

At work we've gone from alcohol preps to a special no alcohol wipe for all IM injections and IV starts. It cleans better and doesn't damage the skin tissuse as much.

[SARMedTech]

One of the best things you can get is called a START kit (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) they run about $175 for the START 2 model and are worth every penny. This is what I carry in my field pack and so far havent needed anything that I didnt have. I havent looked at the kit in awhile, but some good skin closers (little tape strips that sort of act like temporary sutures) are also a good idea. They will help to hold closed a fairly decent laceration and when combined with pressure bandages and some kling tape are outstanding for bleeding control

SARMedTech, NREMT-B, EMT-B/D

[SARMedTech]

A good kit from somewhere like galls.com would be good. That being said don't waste time or space on beta-dine or alcohol preps.  Unless you're planning on giving injections (not likely) they are just space hogs. In addition the preps over a wound cause chemical damage to already injured tissue, and they cause undue pain. A good hand sanitizer or even baby wipes will clean much better over more surface area and with better effect. Plus you can use it yourself after removing your gloves.

At work we've gone from alcohol preps to a special no alcohol wipe for all IM injections and IV starts. It cleans better and doesn't damage the skin tissuse as much.

A few betadine or alchohol preps take up virtually no room in a kit and the research shows that the "tissue damage" done to an open wound by alcohol is minimal at best and there isnt any realy conclusive researach talking about betadine or povidone iodine. BZK towelettes are the no alcohol ones you are talking about and make good all purpose wipes and dont tend to sting. As for using hand sanitizer to clean a wound, this sort of negates the idea of not using alcohol since they are pretty much all alcohol in gel form plus some perfumes and things that I wouldnt want put on my patients cuts and the baby wipes might be good for cleaning yourself up, but they also have lanolin and sometimes even glycerin in them, neither of which you want in an open wound. I think probably the BZK towelettes available at most drug stores and now in most first aide kits are your best option. As far as cleaning your own hands after dealing with blood, if you should happen to breach a glove somehow, you want alcohol so the baby wipes are not somthing that I would recommend as most of them are alcohol free. Here is where you want the alcohol/gel sanitizer, one of the new santizing foams that are out there or just plain old isopropyl alcohol.

[SarDragon]

FYI, I keep Wet Ones in my gear for minor cleansing purposes, and the first two ingredients are water and SD40 alcohol. The "juice" doesn't seem to have adverse affect on wounds (other than a little sting), and they do a decent job of removing most common mung and drool for skin.

YMMV.

[SARMedTech]

I meant to indicate that often baby wipes have lanolin and other lotions in them to help soften your baby's backside, so that if you are going to use them, you would want to be careful which ones you get. Also a nice sealable biohazard bag would be a good addition because  in a lot of cases (really you should in all situations) you gotta pack out whatever you bring in and you probably dont want to just throw biohazards back in your kit.  Just a thought.

[SarDragon]

Gotcha. Just checked the label again and saw the lanolin way down at the bottom. Must not be a lot because it doesn't bother my skin. Waterless hand cleaner with a lot of lanolin causes "acute contact dermatitis" when I use it. There is more aloe than lanolin.

[Major Lord]

Gall's assembles an Okay BLS kit, but if you want the good stuff, go to adventure medical. Dr Eric Weiss is the god of wilderness first aid!

http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medkit_series.asp

Capt. Lord

[SJFedor]

I meant to indicate that often baby wipes have lanolin and other lotions in them to help soften your baby's backside, so that if you are going to use them, you would want to be careful which ones you get. Also a nice sealable biohazard bag would be a good addition because  in a lot of cases (really you should in all situations) you gotta pack out whatever you bring in and you probably dont want to just throw biohazards back in your kit.  Just a thought.

But then you have to pay extra to discard of biohazardous waste 

[SARMedTech]

I would also say that, for a number of uses, a pair of trauma shears and a pair of bandage shears would a nice add on and neither of these items is very expensive.