Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Medic

I am considering this as my FAK.

What do you guys think? Very Happy

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Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. - Prov. 27:17

We call this the minor BOO BOO kit it is for very minor First Aid situations.
This one might be OK for evryday carry, when you want compact size and low weight.
IMHO...............I would not use this kit for even just hiking trails.

Before you decide though, think about what risks you may run into in the type of terrain you will be in or the activity you will be doing.

Also you may be able to make your own pocket medic kit for less $$ when you analyze your risks.

Adventure does make nice kits as far as quality.

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SURVIVAL..........it's all in your head

Not to get off topic but I know your outdoors a lot, tfisher, so how often do you use your FAK and what are the most used items? Very Happy

Sorry flash, I just wanted to know Embarassed

I think making your own would be a good idea Very Happy

eric

	turd wrote:
	Not to get off topic but I know your outdoors a lot, tfisher, so how often do you use your FAK and what are the most used items? Sorry flash, I just wanted to know I think making your own would be a good idea eric

On that topic I'd like to know also what Tfisher recommends for a good FAK. I know he was reviewing kits last month for his S & R team.

Tfisher, would you please list items for a good comprehensive FAK to carry say in a BOB, or prolonged wilderness trip?

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"Asinus sæculæ maximus."

	tfisher wrote:
	Before you decide though, think about what risks you may run into in the type of terrain you will be in or the activity you will be doing.

Just small day hikes. Where I hike there is a low risk of injury. Just woodland with soft dirt. Smile

It's not like I'm running over lava fields like Bear Grylls or something. Rolling Eyes

Just to make a point, I'm more worried about hypoglycemia than a cut or fracture. My family has a history of it and I have experienced it a few times. Smile

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Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. - Prov. 27:17

Dobry........
I will split my response into two parts.
Part 1, my everyday carry when I goto the bush(I usually go 4 or more times a week)
I have used more than once the following, and I consider these items important in my FAK.
1. Soap, one of the best antiseptics and helps keep you from getting those nasty little bugs that create infections and Diarhea(I suggest a nature friendly soap)
2. Adhesive bandages( usually called BANDAIDS in my area) several sizes
3. A trauma Bandage I call them Bloodstoppers(link here but I don't buy them here:http://www.pacificrescue.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=571)
4. skin closures
5. 2 x 2 and 4 x 4 Guaze pads
6. Anti Sting Pads
7. a Good Blister Kit
8. Good splinter kit with tweezers link:http://www.slivergripper.ca/
9. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl tablets)
10.triangle bandage or drive on rag
11. meds for stomach upset and/or diarhea
12. aspirin
13. Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
14. water purification chemicals
15. Not really a first aid item but I carry something to build a shelter(usually oversized gaarbage bags) hypo and hyper thermia is the #1 killer in the bush.

Now if I would happen to go into a more remote area or gone for a longer time I would add more items(I will prepare a list later on that)
I try to carry items that I probably would use based on the risks of the area and the frequency of injuries. I also try to consider what injuries would slow me down, stop me entirely or trigger a survival situation. For example situations that affect my mobility like a foot or leg injury could prevent me from moving or traveling to safety. Gastric problems can be a pain to deal with in the bush. Allergic reactions from bites stings etc. There just is no way you can carry medical equipment to take care of all situations, But if you can plan and prepare for things like (ABC's airway, breathing, circulation.....Hypo-Hyper thermia.....hydration....and life's little nuisance's like blisters, splinters, cuts, burns, and the like you should be Good-To-Go)

Part 2 I do remote rescue occasionally since I work for a rescue/ambulance unit, So I carry a few more items in my rapid response kit that I take with me on the trail when I am responding.

1. I use those Bloodstopper Bandages that I described above a lot, so I will have more than one.
2. additional 4 x 4 gauze pads
3. bandage tape only because patients may get the wrong impression of duct tape use.
4. SAM Splint
5. A anaphylactic kit, for allergic reactions.
6. If I know what the patients problem is I may grab an IV kit(so that I may give IV fluids to the patients intervenously)

The patients that I have responded to in the bush that would have turned into a survival situation without our intervention could not have treated themselves in the bush themselves anyway(Broken bones, heart atacks, back/neck injuries, punctured lungs, etc.) the things that would have helped them deal with there situation would be things like my Bloodstoppers bandages, helmets, cell phones, not get lost, know their limitations and training, and that water is heavy and moving flood water can kill you.) So huge first aid kits would not have made a difference with these patients they needed an Emergency Department. What would have killed these patients quickest would be Hypothermia, drowning, and loss of blood or circulation.

I plan on posting my FAK list soon

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SURVIVAL..........it's all in your head

The Hypoglycemia could be a real problem, I would suggest first consult a doctor and then add what would be necessary to control your blood sugar.
Because Low blood sugar can effect your consciousness and without a good mental status you will not survive long at all.

hypoglycemia could be a trigger that starts the survival situation for you, no matter how remote an area you are in.

ALWAYS add your own Medications to your FAK just in case you get stranded longer than anticipated.

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SURVIVAL..........it's all in your head

The hypoglycemia is somewhat uncommon for me. I don't have diabetes or anything. I am not a weak person. I can climb steep hills and not be too out of breath, and I can go for hours without eating. Or thinking about it. The hypoglycemia usually sets in when I'm outside, in the sun, it's 3+ hours since lunchtime and I have no snacks. I usually just get a mild headache until I eat, but my sister has gotten to the point of shaking. I've heard cinnamon tablets is good for controlling blood sugar when taken everyday as a dietary supplement. Smile

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Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. - Prov. 27:17

You could toss in a few hard candies in your FAK. Heat does affect some candies.
They also make some oral glucose tubes.
But my favorite is dark Chocolate or Some type of snack bar or energy bar.

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SURVIVAL..........it's all in your head

My recent PFAK list that has been modified from input supplied by forum members on Arctic Cove and Equipped to Survive

Drugs/Medications
4..... Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2 (Advil)
12... Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg)
6..... Anti-diarrheal medication
4….. antiseptic wipe (benzalkonium chloride)
3..... Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1/32 oz
8…. aspirin (325 mg) analgesic
4…. acetaminophen (Tylenol 500 mg) analgesic
4…. BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE - ORAL (Pepto-Bismol, Pink Bismuth)
4…..ounces campers biodegradable soap
1…..vial water purification tablets

Tools/Misc
1..... Uncle Bill’s Sliver Tool
2……sewing needle medium size large eye
6 ……foot heavy cotton thread
6 ……foot dental floss
1..... Duct Tape, 2" x 100"
1..... Cloth Medical Tape, 1" x 10 Yards
3..... Safety Pins
1..... Gloves, Nitrile (Pair)
2.....zip lock bags about 6” x 9”
1.5 …ounces petroleum jelly
2……small tubes “Krazy Glue”

Bandages/Dressings
1……Bloodstopper Bandage
1……Triangle bandage or drive-on rag
1..... Trauma Pad, 5" x 9"
2..... Moleskin, 4" x 7"
3..... Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 3" x 3", Pkg./2
2..... Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 2" x 2", Pkg./2
2..... Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3" x 4"
1..... Wound Closure Strips, 1/4" x 4", Pkg./10
1..... Bandage, Gauze, Non-Sterile, 3"
1..... Bandage, Elastic, Cohesive, Self Adhering, 2"
12..... Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, 1" x 3"
4..... Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, Knuckle
4..... Cotton Tip Applicator

Optional:
1…… Dental Kit
1……energy bar
1…..anaphylactic kit

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SURVIVAL..........it's all in your head

Tfisher, great stuff! Much thanks.

I'll be adding to my FAK before I head up to Minnesota.

Very Happy

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"Asinus sæculæ maximus."