Slight changes to my first aid kits

Had a nice chat with an EMT yesterday about his first aid kits for wilderness travel. Take-aways; pack the kit in a waterproof bag/case, add benadryl, irrigation syringe and make a small 'backup' kit of essentials to be carried in someone else's pack.

TRO

Nice additions TeacherRO - altho these have been part of the NOLS WFA protocols for quite a while. Are you trained in a certified WFA? I strongly recommend at least the 2 day course, nothing else prepares you for the realization that you're caring for this young broken Scout or spouse or fellow hiker on your own for 72 hours. And the more you go out hiking with other WFA trainees, the less often you are actually alone. We now have 6 adults and scouts trained in WFA in our local Scout troop. All it takes is the time to sign up and one weekend every couple years to recert.

I go out with my full WFA first aid kit almost every hike, size or weight doesn't bother me - it fills a gallon size zip lock with other FA components like webbing spread out over my pack. I pity the weight conscious who pare their first aid kits down to a few band aids and an aspirin. I'm sure they're moving along fine with that most times, its just the last hike that will get them, or someone else.

Lono Are there any contents list for this first aid kit?.

Just curious.

Lono - Yes, I've got my WFA. ( WFR?) It was both fun and useful

TRO

Wilderness First Responder First Aid Kit contents, unfortunately it's not in stock.

Edit: Doing a side-side list comparison of the NOLS WFR FAK with the AMK Weekender FAK, they are fairly comparable in dimensions w/ the Weekender being a tad heavier. There is probably stuff in there that can be removed to closely duplicate the NOLS WFR FAK. Note that the NOLS kit is stocked with 3x3 sterile gauze pads rather than 4x4's.

I really like the AMK Weekender, good kit IMO. YMMV

WFA = Wilderness First Aid
WFR = Wilderness First Responder

I just finished the WFA, the WFR course is longer and more in depth.
WMI Course Comparison

Those are good stating points. I carry a .3 of some sort during day hikes; have my own FAK on longer hikes. If you're comfortable making your own, it might be cheaper/easier.

two hints from "Wilderness 911" ( book)

- get a case with vinyl pockets

- add some safety pins

TRO

I took your advice and made my own starting with the NOLS Med Kit Bag which is similar in dimensions to the AMK Weekender bag. This is now my go-to FAK.
Contents:
Gear/Tools/Protection
Nitrile Gloves - 3 pair
N-95 Face mask - 1
Trauma Shears - 1
Irrigation Syringe - 1
Uncle Bill Sliver Grippers - 1
safety pins - 4
Notepad - 1
Pen - 1
4" x 6" ziplock - 2
WMI FA Pocket Guide

Medications and Topicals
Benadryl -6
Imodium - 6
Aspirin - 6
Alcohol Wipes - 4
Wash'n Dri Towelettes - 2
Povidone Iodine Pads - 2
PDI Sting Relief - 2
PDI Benzalkonium Chloride Antiseptic Towelette -2
antibiotic ointment - tube
Oral Rehydration Salts - 1

Bandaging
1.75" x 4" Adhesive strips - 3
1" x 3" Adhesive strips - 6
.75" x 3" Adhesive strips - 6
5 x 9 trauma pad - 1
4 x 4 J&J 4-ply sterile gauze (sponge) pads - 10
2 x 3 Easy Release Pads - 2
3” Conforming Gauze - 2
3” elastic bandage - 1
3" Conforming gauze - 2 rolls
triangular bandage - 2
WMI Wound Pack - 1
2nd Skin - 1
1" Medical Tape - two 10 yd rolls

As I use it contents will probably morph slightly, that's the point. One difference between the NOLS Med Kit and the AMK Weekender is that the interior sections of the Weekender are marked for what they contain while the NOLS Med Kit is not marked at all. The advantage to building your own kit is that you lose the mindset that AMK determines what belongs in that kit. The FAK is what you decide it is.

Where is a good place to buy 3-4 pr of Nitrile Gloves? Does one of the marts carry them? Walgreens? I need xl

A box of 400 is only about eight bucks or so at Costco. next time you see a doctor, ask if they will give you a few - there will be a box in the exam room.....

400 is a lifetime supply for me. And may family.
And my friends. and give some away at events.

Once you have a box of disposable gloves you will find all kinds of uses--handling raw poultry, working on car engines, working in garden, painting, cleaning, caring for sick family members, cleaning up spills, washing and waxing cars. I probably use 4-5 pairs a week. I never thought they would be so useful.

When building First aid kits from scratch or making additions/modifications to commercial kits...are there any suggested retailers for buying individual items (i.e. various gauze, medications, etc.)?

Or is it just far more economical to buy various pre-assembled kits and then mix and match their contents as desired?

I'm a big fan of http://www.rescue-essentials.com/, http://www.minimus.biz/, http://www.bpmedicalsupplies.com/, and Amazon. I have no affiliation with any of them except as a customer.

Thanks! I just placed an order with Minimus.biz...as I like the idea of being able to order small quantities of items that may potentially have a short(ish) shelf life.

(I have no affiliation with them either)

I know that Granger Supply (no affiliation) carries refills for FAK's. It's best to go to their store and pick out what you want or they (or North; no affiliation) will send you in May that which expires at the end of June, of the same year.

That's been a major problem on my boat, especially with burn treatment FAK items.

Adding first aid tape ( or duct tape) to all my kits.