My buddy calls me yesterday, "Can you drive me to the hospital?"
He's a self-employed carpenter...works alone, lots of things can go wrong on the jobsite

"Um...sure - what's up?"

"I got a cut on my hand and another on my leg."

"OK, where are you I'll be right there."

So, when I pull up, it turns out he's had a tussle with a power wood carving tool sort of like this. It's hit his left hand pretty good and then his left thigh.

All I can say is that I used a LOT of gauze to get him packaged for the trip to the ER. I didn't want him bleeding all over my jeep, after all. In fact, I used up all 8 of the 4x4's and 6 of the 6x6 gauze I keep in my car kit, and even then, we probably could have used more.

He'll have a bit of recovery time - he took a knick out of one of the bones in the back of his hand and chewed things up fairly well, but he won't need surgery or anything.

But anyway - pack more sterile gauze. It's incredibly useful.

Every time I buy a pre-fab first aid kit big enough, I add more of the following (and sometimes more)

4x4 gauze
Triangle bandages
Wet naps/wipes
A small pocket knife

Looks like you could have used some kerlix: http://www.allegromedical.com/wound-care-c541/kerlix-roll-4-5-x-4-1-yards-p191410.html


Also, go by your pharmacy and pick up a pack of non-sterile gauze pads. They come in 100-packs and are dirt-cheap. If you don't want 100, just put 25 or so into a new ziplock-bag.

Ow and they might not be sterile, but they are very clean. When somone is bleeding badly from several carver-tool made cut's the wound isn't sterile anyway.

I have something similar to Kerlix, this wasn't actually bad enough for it. I'd only use Kerlix if direct pressure and gauze didn't work immediately. No need to make it harder for the folks at the ER to dig in there.

Marty,
This is where you want at LEAST one trauma bandage in your FAK - they soak up a LOT more blood than a 4x4

Speaking of 4x4s, I've found that there is a HUGE difference between different brands. Most are a thin layer of fairly loosely woven mesh, doubled over

The "Johnson and Johnson" $x4 "Gauze pads" are a lot more tightly woven, and seem to soak up a LOT more fluid. With my chronic leg wound, I've become somewhat of the local "expert" on gauze pads - something about going through them 3 at a time, every 2nd to 3rd day. I buy the BIG box of 25. The ONLY thing I DON'T like about them is they are made in China

Another good dressing is the "Caring" brand "ABD Pad" - it's a 5x9 meant for abdominal wounds, but... It's a LOT like a "Maxi-Pad"

(As I sit here looking at my 9x12 box full of different wound care products/ Time to buy another box of 4" gauze rolls)

Marty,
No - take the guaze pad - put it on the wound, put the Kerlix on TOP of the gauze, without unrolling it! Then wrap again on top of that - basiclly use the kerlix as a big spunge

You could patch things up the way we do on construction sites.

Use as many sterile pads as you have on the wound, then cover everything over with rags and some duct tape just to make sure you don't leak all over.

Gauze is fine I suppose, but I prefer to use things meant for profuse bleeding like that. A package of HD Kotex is cheap and would work well in this situation. Easy to apply, super absorbant, and hygenically sound. They are also common enough not to have to shop around to find a ready supply.

I totally forgot! That's the other thing I add to any FAK I have big enough to hold one.

I have also been recently reminded that I need a box of 4x4 AND 2x2's in my FAK. I am also going to add more OB pads since I am now down to 1 large and 1 medium Battle Dressing (Vietnam era).

I have recently found that many people are developing Latex allergies. I am going to start carrying some paper towels to wrap between the gauze bandages and the ACE bandage that I normally use to both secure the gauze bandages and to add pressure onto the wound when treating a limb injury.

The paper towels are helping with my DW's Latex allergy by preventing contact between the skin and the Latex, quite well. She is recovering from surgery on the R. knee and L. elbow. By limiting the stretching that I do while applying her dressings, I also reduce the amount of airborne Latex Proteins that get into her breathing passages.

I hear that a poultice of concrete works wonders...

"Gauze Sponges" are what I prefer vs. "wound dressings".

more is always a plus for heavy draining or bleeding wounds.
don't forget that simple pressure and if need pressure points and simple elevation can work wonders,and spare you a "50 pack" of 4x4's in the process

Yup, 4x4's are my favorite for about 90% of anything bleeding. I prepackage a stack of them, maybe 1.5-2" thick, a roll of gauze of some type, a roll of tape (with a corner turned under for easy location) if the gauze is not the stick to itself stuff, and a pair of gloves in a ziploc bag. My car FAK has several of those things in it. When I was an EMT, I stopped more bleeding than I care to remember with that stuff...

I am going with the 50 packs because when you need them, you can go through a lot of them just changing a wound dressing after the bleeding has long since stopped. Especially when you're putting betadine solution over each incision/puncture.

This is my recent experience concerning 4 incisions and 1 puncture wound on 2 limbs (arm and leg).

A handful of sterile 4x4's, 3x3's and 2x2's, a whole mess of non-sterile 4x4's, several giganto size female pads, and lots of Kerlix. Kerlix is so much easier to work with than gauze, and works much better. However, it is quite a bit more expensive than regular gauze - but well worth it.

Dressings are cut off in the ER, not unwrapped. Kerlix won't make it any harder. It probably cuts easier than a wad of regular gauze, if anything.

ABD pads, and the 10x30 bandages we use on the ambulance!

You can never have too many 4x4's or roll gauze. My car kit has a full box of them in it.

Well, when you get beyond "gauze sponges" there are all sorts of other dressings - the abd pads, Maxi pads, etc. The goal on my leg, for instance, is to only change the dressings 2x/week. The problem is, it exudates more than even doubled up 4x4s can handle over those 3 days, and the type of exudate I have is actually corrosive to the wound - causes it to macerate, and get larger. So, I get to play with all sorts of "fun" stuff - Algenate dressings (with and without silver), Iodasorb gel and pads, etc etc

As my wound care specialist says "In this field, the patient eventually becomes an expert in their own wound - they alone know how the wound feels that day, and that changes how you treat it, day by day"

I've had very good experiences with the algenate packing when used at the proper stage of a deep wound healing process. This is dealing with a deep wound after it had closed up to the 1" - 2" deep stage and being approx. 1/2" in diameter.

The healing time was approximately 12 months.

Yes, it's a long, getting longer, story....

Also keep in mind the idea of improvisation. I had to dress a wound once where I only had a couple pads of gauze to dress with because the supplied first aid kid was not very well supplied. There was a new package of toilet paper next to the first aid kit, though! The gauze kept it sterile; the toilet paper kept it absorbent and comfortably soft. Taped it all in place and the hospital got to deal with a ghetto dressing.

But it worked!

+99 on Kerlix/rolled gauze. I would rather have Kerlix and no 4x4s than the other way around. I can cut off a little Kerlix and make my own 4x4s.

For kits where space is at a premium try the PriMed compressed gauze from H&H. They take a full sized roll of Kerlix and vacuum pack it into a wad the size of slightly rotund golf ball. Even if the vacuum pack develops a leak its still less than 1/2 the bulk of uncompressed Kerlix. N.A. Rescue's s-packed gauze is similar but is vacuum packed in a "S" stack instead of rolled, which helps when feeding it out into a bad bleed.

4x4s are for cuts that are NBFD. Kerlix is for serious wounds. Cram Kerlix in there then top it off with a (possibly improvised) compression bandage. If the wound has a significant void cram in the Kerlix then add an object like a tennis ball, bag of fluid, etc and place the compression bandage over it. The idea is to transmit pressure to the bleeding site, not simply absorb the blood. Soft spongy stuff is not ideal as the medium for transmitting pressure.

Of course you're unlikely to have a tennis ball or bag of fluid on hand but that's the size & consistency of "filler material" we're talking about.

I agree - and have use Kerlix in a case where a patient's leg has mostly separated just below the knee AND he had quite a gash on his thigh.

This thread has reminded me to get a fak any one recommend a good one?. I'll add more bandages later.

Lee

I got the OB pads and 50 4x4's today.

I think I'll pass on the 2x2's since room in my FAK bag is extremely tight.

I also found 5 wrapping type bandages that are 100% cotton (vs. Latex). I am going to be replacing all of my "Ace" bandages with these since more and more people are developing an allergy to Latex.

The usual Latex allergenic symptoms are itchiness progressing to peeling skin. Swelling of the lips, facial skin tingling, and I don't know what else is possible except for a sore throat. A sore throat indicates to me that an airway swelling issue and an asthma type of symptom could occur.

I sure would hate to be responsible for exacerbating a problem.

BTW, I carry vinyl gloves in my kit.

"...The gauze kept it sterile..."

Ya gotta use what works. But keep in mind that first aid does not really have to be sterile, and usually isn't, no matter how hard you try. Get the bleeding stopped, protect against further contamination, and worry about cleaning the wound later...

Build your own - YES you will probably end up with more "stuff" than you need, so you end up with 2 - one for home, and the other one

Edit:
"Doc Russia" has some good FAK ideas. Might be a BIT advanced, but..

Speaking of FAKs - I found a site with all sorts of kits. Having had some First Aid training (I really really need to go re-cert), and having come across SERIOUS accidents twice in my life (Before the First responders), I have a tendency to want at least SOME trauma "stuff" in the kit. Frankly, I'm NOT qualified to do c-collars, airways, BP and the like, so the high end EMT kits have stuff I DON'T need, but to get the stuff I WANT, I either have to add to an existing kit, or remove from a bigger kit

doing a web search (and NOT knowing the companies, or prices) this kit is "interesting" http://www.e-firstaidsupplies.com/first-aid-kit-20.html

Just remember: ABC - airway, breathing and circulation

Or if you can keep the air going in and out, and the blood inside and going round and round - you've solved 90% of your problem - now to get the guys with the flashing lights on their truck to you

"Little" cuts/scrapes will be a LOT more common, and you WILL use that part of the kit a LOT more often. In a minimalist kit, I do carry one or 2 bandaids, but worst comes to worst, a 4x4, a pair of EMT shears (folks - buy a box of a dozen - the cost like $1 each in bulk - and they do weaar out), and a bit of first aid tape, and I can MAKE a bandaid easy enough, and make it fit the wound

Be careful using any of the antibiotic ointments on someone you don't know - they may be allergic, ditto giving someone ANY drugs - you are not a paramedic/MD (if you are, feel free to ignore my advise).

DO NOT exceed your training level

BTW If I can get thge picture off my cell phone, I'll post a picture of my PERSONAL First aid kit at the office - NOT the company kit - MY kit

another edit: One of our supporting vendors has what looks like a fairly good kit
http://www.redflarekits.com/pc/4041/fak/COMPREHENSIVE+First+Aid+Kit+by+Adventure+Medical+Kits

Here is a (addmittedly poor) picture of my office FAK. Note that this is NOT the deparment's kit - it's MY kit. The metal boz is the classic office FAK by "Safety Supply". They seem to think to rolls of 1" gauze and a couple of 4x4s is "big stuff". You'll notice that there is a "Multi Trauma" dressing sitting on top of it, plus boxes of 4x4s, non-stick pads, 4" gauze, tape, etc sitting there

Out of picture in my "carry" bag - it's got four 4x4s, 2 rolls of 2" tape (paper and cloth) my presrciption drugs, etc in there

You guys may also be interested in the Olaes-bandage: http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/products/product_detail.php?prod_id=3


This is a trauma bandage with a roll of kerlix and a piece of occlusive plastic (for penetrating chest-injuries) built into it.

Demo on youtube:

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=y4XJx1PoivQ


I've got a couple of them and they work very good, even for the big bleeders.

Both of my big kits (home and truck) have stuff in them I'm not qualified to use, but I have them anyway with the understanding that someone else on scene before the EMT's may be qualified but ill-equipped. It's the old trade-off of have it but not need it, or need it and not have it. I tend toward the former. The small kits I EDC (backpack & flight bag) are for small cuts and splinters -- NBD.

When a Navy command I was with started replacing stuff I snagged one of their hard cased FAK's and when I opened it all I found were large gauze and wraps for major injuries -- no band-aids at all. Small cuts you can fix with a band-aid aren't life threatening and are considered NBD; this kit was for bigger injuries.

"...someone else on scene before the EMT's may be qualified but ill-equipped..."

Happens all the time. I have had many a doctor stop at an accident scene with nothing but their knowledge on hand. But keep in mind that not all doctors are worth a damn as far as on-scene care goes. What you want is a paramedic or ER nurse, THEY know what they are doin'!!!

So do I. I suppose I could use nitrile, but vinyl is cheaper and they work fine. I have a big box of them that I use when handling any sort of chemicals around the house or in the garage since I have eczema on my hands and my skin is prone to reacting to chemicals. So I've used vinyl gloves a lot and find them satisfactory.

Being situational with your FAK is very important. My office FAK doesn't try to replicate the FAK on the wall in the kitchen on every floor of the building - its put up in the event of an earthquake, when most of our injuries will be from falling ceilings and beams, crush injuries, some puncture wounds, glass cuts, head abrasions etc. Mostly kerlix, ABD pads, triangle bandages, tape, nothing smaller than a 4x4 - but lots of all of these. EDIT: Oops, also nitrile gloves, maybe half a box. END EDIT I always toss in knuckle band aids, the do-it-all of the band aid world, but don't expect to use them much. I simply don't have enough of the things I'll really need to treat the more seriously wounded. Also 20 ea (and increasing) 99 cent rain ponchos, because no matter what we will all most likely be doing triage outside, and wet is a common affliction in the Pacific Northwest. No sense bandaging a wound if they'll die of shock / exposure in a couple hours.

My pertinent training is in triage, bandaging wounds, and clearing spinal injuries. If I can stick to that in an emergency I'll be a lucky man.

Except that I spend probably 90% of my time in NYC, where the response time of "the big loud truck with the flashing lights" (aka either the local fire truck, or an Ambulance) is short enough that having c-collars, airways, BP cuffs etc is a bit redundant. How my tuck kit probably could use some of that stuff (and has trauma bandages, sam splints etc) for when I'm outside the city

This FAK discussion is making me realize it's time to check the truck kit for expired "stuff" and check my wife's kit

So, I decided today would be a GOOD day to update my FAK in the truck.

Tossed the old triple antibotic ointment, the old drugs, added new drugs, and new ointment, updated my collection of 4x4s, checked the batteries in the flashlight (dead, and I can't open the light - time to buy another one)

The list:
1 Curad Trauma Bandage
1 "Bloodstopper" Bandage
1 box "extra large" bandaids (ther are about 2-3 times the normal size
1 Box regular bandaids
1 tube oragel (new)
1 temp filling/cap cement (again new - never thought ot tooth problems before)
2 rolls 3" gauze
1 roll 2" gauze
6 4x4s
spray neosporin
4 benydril tablets
4 advil
1 roll first aid tape (cloth)
1 pair emt shears
1 pair nytrile gloves
one folding knife (buck 110)
1 dollar change
40 ft 550 cord
1 12"x12" shop rag
1 sharpie
small screwdriver (pocket clip type)

Believe it or not, it all fits in a 30 cal ammo can - barely, but it fits. If I have to add anything, something has to go. As ther are 4 other flashlights in the truck, that will probably go, the next after that is to wrap the 550 cord as a handle for the case, after THAT, the curad trauma bandage goes - it's HUGE, and I have the bloodstopper - that would allow me to add abd pads and/or Kotex

Also remember - I alway have my backpack first aid kit if I'm anywhere with the truck - and there are "other" items there. The 2 kits have a lot of duplication, but some unique items too, for instance, provo iodine is in the pack

Other places in the truck have stored water, bug spray, sunscreen etc

I keep a clean old large bath towel in my truck at all times. Multiplicity of uses: cleaning up, sling, padding a splint, pillow, beach blanket, covering valuable objects to keep them out of view, easily ripped up if need be for wound dressing, headband, shade, etc.

[ot]

Just one question, what are the advantages and disadvantages of provo iodine prep pads compared to alcahol prep pads...Just wondering becasue the meager FAK that we have for our troop only has on type

Alcohol in a wound hurts like hell, povidone-iodine doesn't(-ish).

Furthermore, alcohol damages tissue much more than povidone-iodine if it get's into a wound, but alcohol has much less chance of allergic reactions.


Personally, I would go with the povidone-iodine, or even better: Hibicet (also called Savlon), which is a Chlorhexidine-digluconate / Cetrimide-solution.

I wouldn't carry either. If someone's really bleeding, you're not going to be rubbing little 1" squares into the wound. They tend to dry out. Essentially, they're used to get dirt off the skin and sanitize (NOT sterilize) it prior to invasive procedures, like an IV.

Supposedly some folks like the P-I types for water purification purposes, but I don't know how much I'd trust that personally.

Hey OBG, in a year I'm going to have to resent that comment! Or resemble it (hope not!)

A few "clean" shop rags, an old bath towel, and a nice queen sized heavyweight wool blanket (along with 1/2 case of water, some MREs, coffee powder, all the fixins for coffee/tea, and an old Coleman Peak 1 camping stove (and don't forget the e-tool and a roll of TP - it's amazing what you can fit in a 5 gallon bucket or 2

Besides the FA/trauma kit I always have in the truck I always have a staple gun and lots of GUN tape, as well as some JB weld and a torch. If I can't stop bleeding with that then I bet some 550 cord and a wrench could make one hell of a tourniquet.

Don't forget how important a staple gun is if a boy shows up at your door to take your DD out on a dat,,,,AND he has his pants falling down.

Rule #3 of the "10 Simple Rule For Dating My Daughter" clearly states that the father has the right to staple gun those pants to his hips to insure that his pants don't fall off during the date.

My kid is just pushing the age where she will be dating soon so I haven't had that experience yet.

Maybe I will put some of that 4 x 4 gauze next to the front door as well. Then, after I give the boy with his pants falling down a flying double drop kick off of my step I will have the gauze handy without needing to get it from the truck.

I will call it the emergency boyfriend trauma kit

Well, hopefully you will remember your ER time. I have had all kinds of doctors stop at accident scenes who had not a clue as to on-the-side-of-the-road medicine. They were office doctors, never see blood, never work in a non-sterile environment, proctologists, etc etc etc, who did their internship long long ago...

uhhh....im gonna be one of those guys soon, but I promise my oants wont be sagging, ill be wearing this


lol

Any guy who has the GUTS to show up in a kilt to date my daughter is OK by me, so long as he is wearing his sporan, and his blade. Give me a little warning, and I'll have some pipers ready...

You may give him credit for GUTS, but don't forget, kilts are typically a "commando" type of garmet.

LOL,

ever hear the one about how they make knights in Scotland?

The king raises the kilt in front with the tip of his sword.

It ain't always commando...

I guess some folks reckon it's worth a whole lot more to be called "Sir" than just getting tapped on the shoulder.

That is understood. Let's face it, a zipper and a pair of underware are going to make very little difference. What is going to make a difference is their attitude. Basically the word no - unless you are willing to chaperone them (which is a valid thing to do)

Basically, you have to raise your child up right. One reason I think the "fathers of daughters" are so paranoid is they remember exactly what they were like at the same age. Sigh

For this reason I hope I have sons... What hair I have left is grey enough without adding a daughter!!!!! ;-)

In all honesty, i'm happy with either a boy or a girl...

Has anyone considered adding a pack or two of Celox to their FAK? I keep a pack with my survival kit, just in case.
Celox

I've read many great reviews on this product. Will definitely help with the bleeding. Of course keep some rolled guaze and 4x4s on hand.

Two military EMT guys I know just told me that Celox and products like it are completely illegal in Canada. I had no idea.

I guess if you get any on your hands and then rub your eye it can cauterize your cornea with possible permanent eye damage. Imagine if the powder was to blow up into your face, nose and eyes...sounds bad.

Illegal in Canada? Interesting... Completely legal here.

Would love to find out more information about that, esp. about eye contact. I have not read any literature about eye contact that would indicate that about Celox (as it does not produce heat), nor is there an inhilation danger of it.

If anyone has any solid source to the contrary about Celox, would love to hear it!

I did some Googling and I think they may have been over generalizing all of the available hemostatic agents out there into the types like Quikclot which generate heat and are more invasive than Celox.

Unfortunately I can't find much information about any hazards with any such product or their legality in Canada. I also can't find any online retailers in Canada which sell these products.

"Cauterizing" sounds more like a warning about exothermic products like QuikClot or TraumaDex. Inhalation is also a signficant worry with those two products when applied as loose powder. Even application on a sucking chest wound is not advised.

I'm not aware of any particular risk with Celox. I don't have any of them, but if I did carry one of these types of products, I would pick Celox. It seems to be the most benign product that still works as advertised.

That is what I thought too... Celox was probably the safest one to use and anyone can use it...

I think the benefits far outweigh the risks when using a product like this. It also seems to be more tolerated and easily removed than other products.

Of course, your first course of action is the apply pressure and elevate, but it is nice to have something like this in your "bag of tricks" for those unplanned events.

The newer products from QuickClot generate little if any heat. This market is constantly changing.

QC's new Combat Gauze is a roll of Kerlix impregnated with non-heating hemostatic agent. Initial feedback has been very positive. Currently costs about $35 a roll at Chinook Medical.

Many years ago when I worked as a dental assistant, we used something we called "Gelfoam" to pack into sockets after extractions to stop bleeding. I don't know if that was a generic term or the porduct name. It seems that something like that - a more solid, spongy substance, would be a lot safer than a powder that could blow around or be spread. If "gelfoam" would be practical for a large wound, I don't know.

Interesting, I hadn't noticed this new Combat Gauze. Well, it was just announced a couple weeks ago, it seems, at least from the press announcement.

Although sold under the QuickClot brand name, the Combat Gauze uses a completely different substance from the original QuickClot. Basically a certain type of clay--Kaolin clay, to be exact. The same clay that gave the anti-diarrhea product, Kaopectate, its name.

However, from the little I've read about the Combat Gauze, I believe that there is still one specific area where Celox has an advantage--when dealing with a person with comprised clotting ability. The Kaolin relies on enhancing the body's normal clotting ability, however, for people with comprised clotting, like those on heparin therapy, I don't know how well the clay would work. In contrast, the chitosan in Celox works independently of the body's normal clotting mechanism. Anyway, not something that most soliders have to worry about, but quite a few older folks are on heparin, so just something that came to mind.

My experience with bleeding is primarily from trauma associated with back country situations - lots of fractures, some open, major and minor lacerations, and one near amputation of an arm (which was later removed in the hospital). We employed direct pressure, elevation, and occasionally pressure points - right out of the then current FA book. We were always able to stop the bleeding readily - never had to consider using a tourniquet which I would imagine is the situation where Quick Clot would be most useful.

I asked a friend of mine working professionally as a paramedic if he had ever had any problems with bleeding (two plus years experience). No such events.

I don't think I will bother with Quick Clot. It certainly might be useful in a battlefield environment, but I doubt that it is necessary in more normal situations. I will use the space and money saved for more 4x4s and elastic bandages.

My take on QuickClot and the clones is that they would be great when you have someone bleeding badly, and the bad guys are still shooting at you, giving you no time for direct pressure, elevation, etc. Or you have multiple victims and don't have the time. Been there done that, wishing that I had something like QuickClot (but would probably been prohibited from using it by departmental policy)...

I had QuickClot in my kit ~3 years ago and removed it. I agree with the previous posters regarding the usage of it. It now sits at home in my 'gear' box.

As a Corpsman in the Navy, I found that "Ace" wraps or elastic bandages were a GREAT "one size fits all."

Wrap loosely to cover or hold something on, wrap tightly for a good pressure dressing.

I buy them in various sizes at the dollar store... WAY cheaper than kerlex or cling.

OTOH, the elastics do NOT stick to themselves like many of the more "modern" products.

hey guys, looking at suppliers for my troop FAK and I found These Guys, looks like really cheap medical supplies (69 cent ace wraps for example) Has anyone used them? This might help others out as well

(usual disclamer, these are my oppinions bla bla bla)

-Jace

Wow^^^that sounded like an advertisment, you guys no me, I don't do that! I really don't have any contacts within them so please forgive me!

ACE bandages and kerlix are 2 completely different products..

Yeah, but they will both hold those 4x4's on a wound...

I know the difference between an ace bandage and kerlex, the cheap ace bandages just are the things that jump to mind...Kerlix is rike roller gauze and a brand name, like ace bandages that are elastic and used a lot for twisted anckels and less for bleeding...

Of all the things available at a typical dollar store, FAK items would be one of the very last things I would ever consider.

If you read the packaging, dollar store 3" elastic bandages are typically 5.4 yards long (stretched) whereas brand name (Ace) 3" elastic bandages are only 5.3 feet long (unstretched) -- yet the Ace brand is still considerably larger in diameter when rolled up. That fact alone should raise a red flag as to the quality of the crap generally found in dollar stores.

While your local drug store may charge you $4.00 or more, large rolls (4.5" x 4.1 yds) of Kerlix can be purchased in sealed sterile packaging any day of the week on ebay for less than a buck a roll (shipped). I bought a dozen rolls last month for a GSW/trauma kit for $5.00 (plus another $5.20 for shipping).

Larger quantities are even cheaper, however, you do need to spell it correctly to get any search results on ebay.

Jim

i have used an Ace bandage ever since i saw a ER Dr use one
with sponges to close a guys leg wound up--i was the ER clerk
back then--

I just carry a clean tee-shirt, many uses including as gauze. Granted, not sterile.

TRO

"...not sterile..."

Sterile doesn't always mean that much in emergency care, large wounds are going to be cleaned at the hospital anyway. The boonies, or anyplace outside of an ER, is not a sterile place...

yeah! But I don't think the patient (if conscious) would be to happy if someone started wrapping them up in dirty gauze!

The usual disclaimer first; I'm not affiliated with the ACE, Johnson & Johnson, or NEXCARE corps in any way shape or form.

My DW just had 2 surgeries, 1 on the knee & 1 on the elbow. Both surgeries went well and she is bouncing back quickly.

The problem that we have concerns her being allergic to Latex. She told her Dr of this when surgury was advised. She was questioned at length 3 differet times by 3 different nurses and anesthesiologists who all agree that "she had a real Latex allergy". Apparently the info was ignored by everyone from the latex tube inserted in her throat by the anesthesiologists to the Dr and PA who used Latex ACE bandages to wrap up her knee and elbow (& don't forget bout that wonderful Catheter). We've had 1 trip, via ambulance, to the Emergency Room for possible Respiratory Distress and/or blood clots - possible mini stroke.

I initially was able to find cotton bandage wrap by Johnson & Johnson which helped her immensely but this didn't provide the required support for the knee and elbow. She went onto the internet and found that Nexcare has an elastic wrap bandage, which she ordered. The Nexcare bandages are working great both IRT the Latex Allergy and for the joint support that she also requires at this time.

A question for the medical types here: what did the nurses actually say to each other, when they told each other, "She actually has a real Latex Allergy". We heard this passed on verbatim from one to another after the previous one had left and it came off sounding like some kind of "code phrase" for: "here's another hypochondriac".

My wife also has a latex allergy. 10 weeks ago, she gave birth to our first son. Mind you, her allergy to it is a bit more mild. She would tend to get itchy / red from contact with latex.

I old the attending OB/GYN, whom she has been seeing, and he said, "When did this suddenly develope?" I mean, we've told him before during our many visits.

Luckily, they took her seriously and they brought in a medical box of non-latex products, esp. a catheter. Otherwise, things would have wound up being, shall we say, very uncomfortable.

Still, it was almost like they doubted our word the first time we said it!

Having being treated by and working around physicians all my life, I can assure you that most do not pay attention to half of what you say. I don't know why, but I know that it is very common. Maybe one of our Dr. members can comment...

I like the extra "stretch" of the fake ace wraps over "roller gauze" or the "kerlex" type products.

IF (Notice that's a big if ;)) I was using these as an Ace wrap your comments would be valid. I'm using them as a one time, single use replacement for the "roller gauze" or the "kerlex" type products.

I've repeatedly used these in actual field situations and have not only had no problems, but have seen the benefit of the additional "compression" or pressure they provide. I'm NOT talking tourniquet here.

IMO it means that they really do believe she's truly allergic to the latex and they are taking it seriously. Lots of people are asked by med personnel "are you allergic to latex?" and the answer is "oh yes, for sure". Turns out they had a rash once in 1975 and they figure that's the deal. A true latex allergy can kill you.

Hi all, I'm new here, and thought I'd put my 2 cents in.

In my triage kit I carry a couple inch stack of sterile gauze, which is probably around 25 pieces. I also carry 30-40 homemade non-sterile bandages. The wound gets covered with a layer of sterile gauze, then the rest of the layers and compression is done with cheap homemade non-sterile bandages.


Homemade non-sterile bandages:

They are 4" wide, and 54" long. They are made from discount fabrics I got at Wal-mart for $1 a yard. Thats about 12 bandages for a $1.

I've cut a 2x4 down to 2.25" wide, by the original 1.5" thick.

I wrap the fabric around the board about 8-10 times, then run a razor knife down opposite sides of the board, this produces two stacks of bandages about 4" wide.

I roll these up and keep them in my triage pack. You can place a couple of rolls directly on the gauze layer, then wrap with another bandage. When you tie the bandage, the rolls place a lot of direct pressure on the wound, much like a blood stopper type bandage.

I try to stick to light blue and green fabrics, and stay away from reds and dark colors.

Welcome to the fire newguy! That is a great idea, but not sure of the absorption qualities?? Do you use it rolled up like an unrolled roll of kerlix, or flat like a 4x4?

Welcome Newguy!!!

welcome Boone_Cert and stay a while.

Lee

I carry them rolled up, but to be honest, I'm not all that worried about absorption qualities. If you can place 2 rolls directly over the wound (or on the sterile gauze that's directly on the wound), then tie a tight bandage over that, placing the knot directly over the rolls, you get a great deal of direct pressure on the wound. Just be sure your getting circulation past the wound.

Maxi-pad would be great for absorption, but I just don't have the space to carry a lot of them.

After looking at the site, I made an order with them. It just arrived, and everything looks good. They've definitely got good prices for such things as boxes of 100 4x4s, things in bulk, etc.

However, I'll be ordering soon from Red Flare Kits for the stuff to round out my kits - individual items like single doses of Tylenol, anti-diarrhea tablets, etc. That seems to be where Red Flare excels - for most folks, who wants to order 250 single servings of Tylenol? I've bought the big bottles of Costco acetominophen and watched them go past their date before I make it halfway through a bottle.

Dave

thanks for the update, how long did it take to ship?

I'm workin on my Fak redflare's getting my order for supplies.

Thanks everyone for your input

Lee

2-3 days, but mostly that was due to a cash Paypal transaction that had to clear out from my bank account to Paypal to them. I'd say it shipped next day after the funds cleared.

Pretty fast.

The non-sterile home-made bandage rolls seem like a good idea to me. Once a sufficient layer of those sterile 4x4s are on the wound, the others are right - something else can be used to secure them or create a pressure bandage. Using your (very expensive)Kerlix for that seems unnecessary, but I don't think using Wal-mart fabrics, that could likely be non-absorbent polyester blends, are the way to go. I think I might hit the fabric shop for some muslin. And while I'm at it, I could make some triangle bandages too.

While it does not have the best design, this kit is a good value. It easily fits in your car and easy to carry. There are a couple of items, the insect repellent and sunscreen packets, which need to be thrown away.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=367314&pCatg=4962

Come to think of it, I am interested in what others have to say about this kit.

Jeanette Isabelle

This kit has some gear the average person will not need in a first aid situation such as the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff.


Considering that the suggested retail value is $190, this seems to be a good deal.

Jeanette Isabelle