Hi All

I want to make a slightly-bigger-then-altoids-tin sized first aid kit that I will include in my belt pouch (fanny pack?) survival kit for when I go hiking.

Note: this is in addition to a full first-aid kit.

·4 fabric anchor plasters (elastoplast)
·Pain killer (probably paracetomol)
·Immodeom (for when you have 'the runs')
·Vioxx (anti-inflamitry)
·Buscapan (for stomach cramps)
·Mecurachrome / ·Bactraban (wound treatment)
·50 mm Roll bandage
·Trauma pad / SOS dressing

This is still only an idea, so ANY cririsism is worthwhile.
BTW. I have done a first-aid course, I will have a bandana, knife and duct tape to compliment the FAK.

Thanks!

I guess I would ask, "Why?" - especially if this is in addition to a full kit. I do like to carry some bandaids (USA speak for adhesive plasters) to handle the minor scratches and dings, just so I don't have to break out the full kit. Your meds would do fine in the big kit.

In a modular approach to kits, I have an altoids PSK and an altoids FAK that ride in alternate front pants pockets. This rides comfortably for me in jeans and suits (I don't wear tight fitting clothes) I also have in my car a full EMT Basic jump kit for responding to the scene on nights when I am on duty. As I think about trimming down the pocket carry to those things that I actually use and shifting my kit to smaller, purpose focused, micro kits (fire, blades, food, water, FAK,) that can be selected together to form a carry selection for reasonably expected scenarios on any given day, I am struck with the idea that what I carry in my FAK is probably too broad for every day use and too small for adventure use. Soooo, yes, I think that there is room for a micro kit with bandaids / plasters and analgesics and antacids which might fit in less room than the Altoids kit, supplement this with an emergency ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) kit which might include (just brainstorming here) a nose-hose, CPR mask, Occlusive dressing, Adhesive Tape / Duct tape, Scalpel & Bic stick pen... and fit in something slightly larger than an Altoids box, supplement those with a Bandage kit containing abdominal pads, 4X4's, Gauze rollers, SAM, More Tape and a Meds kit which would include Betadine, Epi-pen, Glucose, More analgesics, antacids, antiemetics, antidiarhial... This would all add up to a kit about the size of my EMT jump kit - 6"X6"X12" but could be selected seperately as expected needs change. For EDC I could carry the bandaids, tylenol, tums kit. For urban travel I could add the ABC kit. For wilderness I would have the EDC + ABC + Bandages.

I always think first of what can be comfortably carried in my pants pockets. (I am rarely without them <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) Then I think of what I would want to supplement that with if I were to carry a waist pack or vest or coat or backpack. I don't often have a waist pack on and if I were to count on that as my EDC I would often be without my gear. The only exception to this is my Leatherman and my Cellphone which I always wear on my belt.

I'm in the plannig stage for quite a lot of my kits. This is rthe way that I see it:

When I go hiking/camping/kloofing etc, I won't always have my 50l backpack on me all the time. I do a lot of 'exploring'/wandering around after the days hiking. I therefore would like to be able to carry something that has more possibilities than a PSK, yet doesn't involve carrying around my back pack.

It is a similar approach to the 'Grab n' Go' bag that was in some thread a while ago. If I am cought in an emergency situation (bush fire/flood?), I would grab a kit that would help keep me alive, while also alowing me to run. I wouldn't be able to do this very well with a backpack.

As I said, this is still in the planning/incomplete phase. When I have got some ideas from the forum, and completed the kit, I;ll post it here for critisism.

Hope this explains my thinking!

If its in addition to a full kit, I would personally concentrate on lifesaving items in the small kit and leave things that you wont need instantly in your full kit. The things I would personally like in an "Instant Access" kit are:

Gloves
Resus face shield
Extra Large serile dressing
Triangular bandage
Asprin (for immediate treatment of AMI)

And make sure any other people you are with have any medications they may need in an emergency, (epinephrine autoinjector, salbutamol inhaler etc) and that you know how to administer them if necessary.

These are the things that will save lives, plasters and painkillers can always wait.

Chris

WOFT, Here is the contents of my current Altoids FAK.
1 2” Offset bandage compress
2 Alcohol Swabs
1 Betadine Swab
2 Green Soap Towelettes
1 Sting Relief Swab
2 Neosporin
1 Burn Jel
2 Band-Aids 1” x 3”
2 Band-Aids ¾” x 3”
2 Band-Aids Juniors
1 Knuckle Band-Aid
1 Finger-Tip Band-Aid
2 Butterfly Closures
1 yard 1” Tape
1 Sewing Needle
1 # 11 Scalpel Blade
4 Motrin 200 mg
4 Benadryl 25 mg
4 Sudafed 30 mg
1 Cosmetic style Tweezers
In a separate pouch I also carry a pair of gloves, Rescui-Shield (CPR) Whistle, Buck 503 Knife, Sm Btl of Purell Alcohol Hand Cleaner. The newest addition to my kit(s) is a 2 oz package of Flat Duct tape (1.88"x3yds) as seen here . Speaking of Duct tape; for all of you real diehards out there you should check this item out here I have also added a Leatherman Squirt P4
If I am out backpacking or hiking I add a module to my FAK which contains
1 3" Ace Wrap
1 SAM Splint
1 Triangular Bandage
1 Trauma Dressing 8"x7"
2 2" Roller Guaze
1 Iris Scissors
1 Splinter Forceps
1 Iris Locking Forceps
1 S/S Survival Saw
1 US Survival Mirror
1 Sm Sewing Kit
Water Purification Tabs
Total Weight is 8.5 oz.
I do add additional items, which covers the 10 essentials really well. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If I am weekending (hiking, camping) I take a small backpack with everything to cover the entire weekend w/food, which weighs in at 27 lbs. <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Finally; I also carry a firearm and a couple other defense items. <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> To avoid another heated discussion let's avoid the brand and caliber. <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Excelent idea. Walking round with blood on your hands after treating someone while you look for somewhere to wash your hands is not good. Gets funny looks from the police too!!

I don't know anything about Purell Alcohol Hand Cleaner, but the stuff I use needs no water, so you can use it anywhere.

Chris

An interesting side note about all of the gelled alcohal hand cleaners - they are gelled alcohal. They will act just like sterno if prompted. <img src="images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Sterno? What is that? I guess its an American name for something.

Sterno == canned heat == fuel for catering warming trays etc. This is flamable stuff - catches a spark easily, burns when wet (it floats on the water), fairly tuff to get off you once ignited, about 2 oz of it will boil a cup of water easily if you can get a wind screen around it. Wouldn't want to use it to clean my hands at the scene of a fire tho.