One of the first aid "tools" that I have seen in the past are "dykes" or wire cutters.
These are suggested to be used for removing the barbed end of a fishook when it becomes stuck in a finger, arm, etc. The idea being that the hook is pushed through the skin until the barb is clear of the meat and then nipped off, etc.

They are not something that would be carried all the time, perhaps only when going on an extended fishing trip.

Any suggestions on "other speciality tools" that would be tailored to a specific trip or activity. These are FAK items only, nothing totally extravagant.

One other question; are inflatable splints still used and if so, are they worth having in a group type kit, or are they just too bulky for what they do?

Hi Skater,

The dykes are a great idea, one caveat though...as with most tools and things that you depend upon, check them carefully prior to purchase.

One of my earstwhile electrical apprentices took it upon himself to get his tools of the trade at the local flea market and he found himself with screwdrivers that would chip and break when used, dykes that would only cut soft wire (a fishing hook would cause the cutting edges to deform) and sidecutter pliers that actually fractured and broke when they fell onto a concrete floor from about 12 feet or so.

Getting a pair of dykes / needle nose / sidecutter pliers is a great idea, quality makes the difference. Klein Tools are suggested.

Regards,
Comanche7

Thanks C7.
When it comes to tools, I believe the same thing, quality first.

Skater,

I concur (perhaps unneccessarily) with Comanche; you can't go wrong with Klein tools. I'm not certain that I would carry a set of dykes around in a FAK though, even on a fishing trip. But then, I carry a Leatherman Wave anytime I have pants on, YMMV.

About splints---I am a big believer in the SAM splints, and that is what I carry when I carry a splint at all, which isn't often. I prefer them over the inflatable types because they are MUCH more versatile and durable. Again, YMMV.

Take care,

Andy

Thanks Andy. You bring up a good point. With a decent Leatherman tool, dykes would not be necessary.
I find that now and then I have to go through my FAKs to replace outdated drugs and to remind myself of what is in them.
As with the Leatherman, I forgot all about the idea of mine having a wire cutter that would serve this purpose.
Thanks for the reminder.

Ade,

Muse mode on...thinking that as great as a Leatherman is (I generally have my Super L. close by) they are like other multipurpose tools, you give up certain specific uses, in this case it would be hard to flush cut wire / hooks etc. with the Leatherman, while the dykes would be the tool of choice in most instances for flush cutting. Reckon the trade off is figuring out how many times you need the flush cutter vs. the multi tool. Shooting from the hip, I'd venture that most of us would opt for the multitool in a kit.

This is not to say that one could not get a small (say 5 or 6" ) pair of quality flush cutters and include them... <grin> I'd have to place them next to the dehydrated kitchen sink in my Altoid kit though... <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Re: the inflatable splints vs. Sam Splints, which one, hmmm...the inflatables could possibly double as a last ditch PFD or even water carrier.

The Sam Splints can be formed in several different configurations, doubt that the inflatables could match the variety. On the flip side, I'd hate to have to carry water in either unit, but the inflatables would probably have a better capacity in that respect.

If one has room, take both. I generally have other water containers, so I opt for the Sam splints. They can be folded, cut, reused and would seem to have a great capacity for other uses (funnels, reinforcement on splicing broken tent poles, forming a releasable spear point holder for spear fishing, ???) as your needs and imagination can dream up.

Comanche7

I was just about to say that <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

They're not something I'd ever take on a backpacking or canoeing trip, but they'd be a good addition to a base camp or base car kit.

Comanche,

You may have been musing, but you bring up a few good points.....just so I'll know, how many angels CAN dance on the head of a pin? <img src="images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I won't argue the dykes, I just figure that if I'm going to be pushing a fish hook through my skin anyway, it won't be significantly more painful to push it far enough to cut with my Leatherman. My kitchen sink folds, BTW. How do like the dehydrated one? <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It had not occured to me that an inflatable splint could be used as a water carrier or PFD. Where's that :feeling sheepish smiley: when you need it? <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Take care,

Andy

Ade,

On the fishhook pushing, having been on both sides of the equation (once as the "hookee" was enough TYVM LOL) and several time as the "unhooker" I can see where minimizing the moment with the dykes would help, however, like you, multitool wins. Both the Angels and the Pin have enough to carry as it is.

Re: the Dehydrated Sink <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> It works great, just don't let your Altoids kit incur any moisture, gotta hermatically seal the DS, lest your kit get all jumbled up and it won't open well, what with the sink in the way. LOL

Best,
Comanche7

Once when I was working at a walk in clinic I had to get the wire cutters from my car tool kit to remove multiple large treble hooks from a poor tourists foot and toes. We did soak the wire cutters in alcohol before use. I keep a multi tool in my larger FAK's along with a ring cutter, eye magnet and both straight and curved small clamps . My wife saved the day at a BBQ when she used the cork screw on the SAK that was in her car FAK. EMT shears go in every FAK, except for the mini FAK.

I'll second the motion on the SAM splints, they work very well and are pretty much the standard. Both the US military and Red Cross have stopped using the air splints. The SAM splints do not have to be removed for X-rays, and that helps once you're at the ER. They also can be rolled or folded to fit into your FAK.

Treble hook foot & toes....ouch that hurts to think about.
How much are the ring cutters?

They don't have to be removed? how come?

They are penetrable by X-ray. Pete

I'll go thru my catalogs tonight and post the price and other info on the ring cutters in the morning.

Thanks.

Ring Cutters may be bought from Medco Sports Medicine, 1-800-556-3326 or www.medco-athletics.com. Item # 75730, page 95 of the winter 2003 catalog, $12.50 (US) each plus shipping. I'm sure the ring cutters can be found other places, I happened to get mine here. The catalog is very usefull.

Another plus for the Sam Split is that it can be utilized as a field-expedient cervical collar for suspected c-spine injuries. I doubt I'd ever put a purpose-made collar in my kit.

Maybe I missed it in the thread, but other than the obvious, what else would you use ring cutters for?
How often do you find yourslef or anyone, having to use them?

The 2 most common reasons to use the ring cutters are fracture and laceration. Even if the bone isn't broken the swelling can be a problem. The worst case for laceration is a "peel down" injury. Happens when you slip in the shower and reach to grab onto something and end up with your ring caught on the shower head and your body hanging. You can also get caught in the basketball net/hoop. That's why athletic trainers carry them. You won't need them often, but when you do, you'll want them. The only FAK I keep them in full time is the large "camping/group outing" kit.

Grisley thoughts, but understandable.
I once had a neighbor who fell sideways from an aluminum ladder and found himslef hanging by his wedding band. Was not a pretty sight afterwards.
Thanks for the input.
BTW, can they be used more than once, or are they use once and toss type tools?

<img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />I didn't mean to ask an obvious question. I'm not overly familiar with the science behind the X-ray. I don't know what it can penetrate and what it can't. All I do know is that I have to lift my shirt when I have a x-ray <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Cheers

No problem, it was a good question. Pete

Since X-Ray is not currently on the forums, I will go ahead and answer. Yes, they can be reused many times. Pete

Must be those chain mail shirts you wear over there.

Yes the ring cutters are re useable.

Probably not a FAK item, but I have carried an extra Navy type knitted watch cap to help retain body heat. In the correct situation, it could be used as a FAK item to help someone suffering from hypothermia.
Question - Would it make sense to put a 8x8 inch (or so) piece of the mylar type emergency blanket inside the cap to help retain body heat, or would this have a negative effect on a person suffering from hypothermia?

Any thoughts?

That aluminum coating on the mylar will disrupt the mind control rays - Not a good thing to do to someone who may already be in shock. Very disorienting when you are first severed from the hive!


{quickly looks around sheepishly} OOOPSS wrong forum. Please disregard.

Also causes static on the radio signals you can pick up on your fillings.

Just received a ring cutter that I recently ordered from MEDCO.
I have never had reason to use one in the past, but it is obvious from what I have read that when you need one, YOU NEED ONE!
Good addition to the larger FAK, and no special training or license required.

Thanks.

A year later, I finally write my response to Skater's post. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />I tried this after reading this post last year. It kept my head toasty warm! I did it occasionally, but only on very cold days. Sometimes, I just wanted it a tad cooler.

As for hypothermia, I don't know how important the head is versus the body. Speaking purely from a common-sense perspective (always worth some healthy skepticism in the medical arena), I myself can only assume that anything that keeps any part of you warm(er) must be at least partially helpful in contesting hypothermia. Does anyone have anything worth adding regarding that?

Stay safe,
J.T.

>>As for hypothermia, I don't know how important the head is versus the body.<<

Vastly. Huge importance. Critical.

And much more so than any other "appendage". The body reacts to cold by quickly cutting down the blood flow to limbs (especially the surface where heat dissipates) and even organs, and can make LARGE adjustments to heat loss by doing so, will even sacrifice appendages (toes lost to frostbite) if it has to, but it CANNOT restrict blood to the brain for obvious reasons. This is such a critical factor that we not only still have a mat of fur on our heads to help regulate heat loss, but it can be grown to any length... and odd development, when you think about it.

In some spectral ranges of infra-red, people wearing down jackets in the cold look like matches with their heads alight- the amount of heat leaving from the head is amazing. Same applies to a head sticking out of a sleeping bag.

I always carry a lightweight balaclava when camping; it makes more difference to sleeping well in the cold than a LOT more weight in a sleeping bag.

When ambient temperature raises significantly above blood temperature, things reverse, and the insulation (hat, cap, hair) actually helps keep the head cooler than surroundings. Having the surface that the sun beats on as far away from the brain as possible helps too, hence sombreros and ten-gallon hats with high crowns.

JFK refused to wear the traditional Homburg hat to his inauguration, starting a fashion stampede away from hats. Actors suddenly found that their faces were much more visible on movie screens without hats, and, since Hollywood dictates style, and then the car makers immediately took advantage of the trend to lower their roofs (and costs) there was no going back from there... but it's a huge disservice to those who go outdoors. Real outdoorsmen wear hats, or at least have one (or more) in their kits. Properly used (take it OFF when you start to get hot, out of the sun), a hat can make amazing adjustments to your comfort level and safety- there's a reason men have worn them for at lest several thousand years. The lack of one can certainly kill you in the desert, and might make the difference between life and death in the cold.

Thanks for the tip about the mylar in a hat- I hadn't thought of that, and at the risk of comments about geeks and tinfoil beenies, I might play with the idea a bit. Tilly hats have this convenient little pocket in the crown...

It keeps the aliens from reading your thoughts too. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Sorry... couldn't resist. What was that movie anyway? Was it the one with Mel Gibson as the preacher/farmer?

"Signs". Thought it was a great movie. Pete

Keep in mind that the current thinking on fish hook removal has changed with time. Today the usual recommendation is to try to back the hook out while pressing away from the barb rather than push it all the way through.

Here is a good overview:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010601/2231.html

KenK, thanks for the link, very well illustrated. All my hook removals involved wire cutters (soaked in alcohol) and cutting the hook end off and sometimes the eye as well, then pulling the rest thru.

Jet, thanks for your input, as well as PLs.
I have always been under the impression that the head is the major point for body heat loss.
I was a bit surprised that I did not get a response to the question, but I also thought it would be appropriate to include it in the treatment of hypothermia.
The idea of using a watch cap with a piece of space blanket inside seems pretty logical.
Again, thanks for your response.

I've spent a fair amount of time avoiding hypothermia, but I'm not qualified to say much about treating it. There are different stages, and at the stages where the body is just losing heat faster than it can generate it, anything will help- insulation, reflection, shelter.

My understanding, though, is that at later stages the actual capability of the body to generate heat is compromised, and it becomes much more difficult for the patient to recover just using mechanisms that work by retaining that body heat. If that's all you've got, then you do what you can, but the medical advice I've seen for severe hypothermia always seems to emphasize external sources of heat, as fast as possible (short of scalding/burning, of course).

But, as I say, I have no expertise in that area. Maybe adding to the subject line will counteract the thread drift and attract attention from those who do.

It's amazing how many facets of survival are just thermodynamics in disguise. If it weren't for the need to keep body heat up, we wouldn't be concerned about clothing, sleeping bags, tents and shelter, rain gear, making fires... almost everything we talk about is directly or indirectly about heat flow.

Skater,

Check out these web sites, as they have a lot of excellent information :

http://www.hypothermia.org/hypothermia.htm

http://www.wemsi.org/
http://www.wemsi.org/alg.html
http://www.wemsi.org/hypotherm_bfr.html


Pete

I agree it was a good movie, except for one thing ... if the aliens could not be exposed to water, WHY did they come to a planet that is virtually covered with the stuff? Just me ...

Well they obviously weren't too bright. They came all this way and got whooped pretty fast. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, Pete. Very interesting. I have only browsed them at this point, but I see some good information.
Thanks for the connection.

Skater

Something I read from a skeptic on the subject:
"If aliens are smart enough to travel millions of miles of space to get here, whey do they always choose the dumbest earthlings to communicate with?"

Well, that should be obvious to the readers of this site. Only the dumbest are out in the lightly populated rural or wilderness areas. (Hmm, no emoticon for "tongue planted firmly in cheek". This is closest: <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> )

Simple ... if they are probing smart people then we might start believing them when they tell us they were probed. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />