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I find that now and then I have to go through my FAKs to replace outdated drugs and to remind myself of what is in them.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.