I'm a little OCD so if I add more gloves, they would be bagged in groups of two.

Jeanette Isabelle

What you are referring to is Bismuth Subsalicytate (Diotame). So I should use that instead of Loperamide Hydrochloride (Diomode)? How many packets should I include for a ten-person kit?

By the way, the kit includes five packets of Calcium Carbonate.

Jeanette Isabelle

I'd add more information -- both in training the missionaries and adding a book in the appropriate languages. Basic first aid, hygiene and science info are lifesavers.

I would definitely keep the anti-diarrheal over the Pepto-Bismol. Actually, I'd keep both. The Benadryl in the kit can also be used as an anti-nauseant. And as a sleep aid too.

I have considered recycling the first aid “guide” and buying used copies of A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine by Eric A. Weiss, M.D.

Jeanette Isabelle

I buy nitrile gloves 50 to a box at Rite Aid. Take those and package them two each in small ziplock bags. The ziplock bags can be reused for other things in the field. This is how I package gloves for various kits.

So add the following: Bismuth Subsalicytate (Diotame), Loperamide Hydrochloride (Diomode) and Diphenhydramine. If I do not remove the alcohol and sting relief pads, I would have space to add thirty packets of medication. When grouped in fives (the amount each compartment holds), how much of each goes into a ten-person kit?

I have been saying “a ten-person kit” because ten is the number I am shooting for.

Jeanette Isabelle

As many as will fit, equally divided: this is based on the notion of leaving the kit behind for use by the locals. Loperamide and diphenhydramine are very useful drugs. Bismuth subsalicylate is an older drug, and is less effective in some studies.

This is what I have so far.

Do NOT add the following:
Oral Rehydration Salts
Additional Sterile Gauze Pads

Add the following:
Digital thermometer
Duct tape
Elastic bandage
Additional pairs of gloves
Additional Antibiotic Ointment Packets [There have been no suggestions on how much to add.]
Splinter forceps to replace the plastic tweezers
A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine by Eric A. Weiss, M.D. to replace the first aid guide
Equal amounts of Diomode, Diotame and Diphenhydramine Packets

I will consider adding more tape.

I have not received feedback regarding the following:
Non-Adherent Pads
Moleskin or other blister treatment
Patient assessment form
CPR shield
Additional Trauma Pad
Additional Triangular Bandage
SAM Splint, if space will allow it

I have considered putting in one Pocket Medic per kit. A Pocket Medic provides splinter forceps, moleskin, two safety pins and an extra Antibiotic Ointment Packet at a reasonable price.

Edit: If I don't need moleskin, it would be cheaper to only get the splinter forceps.

Thank you for your help.

Jeanette Isabelle

For an inexpensive, lightweight and small trauma kit, I strongly recommend the "Patrol Officer's Pocket Trauma Kit" from Rescue Essentials (order either from http://www.rescue-essentials.com/ or from Amazon, especially if you're a Prime member). It's far from complete and it's not what I carry on the range, but for the price point it can't be beat.

It contains a SWAT-T tourniquet, Z-Pack Dressing, a pair of gloves, and three feet of duct tape. If you have a sharp with you, the plastic bag containing it can be used with the duct tape to create a field-expedient chest seal.

The SWAT-T isn't the best tourniquet out there -- I'd hate to be applying it to my own arm -- but it's inexpensive, easy to use, and can double as a pressure dressing with the Z-Pack. The preferred tourniquets (CAT-T, SOFTT-W) are far more expensive.

I have no connection to Rescue Essentials or Amazon other than as a customer.