The only solutions I find locally are good for items like bandades and burn creams, iodine, etc... but the scissors and tweasers are of very poor quality and none of them have minor/major trauma equipment such as tourniquet, forceps SAM splint, CPR barrier, emt shears, hemostat, sutures or even scalpel. I have not been able to locate those items seperately here in canada. So i'm asking for recommendations about a fairly small commercial kit suitable for a bob or I can pack away in a backpack with psk to go camping.
If it helps I'm looking for something no more than 2-3 people that lasts up to 5 days, if at all possible being -/= 10" across.

Any other suggestions/additions from those who probably know a heck of a lot more than I do are welcome.
thanks
Geoff

Contact me off list, I may be able to special order these for you.

REI carries a nice line of kits -- I use one of theirs with my own supplements.

Teacher

Campmor.com has a Campmor Advanced Medical Kit that has some of what you need (forceps, SAM splint, CPR barrier, EMT shears,)for $50. You'd have to add the tourniquet, sutures, and scalpels on your own though.

What is the difference between a forceps and a hemostat??

Most "small" commercial kits will not have many of the items you mentioned. Some of the items you mentioned require advanced training. I see no reason for sutures unless you are a RN or MD; use steri-strips if you really need to close a wound.
You are actually looking for more of a med-large commercial kit if you want all that stuff.
MEC has a selection of kits; if the kit was made in the US there will me no medications.

Bill

Go to Campmor and get the AMK Comprehensive. It has most of the stuff you need and a smaller bag (the Ultralight .9 bag IIRC) to take with you for a BOB/backpack.

I agree with not using sutures. The small closure strips are easier to use and remove. Unless you can really clean a serious wound, you may be better leaving it open as long as it's not a heavy bleeder. Ditto the hemostat. These kits are for quick fixes to stabilize not for field surgery. $.02

Honestly I don't know the difference between forceps and hemostats from experience or medical knowledge. But my homework tells me hemostats are used manly in surgery to control bleeding and used to clamp blood vessels until repairs are done. Forceps can be used to clamp tissue or dressings or needles (eg. sutures) and used in childbirth.. Although this information is from google search so perhaps a doctor or someone with more knowledge can expand or correct my information

I don't mind at all getting a kit without meds. I can take a quick run to my local drugstore as long as they have packets of iodine, alcohol wipes, etc... in the kit.
I've looked at both sites, rei and mec. they seem to have a few other medical kits but vast majority are from Adventure medical ...
There website has a HUGE selection, has anybody ordered items from them directly?

Sutures vs. steri-pads.. I've found that steri-pads are only usefull for small closures less than an 2" anything else will get torn. I've found a few websites and posts reguarding using sutures, although not ideal would be available if needed (although practice or training would be nice). This item in list is not necessary item.... more of a would be nice to have and doesn't take a lot of space unless you count forceps.

If you insist in sutures; get a stapler kit.
Staples are faster to apply and take less skill which will cause less pain for the victim.
AMK does not sell direct at this time.

I saw a site or mention about a disposible stapler kit here. Is it a good option? If so, where can I find one for purchase?

If you want to include a stapler, you can forget a SMALL commercial FAK.

IMHO: Just stick to minor wounds and for larger trauma: a ABD-pad or triangular bandage, duct-tape and a bandanna. These will do just fine.

my everyday FAK