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#248856 - 07/21/12 06:10 PM how do I choose the right first aid kit?
picard120 Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 07/10/05
Posts: 763
how do I choose the right first aid kit?

let's assume I want 5 days trek, 3 person kit. The kit must have bandages for large wounds.

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#248857 - 07/21/12 07:16 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
hikermor Offline
Geezer in Chief
Geezer

Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
The right first aid kit for you depends upon your training and experience. Get training first and you will have the answer to your question. Generally, your first aid kit should contain those things that are hard to improvise (sterile dressings) and will be light on those items that can easily be improvised (splints). Much will depend upon the specifics of your circumstances and the environment.

At a minimum, obtain American Red Cross Advanced First Aid. Even better is W-EMT or similar, but training is the first essential.
_________________________
Geezer in Chief

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#248858 - 07/21/12 08:06 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
chaosmagnet Offline
Sheriff
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 12/03/09
Posts: 3819
Loc: USA
I agree with hikermor. Also, your kit will differ based on how far you are from help. A kit for stabilizing serious injuries when you're 15 minutes from help is very different than one where you're 15 days from help.

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#248861 - 07/21/12 10:19 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
TeacherRO Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 03/11/05
Posts: 2574
Agreed. A kit is far secondary to training ( and a refresher course.) And much depends on who goes, when ( season) and terrain.

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#248864 - 07/21/12 10:45 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
Roarmeister Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 09/12/01
Posts: 960
Loc: Saskatchewan, Canada
Originally Posted By: picard120
how do I choose the right first aid kit?

let's assume I want 5 days trek, 3 person kit. The kit must have bandages for large wounds.


You could start with on off the shelf kit like AMKs .9 Ultralight and then customize to your needs and to that of your companions. I just posted my own FAK in another thread and my emphasis is on tayloring to suit my needs.

Kits are one thing, training is another. "The more you know, the less you carry." - Mors Kochanski. I have some Wilderness First Responder training but unfortunately I haven't renewed. I will probably just get WFA cert. for my next go around. With training AND experience, you will know what makes the best kit for your own needs and activities. But if you or your companions don't have FA training then a small simple off-the shelf kit is your best bet. Carrying something you don't know how to use is just dead weight.

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#248866 - 07/21/12 11:46 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
picard120 Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 07/10/05
Posts: 763
I already had first aid training.

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#248874 - 07/22/12 02:00 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
Jeanette_Isabelle Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 11/13/06
Posts: 2946
Loc: Nacogdoches, Texas
Some manufacturers organize their kits by the number in a party and the length of the trek. The Weekender is advertised for a group up to six people and trip duration of seven days. This has material for a large wound, like you asked, including material to clean and close it: povidone iodine, 20cc irrigation syringe and wound closure strips.

Some of the features I like about this one is it has 3" x 4" non adherent dressing as apposed to 2" x 3", EMT Shears and 1" tape as 1" tape is easier to work with than ½ tape.

I have no affiliation. I have bought a number of their products over the years.

Jeanette Isabelle
_________________________
I'm not sure whose twisted idea it was to put hundreds of adolescents in underfunded schools run by people whose dreams were crushed years ago, but I admire the sadism. -- Wednesday Adams, Wednesday

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#248876 - 07/22/12 03:50 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
LesSnyder Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 07/11/10
Posts: 1680
Loc: New Port Richey, Fla
you might look at Chinook Medical (no affiliation)... that's where I got my trauma supplies for my range kit

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#249594 - 08/08/12 06:54 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
TeacherRO Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 03/11/05
Posts: 2574
Most commercial kits are good, but take into consideration your situation, training, location and group size.

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#250378 - 08/28/12 09:27 PM Re: how do I choose the right first aid kit? [Re: picard120]
TeacherRO Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 03/11/05
Posts: 2574
...And don't forget to store it in a water-proof way..even a ziplock is good

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