Excellent article on the DIY FAK, especially emphasizing all the items you are carrying which can be used in an emergency setting. Many backpacks use long aluminum strips as part of their frame. These are the cornerstone for an excellent splint. A foam pad can be sliced up to make a very fine cervical collar (I have done that for real). The examples go on and on....

The more remote and minimalist you go, the more meds you need to pack and the less bandaids.

Splints are easier to fabricate than ibuprofen or epi.

Pain relief?? - Just chew on willow bark!

ILBob,it is not the entry wound that a tampon is for.It is the exit wound of which can be sizably larger.Hand gun wounds do not generally have an exit.It is rifle wounds that do.I am saying this in a hunting/accidental discharge idea.Tampons can also be used to improvise a crude water filter.I know it does not get out all the nasties but it can remove a lot of sediment before boiling or chemical treatment.Water filters can and have broken on people.Maxipads are an easily available and cheap option for a compress bandage.In the Navy and SEABEES we would call battle field dressings maxipads.Triple antibiotic ointment works for me.The last thing I want is to die from a staff infection from a splinter when an antiseptic or antibiotic can take care of it.JMHO,YMMV,etc.....

BOATMAN
John

True. I find that most kits have far fewer meds than I carry.

Not really. Two Ibuprofen work better for me than a 5mg/325mg Oxycodone/Apap.

Vicoden has no effect on me whatsoever. Ipubrofen works much better for me.

I'm with Izzy on the Tylenol for fever.. I reserve its use strictly for fever....ibuprofen for pain and muscle relaxant...my key fob has aspirin, immodium, and ibuprofen

I agree it is tough to make drugs in the field. I can make a bandage, but aspirin is a lot harder. I have a couple small drug packages I made up.

http://ilbob.blogspot.com/2011/02/otc-meds-in-my-fak.html

Meds fall under my " so small yet so useful" edc tools/preps...