The first aid kit etc.

[fcch]

Wondering why I posted a picture of a first aid kit ??

This is my annual rant on first aid, so just skip over it or ask Dennis to remove it


Deerhaawk did a nice series of threads (articles) on Flytalk. He ended on a note about clothing and first aid kits. When I ran a poll here a while ago, only 75% of us replied that they had first aid kits and knew how to use 'em. Sorry, but that should be 100%.

A kit doesn't have to be too fancy, ... here's Deerhaawk's:

Mine is a bit more comprehensive:

Some of the less obvious items

• Epipen
• Speed splints
• Major hemorage pads
• Seatbelt cutter
• Tie wraps (long enough to make handcuffs)
• Felt pen marker
• Treatment log
• 1.5 liters sterile water
• Cervical collar
• AR mask
• 20 triangular bandages (takes a min. of 14 to secure a backboard, so I like extras)
• 3 pairs surgical gloves

Why be prepared ??? Well, for me it was a personal experience that woke me up. Ran across a car accident on the open highway when I was 18, didn't know what to do and they both died then and there. Found out 2 days later that they were the parents of a class mate.

I got caught short, ... NEVER again,... Also, as a part time Guide, I feel I have the obligation to be ready.

 

[DaveR]

Chris,

Re the accident when you were 18. Don't beat yourself up. If they were that bad, you probably wouldn't have been able to do anything even with the items in your kit below.

Dave

 

[fcch]

Thanx Dave,

One was in complete arrest, and we all know there's only a 3% probability to revive someone. They other simply bleed out (we were 65 miles from the ambulance station and cell phones didn't exist then) so I probably "could" have done something effective.

Since that time I figure I've more than made up for it. 20 years in the ski patrol and as many in S&R.

The greatest thing about being prepared isn't usually saving someones life in a dramatic fashion and getting filmed by some TV crew ... . Its more often when a small insignificant event, say a small cut, just gets taken care of right away and we keep on fishing. Instead of hiking back to the truck, realize there's no kit, drive back to town and ruin a whole day's trip.