[at-l] 1st Aid Kit

[thornel@attglobal.net (W F Thorneloe)]

Not really. The idea is to avoid _all_ contact with biological fluids. That 
includes saliva, sputum, mucous, blood, vomit, and other things commonly 
found in airways. It isn't just a matter of avoiding skin to skin contact 
during mouth to mouth resuscitation. Ideally, I would have a splash/spray 
guard over my face as well as breathing equipment. BTW, I carry an ambu-bag 
in my car's trunk, as well as a few airways.

I would not carry as big a kit as the list describes. If I came upon a 
person in respiratory arrest (for instance post lightning strike), I would 
attempt to first check vital signs, open airway, assure no obstructing 
objects in mouth and airway, quickly wipe the mouth and face with a 
bandana, and start breathing for the victim. I would like to know about the 
victim's illnesses and communicable disease factors after the resuscitation 
(successful or not), and seek treatment prophylactically at that point 
based on current CDC guidelines.

But, recognize that this is this doctor's decision process. It is not I 
would necessarily recommend to others.

OrangeBug

At 12:08 PM 1/15/2001 -0500, Mara Factor wrote:
>Do you have any ideas for improvising a mask of sorts?  Would any of the 
>materials typically carried in a backpack work or would they just give a 
>false sense of security?  Would the typical plastic in a plastic bag work 
>as a barrier - cutting a (large enough) whole to breathe through?