[at-l] First Aid Kit

[bmcgarrahan@sc.rr.com (Brian McGarrahan)]

You have a fairly well stocked kit. First of all, do not worry too much
about sterile dressing.  Everyone always says you must, but trust me, the
moment you open the pack the sterility is gone. Aspirin is what you need to
carry if a cardiac problem worries you.   Bayer is a good dose for aspirin
treatment only.  Obviously you want to seek medical help ASAP.  Do not take
aspirin if you are bleeding, as this will only add to the problem.  As far
as burns...you need water, preferably sterile, and dressing.  A small burn
needs to be cooled, and covered.  Any large surface burn needs to be
covered, but not cooled as this will lead to hypothermia.  For bone
injuries, there isn't much more to do than stabilize.  If you have pain
killer, use it sparingly.  Also, no aspirin for this.  Check your pulses
distal to any bone injury to insure that your circulation is good.  Never
tie a tourniquet unless you cannot control any bleeding with direct pressure
and elevation.
--------------------------------------
Brian McGarrahan
bmcgarrahan@sc.rr.com
AIM: Btfire
ICQ: 33898218
--------------------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: <greyowl@rcn.com>
To: <at-l@backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, 10 June, 2002 8:59
Subject: [at-l] First Aid Kit


> I carry a very basic first aid kit.  It contains two different sized ace
bandages (1" and 2"), some mole skin (If the person has a blister), duct
tape (wrapped around my water bottle, to be used on hot spots before
blisters are formed), several 1 inch bandages, 1 butterfly bandage, benadryl
spray (for skin alergies), antibiotic cream, same sterile gauze, a roll of
tape and a roll of lifesavers (sometimes all a person needs is a little
extra sugar).  Most people on AMC hikes carry some sort of small first aid
kit along with them.  For major bleading sanitary napkins (they are sterile)
are very good, though I do have an old compression bandage.  Splints can be
made from tree limbs or hiking poles.  The three things that I really worry
about are heart attack (one usually has only an hour to get the individual
to the hospital) major burns, and compound fratures.  On the trail one may
be days from rescue and a hospital.  This is even true on the AT.
>
> Grey Owl
>
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