First Aid

Joined
Dec 19, 2025
Messages
6
What sort of first aid kit does everyone carry in the back country? The more medical classes I take, the bigger my kit gets. I have a buddy that is a Dr with WEMT training brings only tape-everything else he figures he can improvise in the field.
 
Mine is pretty minimal. If I can’t fit it in my pocket, it’s too much. I have a pocket size kit that has a tourniquet and gauze. A few assorted bandaids. Not much else is needed.

I quit trying to pack for contingencies, that gets heavy.
 
In my mind, it depends 100% on the scenario.

Hunt with old guys? Bring Aspirin for chest pain.
Hunt with someone with a bee allergy? Bring epi pen.
Are guns or broadheads involved? Then a TQ is needed. That goes for off season practice too.

Skills trump equipment 100% of the time (may or may not apply to you).
Do you know how to use a chest seal or SAM splint? If not, why bother carrying one?
And skills decay rapidly. They need to be practiced in order to stay relevant.

Finally:
The one thing that always comes with me 100% of the time is an Inreach plb.
 
I’m was a paramedic for years and I’m big on tac-med for work. I’ve essentially cannibalized stuff I have for a backcountry kit. My setup is , single tourniquet on my pack shoulder strap or bino harness for easy access. Then I have the option of a dangle med pouch that velcros to my bino harness or a rip-away molle pouch on my pack waistband. Inside that- another TQ, trauma shears, pressure/israeli dressing, quikclot, some packing gauze, regular 4x4s, compression wrap, sam splint and an EpiPen . Then I have a small first aid kit inside my pack that has some OTC meds and bandaids. I hope this helps!
 
I’m was a paramedic for years and I’m big on tac-med for work. I’ve essentially cannibalized stuff I have for a backcountry kit. My setup is , single tourniquet on my pack shoulder strap or bino harness for easy access. Then I have the option of a dangle med pouch that velcros to my bino harness or a rip-away molle pouch on my pack waistband. Inside that- another TQ, trauma shears, pressure/israeli dressing, quikclot, some packing gauze, regular 4x4s, compression wrap, sam splint and an EpiPen . Then I have a small first aid kit inside my pack that has some OTC meds and bandaids. I hope this helps!
This!

And a marker. T Time & Date. Always.
 
lol totally forgot a marker! Thanks! I just went and added one to the pack, and when I was looking in it- I had a heavy duty penlight and a chest seal also.
Ask 100 guys how to put on, and where to put on, a TQ. 50% may do it correctly. How many keep track of time? Way too close to 0%

Saving a life is one thing. Preventing permanent nerve damage to salvageable life or limb is another. Steps. Knowledge. T Time & Date. Always. Especially in the back country where exfil is not minutes, but sometimes hours.
 
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