First Aid

[jbucktruman]

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.

 

[justinspicher]

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.

 

[43.6N]

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.

 

[Lonestarronin]

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!

 

[Flat Range]

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.

 

[Lonestarronin]

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.

 

[Flat Range]

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.

 

[Davyalabama]

I read years ago in some magazine---field and stream/Outdoor Life -- back when they had real writers and not this junk from today ---- create your own first aid kit cheaper --- found this out later in life away from this country, forget a marketing first aid kit - or an issued one -- make your own, put them where they can be accessed quickly.

Not in any particular order
Quick Clot Z--small scissors (don't overlook these when hands are numb from cold, falling in water, etc, easier to use than a knife)--duct tape, benadryl, space blanket, regular gauze and bandages (Israeli compression), and butterflys --CAT tourniquet and use timer on watch/phone--nitrile gloves (hands get dirty, can't wash them, you may need these), moleskin, I have antiseptic wipes and a small bottle of alcohol, anitbiotics, chest seal, marker, c card.

As others have stated, the stuff that is most life saving, goes in outer pockets for easy access, everything doesn't have to be in one bag, just know where it is ---