First Aid Kit - Kits

edsr · 08-12-2003, 03:26 PM

Hello Sea Jypzee

Could you help all us poor Tunaholics out with some safety equipment info?

What should we pack into a first aid kit to cover the majority of disasters that might occur?

All I have currently is a few band-aids, gauze pads, ointment and what amounts to a few rolls of medical duct tape.

Your suggestions would be appreciated.

edsr

Mello-Yello · 08-12-2003, 06:36 PM

Duct tape! Best dadgummed bandage material I've ever used and stays on better than a hickie!
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bait boy · 08-12-2003, 06:40 PM

superglue.... got a cut that won't quit? glue that bad boy shut...

PBR Streetgang · 08-12-2003, 06:58 PM

I always make up my own.

I bought one of those orange watertight containers at Bi Mart and packed it full.

Lots of 4x4 gauze sponges/dressings
Scissors
Tape
Bactine or similar antiseptic wash
Triple antibiotic ointment
Iodine
Bandaids
Latex Gloves
4" Gauze rollers, I like the stretchy ones
CPR Mask
Sanitary Napkins (If you don't want to buy larger dressings)
Space blanket
Needle nose pliers (since you're on a boat)
Dramamine
Antacid
Tylenol/aspirin
SAM Splint (A foam covered slpint)

This is a start. I always keep my eyes open at surplus stores and such for cheap first aid gear. I have a bazillion of the military trau medic dressings and I put them everywhere. REI has a good selection of gear and has the SAM Splints.

I'll add to it if I think of more.

Tim

Sea Jypzee · 08-12-2003, 08:24 PM

Edsr - Looks like a few people have already responded here....but I'll comment on a few things and maybe add a couple others as well.

It looks like Tim has a very good list going. I think one of the most important things is to have a water tight container to put it in. Especially on a boat, as everything gets wet or at least damp from time to time. Keeping the moisture out is really important for a reliable first aid kit for when you really need it.

As for Scissors - My choice would be to go to Albertsons and buy a pair of what we call Trauma Scissors. They're in the sewing section of any Albertsons and are about $5.99 or so as I recall. They're the big scissors with a serrated edge and blunt tip on them. They'll cut through just about everything, and are very solid. I've used them for years at work, and have cut just about anything you could imagine with them. :grin:
Nice to have when you need'em.

I couldn't agree more on the CPR mask. Everyone should have one actually. After all, you do all know CPR don't you? If not, please consider taking a class and learning it. You just never know when you might need it.

Along with Tim's list, I think I'd also add some good solid wire cutters. When you get a hook logged in your hand, it's nice to be able to just cut the eye off and thread it through and out. Barbless hooks are nice in that you don't usually have to do that, but for those who fish for other than salmon on the ocean, it's nice to have those wire cutters when needed.

I'd also like to add maybe a couple of Ace Bandages. In the 2" and 3" size are good for just about anything you might need, and work great for applying those SAM splints. SAM splints are also great to have aboard. The guy who developed it lives here on the coast, and we use them in the hospital from time to time. If you can get it, I'd recommend it.

Bait Boy's suggestion of Super Glue is also good, although it would sting quite a bit. It's not exactly the same as the Dermabond we use in the ER, but is close. In a crisis it might be ok to use.

Snapset · 08-12-2003, 09:21 PM

Nancy, would an asthma inhaler be a worthwhile investment?

Sea Jypzee · 08-13-2003, 05:46 AM

Certainly anyone with asthma should carry their own meds that they might need. Most are available only by prescription, and fairly specific to the individual.

It would be pretty rare that someone would have a 'first time' asthma attack while out fishing.

My personal feeling is that it would not be needed in a first aid kit. In reality you want to carry as few 'medication' type things as you can, or make some systemic way of checking and monitoring expiration dates on them if you do carry things like that.

Bait O' Eggs · 08-13-2003, 06:27 AM

I recently had to restock my first aid kits with fresh meds as the old ones were expired. One in the boat, one in the truck, one in the car, one in the house. I usually keep a couple packages of cold type medicine in each of the kits that covers most cold/flu type symptoms. One for adults and one for the kids. Anyhoo I am at Rite Aid with a shopping cart and have some replacement bandages, neosporine etc.... and I probably had about 8 packages of cold medicine which would put a couple packages in each first aid kit, with 1/2 of them being the kids type.

When I get to the check out stand, I am flat out accused of running a meth lab :shocked: :shocked: I found out while in line with plenty of people behind me, :blush: you are limited to purchasing only 2 packages of cold medicine so you dont stock up and start cooking drugs in your basement. There is no convincing them I am stocking 4 first aid kits.

It was perfectly legal to make 4 trips in and out of the store to get my 8 packages of cold meds.

DriftR · 08-13-2003, 08:52 AM

I always carry alcohol swabs that come pre-packaged so that you can wipe down a wound. Carry bottled drinking water and don't forget to add some sunscreen. An old pair of sunglasses (non-perscription) in a sturdy case helps also in case you drop your pair overboard or someone on board forgets theirs. A list of emergency contact phone numbers, VHF channels, CB channels etc..for the area your in. All these items take a little more space but well worth it in case of that emergency.

EVERREADY · 08-13-2003, 09:23 AM

I almost always carry epi for allergic reactions. Some people are allergic to stuff they don't know about. Although it can be hard to get.

PBR Streetgang · 08-13-2003, 10:32 AM

I just remembered another handy item. Those instant cold packs and for your person who goes overboard, some of the instant hot packs.

Tim

Old Coot · 08-13-2003, 11:22 PM

If you can't lay hands on an epipen, a good second choice might be Benedryl capsules or the Claritin Redi-tabs. The latter come out of the wrapper solid but melt on your tongue within a second or two - fast into the bloodstream.

edsr · 08-13-2003, 11:43 PM

Thanks for all of the useful information -- Just thought of something that no one has mentioned.

Eye wash cup and eye wash. Got some gasoline in my eye a few months back, not much mind you, a small splash, it hurt like hell, and burned the skin around the eye. Had to flush that eye for a long time.

I'm making notes.

edsr