My kits are modular and custom. I have a take every trip no matter what (mountain running, skiing, paddling etc). For a lighter multi day trip I have a larger group kit. These two kits cover all the same things just in deeper ways (trauma, wound care, resuscitation etc). Then for longer large group trips I add 3 or 4 more modules onto that. Those modules are grouped. Wound wash kit. Deadly bleed and airway kit. Splinting kit. Assessment kit (BP cuff, stethoscope, pulse oxometer). Drug kit. All the kits save the smallest fit into a doubled 30l drybag.
I used to use this same kit for paddling, but after opening the components for a couple of uses it was no longer watertight. It also setlled at the bottom of my bag and it got pretty beat up down there. Now I cram 6 4x4 dressings, 3 wraps of kling, a tick removal tool (because Pennsylvania) a very narrow roll of med tape, a pair of gloves, some small bandaids and a glowstick into a qt Nalgene with 4 yards of duct tape around it. I sacrificed organization, but everything stays dry and its protected from getting crushed.
I use skin tac wipes instead of vials of Benzoin, like you said it helps keep bandages sticking to you longer it is invaluable in the filed because you are always getting sweaty or wet so the extra bond for bandages is so important because you don't want to have to keep replacing the bandage just do not get it in the wound itself.
I have this kit. With additional things added. I also keep In a dry bag. Adventure Medical was all 50% off at Dicks last night and almost binged another of their kits).
I came here to comment the same thing @seanfraser7738! A swab of Tincture of Benzoin on either side of a wound and then slap the steristrips or wound closure strips on will stick way better. Also useful if you are using moleskin or KT tape for blisters to assist with those sticking to the skin around the blister or hot spot.
For ski touring I have a small seperate custom blister kit. Tincture of benzoine is fantastic for gluing up tape for prolonged blister treatment. I'd tend to leave out for paddling.
I had to dig my kit out to see what I added. I keep this kit as a component of a larger kit that includes some other gear and larger first aid items like splints. I didn't take anything out of the small kit (because I'd probably forget I'd done so and be bothered by its absence later). I also added a tiny cpr mask, and a larger one in the big kit. I also added a package of bleedstop and compress gauze. I had a chest seal that I decided to take out after this inspection. I had bought a couple of these for a hunting first aid kit and just threw the extra in here. It takes up little space, so it may come and go. I like the idea of extra ibuprofen. But i feel if i know I'm going to be needing ibuprofen, I'll pack more someplace with easier accessibility. Finally, i wouldn't trust this kit to be waterproof at all. The plastic on the zip bags inside seems brittle and prone to holes where it kinks. And the zips definitely kink if bent to fit in the yellow sack and won't seal after a while. It needs to go in a proper dry bag.
They are good blood soakers regardless of where on the body they are being used so can work well for big bleeds too. Also you can totally be a hero when someone gets surprised. And you can hardly do better than a tampon up the nose for a nosebleed.
My kits are modular and custom. I have a take every trip no matter what (mountain running, skiing, paddling etc). For a lighter multi day trip I have a larger group kit. These two kits cover all the same things just in deeper ways (trauma, wound care, resuscitation etc). Then for longer large group trips I add 3 or 4 more modules onto that. Those modules are grouped. Wound wash kit. Deadly bleed and airway kit. Splinting kit. Assessment kit (BP cuff, stethoscope, pulse oxometer). Drug kit. All the kits save the smallest fit into a doubled 30l drybag.
I used to use this same kit for paddling, but after opening the components for a couple of uses it was no longer watertight. It also setlled at the bottom of my bag and it got pretty beat up down there. Now I cram 6 4x4 dressings, 3 wraps of kling, a tick removal tool (because Pennsylvania) a very narrow roll of med tape, a pair of gloves, some small bandaids and a glowstick into a qt Nalgene with 4 yards of duct tape around it. I sacrificed organization, but everything stays dry and its protected from getting crushed.
I use skin tac wipes instead of vials of Benzoin, like you said it helps keep bandages sticking to you longer it is invaluable in the filed because you are always getting sweaty or wet so the extra bond for bandages is so important because you don't want to have to keep replacing the bandage just do not get it in the wound itself.
I have this kit. With additional things added. I also keep In a dry bag. Adventure Medical was all 50% off at Dicks last night and almost binged another of their kits).
Benzoin is very good to make the steri strips stick. Think tear aid for skin! You want it!
Ok. I'll put it back in.
I came here to comment the same thing @seanfraser7738! A swab of Tincture of Benzoin on either side of a wound and then slap the steristrips or wound closure strips on will stick way better.
Also useful if you are using moleskin or KT tape for blisters to assist with those sticking to the skin around the blister or hot spot.
Thanks for the comment
For ski touring I have a small seperate custom blister kit. Tincture of benzoine is fantastic for gluing up tape for prolonged blister treatment. I'd tend to leave out for paddling.
I had to dig my kit out to see what I added. I keep this kit as a component of a larger kit that includes some other gear and larger first aid items like splints. I didn't take anything out of the small kit (because I'd probably forget I'd done so and be bothered by its absence later). I also added a tiny cpr mask, and a larger one in the big kit. I also added a package of bleedstop and compress gauze. I had a chest seal that I decided to take out after this inspection. I had bought a couple of these for a hunting first aid kit and just threw the extra in here. It takes up little space, so it may come and go.
I like the idea of extra ibuprofen. But i feel if i know I'm going to be needing ibuprofen, I'll pack more someplace with easier accessibility.
Finally, i wouldn't trust this kit to be waterproof at all. The plastic on the zip bags inside seems brittle and prone to holes where it kinks. And the zips definitely kink if bent to fit in the yellow sack and won't seal after a while. It needs to go in a proper dry bag.
Water activated cast wrap is something I am considering adding to my first aid kit . For splinting
+1 on tegaderm. Add acetaminophen along with the ibu for tandem max dose for non prescription pain management approaching opioids.
SAM splint-because fractures and sprains are fairly commom
Nice to have but probably won’t fit in that minimalist kit
Add some feminine hygiene supplies. Also antacids.
Why the feminine hygiene products in a minimal first aid kit?
@@GearGarageTV we keep one. It can come in handy. I suppose it could be considered excessive if you are really trying to keep it minimal.
They are good blood soakers regardless of where on the body they are being used so can work well for big bleeds too. Also you can totally be a hero when someone gets surprised.
And you can hardly do better than a tampon up the nose for a nosebleed.
Yep I have some in my bigger first aid kit but since volume is an issue with this kit I probably won't add it