View the Topic Here
scout wrote:I thought I'd toss up some photos of my recently completed, new group first aid kit. I was a Combat Lifesaver in the Army and a majority of this kit is from my old CLS bag. I've taken a number of civilian first aid courses over the years, CLS in the Army and even taught basic/buddy first aid to other soldiers as well. I somehow always end up in the role of 'doc' on group camping trips but I don't really complain cause it's kinda fun, if the money wasn't so good being a [computer] Sys Admin I'd probably be an EMT or Paramedic...
Onward to PHOTOS!
First thing you might notice is "holy crap, a pelican box? really?! talk about overkill!", well the reason for this is I do a lot of trips in the BWCAW (Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness). Two major concerns here, the first being waterproofing. Not only are lakes full of water but portages are often pretty muddy and/or have standing water also. Up until now I've carried my CLS bag inside a 20L dry bag and while this kept things dry it made it a PITA to take out and get into the kit when I needed it quickly. Not only that but when you have all you gear in dry bags its kinda hard to easily identify which one contains your FAK or for others to easily identify it. I wanted something that easily screamed "yes, this is the FAK!!!". Second it ruggedness, CLS bags are kinda squishy... Many times while portaging someone will think they're being nice and grab your gear for you and carry it to the next lake, often which they're not all too careful so you're gear gets a little roughed up. I've had instant ice packs accidentally activated, cream and ointments explode, etc... it happens, so I needed something that could handle more abuse.
I wanted to build an end-all-be all rugged (see: overkill) first aid kit, here is my attempt;
The case itself is a Pelican 1200, Exterior dimension: 10.62" x 9.68" x 4.87", Interior dimensions: 9.25" x 7.12" x 4.12". I also picked up some really cool organizing inserts from abfirstaidstore.com to keep everything all nice and pretty.
Application of this kit is definitely geared towards things you'd run into in the outdoors while camping, hiking, canoeing, etc. The kit is designed to support 6-8 guys for a period of 7 days, however it'll definitely still be in the trunk when car camping with the family, etc. The kit has an obvious bias to paddling trips where the whole kit can easily be strapped under a canoe seat, etc. For hiking trips I usually only go with 1-2 other guys in which I would carry a much smaller, lighter and more compact FAK. I have yet to weigh the whole kit but I'd probably guess it comes in around 10lbs?
Comments? Question? Concerns? I'd love to hear 'em...
So here are the contents of my kit;
Quantity Description
3 Latex Gloves (pair)
2 Latex Penrose Tubing
1 EMT Shears
1 Tweezers
1 Tick Nipper Tick Remover
6 Hand Sanitizer Wipes
12 Iodine Prep Wipes
Quantity Description
2 Oral Re-hydration Salts
12 Sting Wipes
10 Hydrocortizone
1 Chapstick (Medicated)
5 Water-Jel Burn Jel
12 Eye Drops/Solution
10 Triple Antibiotic Ointment
* Poison Ivy spray has since been removed since I have the sting wipes and the Hydrocortizone and Bacitracin were replaced with 'single-serving' foil packets.
Quantity Description
10 Antihistamine (Benadryl)
12 Pepto Bismol
12 Tums
12 Immodium
6 Aspirin (Bayer)
5 Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
5 Ibuprofen (Advil)
Quantity Description
1 SAM Splint (36")
2 Coban Self-Adhesive Wrap
1 Triangle/Compress Bandage
Quantity Description
1 1" Medical Tape (roll) -
1 Quikclot Sport Silver 25g
3 Gause Dressing 3" x 3"
26 Band-Aids M
4 Band-Aids S
2 Band-Aids (Knee) L
5 Band-Aids (Knuckle) S
12 Wound Closure Strips -
2 Moleskin
* have since removed 1 roll of medical tape.
