Seriously? You carry what? Why?

[admin]

jag-engr said:
even in an office setting, I find a box of bandages and maybe a tube of Neosporin to be indespensible.
I agree, at my office we have a pretty large FAK (st johns ambulance brand), and the only stuff in it that gets used is the bandainds…. seriously? who do we let computer programmers use box cutters :S

[admin]

I must say I’m glad I posted this. I see that alot of people it seem are at least rethinking what they carry. I agree that the typical first aid stuff (i.e. ACE wraps, bandaids, OTC meds ect.) are important and should be carried. I think that being a Paramedic puts me at somewhat of an advantage when it comes to patient care experience.

I think another way to make yourself more prepared is learn to use what’s around you and how to adapt yourself to the situation. Such as using a magazine as a splint. Using a water bottle as a cold pack. Another thing I find invaluble is a pair of fingernail clippers. (I’m prone to in-grown toenails… OUCH!) I’m glad that people are opening up for discussion on this subject matter.

Any questions from anyone? Suggestions?

[admin]

IMHO the most important FAK is in your head! Training and knowing what (not) to do will probably save more lives than the most advanced kit.

[admin]

IMHO the most important FAK is in your head! Training and knowing what (not) to do will probably save more lives than the most advanced kit.

[admin]

Txparamedic said:
I must say I’m glad I posted this. I see that alot of people it seem are at least rethinking what they carry. I agree that the typical first aid stuff (i.e. ACE wraps, bandaids, OTC meds ect.) are important and should be carried. I think that being a Paramedic puts me at somewhat of an advantage when it comes to patient care experience.

I think another way to make yourself more prepared is learn to use what’s around you and how to adapt yourself to the situation. Such as using a magazine as a splint. Using a water bottle as a cold pack. Another thing I find invaluble is a pair of fingernail clippers. (I’m prone to in-grown toenails… OUCH!) I’m glad that people are opening up for discussion on this subject matter.

Any questions from anyone? Suggestions?
I (personally) would love to see your recommendation for a FAK. I know you have mentioned all the essential items throughout your post, and everyone here has given there 2 cents, however I think it would be of great benefit to get a definitive list for a non-professional FAK, from a professional. Perhaps if we all work on it together and make it the uber FAK that only contains practical items, we can get this as a sticky.

[admin]

TRouble with creating a list is that stuations aren’t all the same.

[admin]

Andy_L said:
TRouble with creating a list is that stuations aren’t all the same.
But for your standard first aid kit, they pretty much are all the same. There are exceptions to every rule, the standard FAK that 9/10 people carry in there car/desk/backpack for there 9-5 office job and suberbian lifestyle is not the same as your SAR member FAK, or your FAK for doing long distance biking or hiking. But what were getting at here is that most people carry too much extra gear for there average lifestyles, and don’t need the extra gear.

[admin]

You never know when you’re going to find trouble…..

Late last night (I got off-shift at midnight) I decided to take our siberian for a run (the GSD is too old to run much, any more, and the sibes LOVE to run). Since I knew it was going to be energetic, I thought about not taking the versipack I recently set up just for these dog-walking trips, but I decided I ought too.

So, about three miles from home we came across some kids playing in the woods (drinking, fire, etc). One of them was in extreme distress from anaphylaxis (she was allergic to something). The kids had at first not believed she was having a problem, then didn’t know what to do about it but sent off the only vehicle to ‘get help’. The girl was in bad shape, with severe difficulty breathing.

So, I got there and decided that what she needed was a shot of epinephrine…the drug of choice in these situations. Since my wife and I are both allergic to bee stings, and the wife to most nuts, we usually have an Epi-pen nearby, and I had one in my bag. Informed consent, jab in the thigh, call to 9-1-1 with the GPS coordinates and a suggestion for ground ambulance access. In the mean time I started scouting out a suitable helicopter LZ if needed…none nearby.

My patient required another injection of epi (good thing I had a Twin-ject, not a conventional Epi-pen), and by the time law enforcement and the ambulance (crewed by people I taught to be medics, which frankly I thought was pretty damned cool) arrived she was doing better, we put her on oxygen, and transported her.

Got to love the country: The sibe got to ride up front with the driver…in the city, I’d have had a problem since I couldn’t abandon my patient (to a lower standard of care – that offered by paramedics), and they wouldn’t transport the dog. Angel got to play with the red lights and siren, and I got to wipe the dog snot off the inside of the windows.

Anyway, the sheriff gave us a ride back home from the hospital, the patient was discharged home with a script for a couple of twin-jects and some training in how, and when, to use them, and everyone lived happily ever after. The sheriff did have a word with the kids, and suggested (in part) that sending off the only vehicle without the injured person was a bad idea, as was not knowing where they were, exactly.

Now, not everyone can carry or administer life-saving drugs. Stuff like this doesn’t happen every day, either (this is the second or third time in my life I’ve had to take immediate lifesaving action on someone on the street, but I’m old and have had lots of time to collect bad things). But when you need this stuff, you need it RIGHT NOW, and someone may die if you don’t have it. Unfortunately what I did would be illegal for anyone not a physician (or operating under physician control, like a medic on duty) to do so don’t plan on doing it at home yourself, unless it’s to yourself.

But, this is why I carry this stuff. Now to get another twin-ject…don’t get me started on the costs for them or an epi-pen vs. a vial of epinephrine and a syringe (maybe $1.50 total) vs. $100+ for the twin-ject. Good thing my wife is a pharmacist 🙂

[admin]

You never know when you’re going to find trouble…..

Late last night (I got off-shift at midnight) I decided to take our siberian for a run (the GSD is too old to run much, any more, and the sibes LOVE to run). Since I knew it was going to be energetic, I thought about not taking the versipack I recently set up just for these dog-walking trips, but I decided I ought too.

So, about three miles from home we came across some kids playing in the woods (drinking, fire, etc). One of them was in extreme distress from anaphylaxis (she was allergic to something). The kids had at first not believed she was having a problem, then didn’t know what to do about it but sent off the only vehicle to ‘get help’. The girl was in bad shape, with severe difficulty breathing.

So, I got there and decided that what she needed was a shot of epinephrine…the drug of choice in these situations. Since my wife and I are both allergic to bee stings, and the wife to most nuts, we usually have an Epi-pen nearby, and I had one in my bag. Informed consent, jab in the thigh, call to 9-1-1 with the GPS coordinates and a suggestion for ground ambulance access. In the mean time I started scouting out a suitable helicopter LZ if needed…none nearby.

My patient required another injection of epi (good thing I had a Twin-ject, not a conventional Epi-pen), and by the time law enforcement and the ambulance (crewed by people I taught to be medics, which frankly I thought was pretty damned cool) arrived she was doing better, we put her on oxygen, and transported her.

Got to love the country: The sibe got to ride up front with the driver…in the city, I’d have had a problem since I couldn’t abandon my patient (to a lower standard of care – that offered by paramedics), and they wouldn’t transport the dog. Angel got to play with the red lights and siren, and I got to wipe the dog snot off the inside of the windows.

Anyway, the sheriff gave us a ride back home from the hospital, the patient was discharged home with a script for a couple of twin-jects and some training in how, and when, to use them, and everyone lived happily ever after. The sheriff did have a word with the kids, and suggested (in part) that sending off the only vehicle without the injured person was a bad idea, as was not knowing where they were, exactly.

Now, not everyone can carry or administer life-saving drugs. Stuff like this doesn’t happen every day, either (this is the second or third time in my life I’ve had to take immediate lifesaving action on someone on the street, but I’m old and have had lots of time to collect bad things). But when you need this stuff, you need it RIGHT NOW, and someone may die if you don’t have it. Unfortunately what I did would be illegal for anyone not a physician (or operating under physician control, like a medic on duty) to do so don’t plan on doing it at home yourself, unless it’s to yourself.

But, this is why I carry this stuff. Now to get another twin-ject…don’t get me started on the costs for them or an epi-pen vs. a vial of epinephrine and a syringe (maybe $1.50 total) vs. $100+ for the twin-ject. Good thing my wife is a pharmacist 🙂

[admin]

You never know when you’re going to find trouble…..

Late last night (I got off-shift at midnight) I decided to take our siberian for a run (the GSD is too old to run much, any more, and the sibes LOVE to run). Since I knew it was going to be energetic, I thought about not taking the versipack I recently set up just for these dog-walking trips, but I decided I ought too.

So, about three miles from home we came across some kids playing in the woods (drinking, fire, etc). One of them was in extreme distress from anaphylaxis (she was allergic to something). The kids had at first not believed she was having a problem, then didn’t know what to do about it but sent off the only vehicle to ‘get help’. The girl was in bad shape, with severe difficulty breathing.

So, I got there and decided that what she needed was a shot of epinephrine…the drug of choice in these situations. Since my wife and I are both allergic to bee stings, and the wife to most nuts, we usually have an Epi-pen nearby, and I had one in my bag. Informed consent, jab in the thigh, call to 9-1-1 with the GPS coordinates and a suggestion for ground ambulance access. In the mean time I started scouting out a suitable helicopter LZ if needed…none nearby.

My patient required another injection of epi (good thing I had a Twin-ject, not a conventional Epi-pen), and by the time law enforcement and the ambulance (crewed by people I taught to be medics, which frankly I thought was pretty damned cool) arrived she was doing better, we put her on oxygen, and transported her.

Got to love the country: The sibe got to ride up front with the driver…in the city, I’d have had a problem since I couldn’t abandon my patient (to a lower standard of care – that offered by paramedics), and they wouldn’t transport the dog. Angel got to play with the red lights and siren, and I got to wipe the dog snot off the inside of the windows.

Anyway, the sheriff gave us a ride back home from the hospital, the patient was discharged home with a script for a couple of twin-jects and some training in how, and when, to use them, and everyone lived happily ever after. The sheriff did have a word with the kids, and suggested (in part) that sending off the only vehicle without the injured person was a bad idea, as was not knowing where they were, exactly.

Now, not everyone can carry or administer life-saving drugs. Stuff like this doesn’t happen every day, either (this is the second or third time in my life I’ve had to take immediate lifesaving action on someone on the street, but I’m old and have had lots of time to collect bad things). But when you need this stuff, you need it RIGHT NOW, and someone may die if you don’t have it. Unfortunately what I did would be illegal for anyone not a physician (or operating under physician control, like a medic on duty) to do so don’t plan on doing it at home yourself, unless it’s to yourself.

But, this is why I carry this stuff. Now to get another twin-ject…don’t get me started on the costs for them or an epi-pen vs. a vial of epinephrine and a syringe (maybe $1.50 total) vs. $100+ for the twin-ject. Good thing my wife is a pharmacist 🙂

[admin]

Somebody correct me if I am wrong here, but without being properly trained, administering medication to someone could get you in serious crap. I know my first aid training has not told me to carry a epipen to drive into anyone that I think is having a allergic reaction, and I know I am not trained enough to be able to make this judgment. You obviously have the skills, gear, and such to be able to jump into this and do what is right, however I, or somebody else with basic training may not, and could wind up legally in a lot of trouble if our actions caused more trouble than good. The point of this thread is to carry what you know how to use, so for us all to start carrying epipens is a bit out of scope. Don’t get me wrong, that is a amazing story, and everyone I’m sure is very happy you were there. But my point is we don’t need/want everyone here running out and adding epipens to there kit, the same we don’t want everyone here running around with suture kits.

[admin]

PLEASE NOTE I’M UK AND THIS MAY BE DIFFERENT TO THE US

I’ve been specificaly trained to jab the epipen in (all of two hours) mostly to cover your bum should you need to use them. I was told by the doctor doing the training that first aiders (which I take to mean people who have done the first aid at work course) would be expected to look for and use an epipen on someone if they thought there was a need. The point is always stressed that you only give one to the person if it’s their own. If the person may need one then they should be carrying them. IIRC they cost about £40 a pop so not something your bog standard first aider should be carrying round just in case they come across someone.

In the UK the only drug that first aiders are expected to know about is asprin for heart attacks (300mg), St John does allow it’s members to give paracetamol under very tight guidlines. A lot of people I know choose to not give any out

[admin]

Andy_L said:
PLEASE NOTE I’M UK AND THIS MAY BE DIFFERENT TO THE US

I’ve been specificaly trained to jab the epipen in (all of two hours) mostly to cover your bum should you need to use them. I was told by the doctor doing the training that first aiders (which I take to mean people who have done the first aid at work course) would be expected to look for and use an epipen on someone if they thought there was a need. The point is always stressed that you only give one to the person if it’s their own. If the person may need one then they should be carrying them. IIRC they cost about £40 a pop so not something your bog standard first aider should be carrying round just in case they come across someone.

In the UK the only drug that first aiders are expected to know about is asprin for heart attacks (300mg), St John does allow it’s members to give paracetamol under very tight guidlines. A lot of people I know choose to not give any out
Click to expand…
I believe here in Canada that is the way as well. I need to recertify my firstaid as its starting get soft in my head, but I do recall being told that we can administer a eipen if it is on the body of the person requiring first aid. This still carrys true to my point that we cannot go around stabbing people with epipens in the name of first aid lol.

[admin]

Andy_L said:
TRouble with creating a list is that stuations aren’t all the same.
True. I can’t see myself carrying epinephrine, paracetamol, the rest of a well-stocked pharmacy, GPS, handgun, shuriken, nunchucks, 4 liters of water, a guide dog, Israeli trauma bandages, a satellite phone, Level-4 fleece, gas-masks, compound bow, parachute, all-day, everyday, “just in case”. I mean, come on; there’s got to be a limit depending on the situation?

If you’re in the woods, I’d hope you brought communications gear– that’s the first set of things you should have. You better have brought a light-duty radio, cell phone, signaling mirror, knife, and some water/purification. Get help; figure out a way you can survive if not. Get help, first.

If I’m in the city, all I need is a wallet.

[admin]

ObiHann said:
Somebody correct me if I am wrong here, but without being properly trained, administering medication to someone could get you in serious crap. I know my first aid training has not told me to carry a epipen to drive into anyone that I think is having a allergic reaction, and I know I am not trained enough to be able to make this judgment. You obviously have the skills, gear, and such to be able to jump into this and do what is right, however I, or somebody else with basic training may not, and could wind up legally in a lot of trouble if our actions caused more trouble than good. The point of this thread is to carry what you know how to use, so for us all to start carrying epipens is a bit out of scope. Don’t get me wrong, that is a amazing story, and everyone I’m sure is very happy you were there. But my point is we don’t need/want everyone here running out and adding epipens to there kit, the same we don’t want everyone here running around with suture kits.
Thats all true. Fortunately, I am a licensed (in three states and two countries) physician and can jab people when I think they want and need it.

As I mentioned. I also mentioned that not everyone (including paramedics off duty) can do the same, legally.

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