Question:

I really love the products you present. There are many to choose from regarding first aid. That is my problem. I am a hunter and fisherman in the state of Alabama and have never strayed from this state in for my hobbies. I know Alabama is not Africa in terms of large carnivores, but I have had some scraps with a wild hog (hawg, in Alabama), and once was pinned by several coyotes. The hog I killed bare handed, not unscathed mind you, and the coyotes I fought off with a homemade spear i fashioned out of my hunting knife and a long branch while in a pine tree. That stuff was funny then after it was over, but now that I am a father I am thinking differently.

Question:

I have a question about QuikClot – does it work and is it contraindicated for any type of injury?

Thanks,  Michael Z.

Answer:

Hi Michael-

Thanks for your question about QuikClot.  In short: yes, QuikClot is very effective at speeding the clotting process.  It has been tested in numerous clinical trials and in real world situations involving military, law enforcement, and emergency first response personnel.  The formula that we use does not generate heat (like the “old” QuikClot) and thus will not leave burns on the wound site.

Question:
I’m back packing through Asia for 6 weeks and would like to know what you would recommend for a first aid kit in case of an emergency.  Thanks, Dan R.

Answer:
Dan,
For 6 weeks in Asia, I highly recommend our World Travel kit plus a Suture/Syringe Medic. The World Travel kit is designed for trips like yours, with comprehensive wound-care supplies and a large suite of medications for pain, flu, and stomach maladies.

Question:

I really like your wilderness first aid book but am wondering if you are going to update it soon to include things like new CPR techniques.  Beverly F, MD

Answer:

Beverly,

Thanks for the kind words about the AMK Comprehensive Guide.  We are working on a 4th edition of the book that will be available sometime in the next year; we have also updated our Wilderness Medicine and Survival pamphlet to include the recent CPR guidelines and will be educating consumers about updated CPR techniques via our blog.

Question:
I want to build a first aid kit for our Drop Zone and would like your recommendations on contents for skydiving related incidents. I know all the basic items but would like your thoughts on splints and slings etc.While small cuts and sprained ankles etc are what we see most, we should be prepared for more serious incidents to include broken bones, puncture wounds (in the event of a tree landing)etc. If you could email me a list I would greatly appreciate it.

Question:
If expiration dates on medications such as aspirin and aleeve have passed should they be discarded or are these medications still useable.

Thanks,
David

Response:
Thanks for your question.  Most over-the-counter medications, including the ones you’re asking about, are safe to use after they expire.  The expiration date essentially means that the manufacturer of the medication will not guarantee its efficacy after the date has passed, not that the medication is unsafe once it expires.  In fact, military testing has found that common medications such as ibuprofen are still highly (if not 100%) effective ten years after the expiration date.  We do stock refill modules for our kits (you can view them at www.refillyourkit.com), although you probably won’t need to buy one until you start using up some the supplies in your kit.

Best Way to Handle Mountain Bike Road Rash

Question:
Riding a mountain bike on the desert trails, from time to time I take a spill. It’s rocky here (Phoenix, AZ) and I get bruises and scrapes. What is the best way to treat the scrapes and what it the best pain medication for the soreness from the bruises?
Thanks, Ravi

Answer:
Ravi,
I have been there and done that. Here is an excerpt from our book, A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine on abrasions:

Question:

What can be done for dislocated knees in the wilderness?
Thanks, Tom

Answer:

Tom,  Here is an excerpt from our book, A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine, on kneecap and knee dislocations and how important it is to differentiate between the two.

Question:

What are some good components for a survival kit to put in a medium hydration pack?

Thanks, Zach

Answer:

When I am going light and space is tight, I carry The Pocket Survival Pak and Heatsheets Bivvy. The Pocket Survival Pak has everything you need but a shelter, hence the addition of the Heatsheets Bivvy. I carry this setup whether I am backcountry skiing in the winter or mountain biking in the summer.

BE SAFE,

Frank Meyer, Marketing Director/Co-Founder

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Question:

I am 73 and solo sail. I have sailed from Oakland, CA to Mexico, to Hawaii, and am now heading out into the south pacific.I am not sure what medical kit to order.
Thanks, Susan M.

Dr. Jacob’s Answer:

I commend you for solo sailing at your young and vigorous age of 73- Probably the most important element in maintaining your health at sea is a good physical exam, female exam, blood work, possibly an exercise stress test, and a review with your physician of any possible medical problems that might arise during your trip. You need to review your medical history in detail.