Thanks –Lorenzo.

A. Lorenzo, please check out the “Venomous Snake Bites” chapter (excerpted below) from Dr. Weiss’ A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine, 3rd.

Treatment

The definitive treatment for snake venom poisoning is the administration of antivenin. The most important aspect of therapy is to get the victim to a medical facility as quickly as possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Envenomation

• One or more fang marks (rattlesnake bites may leave one, two, or even three fang marks).

• Local, burning pain immediately after the bite.

• Swelling at the site of the bite, usually beginning within five to 20 minutes and spreading slowly over a period of six to 12 hours. The faster the swelling progresses up the arm or leg, the worse the degree of envenomation.

• Bruising (black and blue discoloration) and blister formation at the bite site.

• Numbness and tingling of the lips and face, usually 10 to 60 minutes after the bite.

• Twitching of the muscles around the eyes and mouth.

• Rubbery or metallic taste in the mouth.

• After six to 12 hours, bleeding from the gums and nose may develop and denote a serious envenomation.

• Weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting and faintness may occur.

First Aid

1. Rinse the area around the bite site with water to remove any venom that might remain on the skin.
2. Clean the wound and cover with a sterile dressing.
3. Remove any rings or jewelry.
4. Immobilize the injured part as you would for a fracture, but splint it just below the level of the heart.
5. Transport the victim to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. If you pass by a telephone, stop and notify the hospital that you are bringing in a snakebite victim so they can begin to locate and procure antivenin.
6. It is not necessary to kill the snake and transport it with the victim for identification. If the snake is killed, it should not be directly handled, but should be transported in a closed container. Decapitated snake heads can still produce envenomation
7. Extractor pumps designed to provide suction over a snakebite wound are sold in many camping stores and endorsed by some as a first aid treatment for snakebites. Based on recent scientific evidence, these devices are no longer recommended. A study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine in 2004 showed that these devices remove an insignificant amount of venom, and may also be harmful to the victim. The best first aid for snakebite is a cell phone (call the hospital that you are going to so that they can procure antivenin) and a car or helicopter to get the victim there as quickly as possible.

Other First-Aid Treatments That May Be Beneficial

Immediately wrapping the entire bitten extremity with a broad elastic bandage (the “Australian Compression and Immobilization Technique”) has proven effective in the treatment of elapid and sea snake envenomations only. It is only recommended when the victim appears to have suffered a severe envenomation and is several hours from medical care.

The wrap is started over the bite site and continued upward toward the torso in an even fashion about as tight as one would wrap a sprained ankle (Fig. 60). Monitor the color, pulse and temperature of the hand or foot to make sure that there is adequate circulation. If circulation appears compromised, loosen the wrap. Otherwise the bandage should not be released until after the victim has been brought to a medical facility. The limb should then be immobilized with a well-padded splint.

Things Not To Do

1. Do not make any incisions in the skin or apply suction with your mouth.
2. Do not apply ice or a tourniquet.
3. Do not shock the victim with a stun gun or electrical current.

I get a headache when I hunt elk from a camp at 11,000 feet, despite
living at 5,700 feet and cross-country skiing at 10,800 feet with no
symptoms. Is there a threshold when it comes to altitude illness?

Thanks in advance, Marilyn.

Hello Marilyn,

There is a threshold, but unfortunately it is different for everyone. While one person may experience a high altitude headache (the cardinal symptom of acute mountain sickness) at 11,000 feet, others may get a headache at 8,000 or none at any elevation in the lower 48.

If you know your personal threshold, you can help minimize the effects of a high altitude headache by staying fit and hydrated. As an additional measure, take ibuprofen; the latest research shows it works equally well as prescription acetazolamide at preventing a high altitude headache.

Hope you have a safe hunting trip.

Best,

Christopher Van Tilburg, MD

Request Opinion on defibrillator aboard 57 trawler heading for Bahamas, Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, on to Mexico, San Diego. Crew includes 3 gents, late 50′s, one is diabetic Type 2, on medication. One female, healthy, 57 yrs. There is no O2 on board or defib at this time.

Thanks, Kate

Hello Kate,

 I do not recommend defibrillators for ocean cruising boats. Defibrillators are life saving if someone suffers a heart attack and collapses in ventricular fibrillation- ultimately, survival depends on immediate advanced life support and hospitalization.  Defibrillators are only the first step in critical cardiac care, and while they are great in a metropolitan area  or in a location  where EMTs are immediately  available, they are unlikely to be of any benefit when out at sea or coastal cruising in remote areas. You would require a lot of equipment, drugs, and training to take care of a heart attack patient. I think all of your crew over 50 should have a good cardiac evaluation  and physical before  this long trip, including a stress test if there are any risk factors (diabetes, family history, etc). The diabetic should review his care with his doctor and  responsible crew.
When I teach to doctors, the cardiologist support this view. Hope this is helpful. 

Have a safe trip- Michael Jacobs MD

Q: I’d like to make a vest out of the SOL Thermal Bivvy-  should the seams be sewn or will an iron work to weld seams?

A: My advice is to sew the seams, rather than trying to weld them.  If using an iron to weld seams, I would be worried about excessive heat weakening the fabric or causing the two layers of the fabric to separate.

***

Does anyone else have any good stories about using our products (or anyone else’s products, for that matter) to make their own clothing or gear?  If you ask me, some of the best ideas in the outdoor gear have their roots in DIY-specialists or the cottage industry, so we’re always interested to hear how people like to use our products.  I’ve received emails from people that have used Heatsheets blankets as solar heat reflectors inside their cars or as insulation inside coolers, so I know there are enthusiastic innovators out there taking our products beyond what we imagined when we made them.  If you have a story, please share it with us in our comments section.

-Jordan Hurder, Product Specialist

Q: How do I verify the expiration date on your oral rehydration salts?

A: The manufacturer of the oral rehydration salts we use does not include and expiration date on the package, as rehydration salts aren’t classified as a drug by the FDA.  Because this product is fairly inert (unlike a pharmaceutical), I wouldn’t have a problem stocking a packet that was a few years old in one of my own kits.  However, if you are concerned that your product is too old to be used safely, you can contact our customer service department and arrange a replacement.

Q: What are the differences between the SOL Thermal Bivvy and the Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy?

A: The Heatsheets bivvy is made of a single layer of metalized polyethylene, making it very lightweight.  It is a true emergency product in that, while being easy to repair and resistant to tearing, it won’t stand up to repeated heavy use.  Also, because the material doesn’t breathe, you will have condensation when you’re inside it, making your clothing wet.

The SOL Thermal Bivvy is made from a much more durable 2-ply non-woven fabric material with a metalized coating.  It will work as a primary sleep system in temperatures down to 50 degrees or provide about 15 degrees of extra insulation when used over a standard sleeping bag.  In emergency situations, this bivvy is much more comfortable to occupy, since you can use the Velcro side opening to regulate heat and moisture inside the bivvy.  Of course, the trade off with the Heatsheets bivvy is that the SOL Thermal Bivvy is bigger and weighs about 4.5 more ounces.

Q: Does your space blanket hold cold in and protect from the heat outside. I want to cover dry ice and boxes of bottles. If it can cool a little that would be better than nothing at all.

A: The Heatsheets blanket will help keep cold from escaping, although it is hard to quantify by how much.  The studies done on this material focus on heat reflectivity, although the same principle is used to make metalized heat shades like reflective cooler interiors or automobile sun shades.  If you do try it, I’d be interested to know how well it works.

Q: I have just ordered and received the Trauma Pak with QuickClot from LA Police Gear (excellent company).

I consider myself a fairly well prepared individual (various Red Cross First Aid, WMS Wilderness First Aid Course, CPR, AED, etc.) and intend to keep this small trauma pak kit in my shooting/range bag, along with other general first aid supplies (my heavily modified AMK Day Tripper – actually, it’s mostly just the bag any more with so many various add-on kits and items).  Fortunately, I live in Dallas and have excellent access to high quality emergency medical aid – but certainly would not want to just stand there for 5 to 7 minutes until EMTs arrive for a problem.  I intend to keep the kit sealed in the original package and watch the expiration date.  What I am writing about is the instruction sheet – was hoping that more information was on the exterior of the package or available on your web-site (if there I couldn’t find it).  Just don’t want the first time reading any specific, particularly new information to be during an actual emergency.

Is it possible to get a copy of the instruction sheet by e-mail or on-line?

A: You make a good point about not waiting until an emergency to read key medical information.  I will post a copy of the instructions on our company blog, located at www.adventuremedicalkits.com/blog.

Q: Going to Botswana in June 2010.  Should I use DEET repellant or not?  I don’t know the pros and cons.

A: There has been quite a lot of research done concerning the safety of DEET – much more than can fit in this email.  To break down the basic issues: DEET is an extremely effective insect repellent, and it has been on the market for half a century with very little (if any) known toxic effects.  That being said, some have argued that DEET may have adverse health or neurotoxic effects.  The EPA, which regulates insect repellents and insecticides, has evaluated the merits of these controversial studies and concluded that DEET is still safe for human use, with 30% concentrations such as Ben’s 30 Wilderness formula being safe for use on children above two months of age.  One other potential downside of DEET is that it can melt synthetic fibers and plastic, such as Gore-tex jackets, fishing line, or nylon clothing.

If you are concerned about DEET, I highly recommend using Natrapel 8-hour, which is made using a 20% concentration of the ingredient Picaridin.  Picaridin has been widely used in Europe for around 20 years and has made its way into the US market over the last few years.  It is just as effective as DEET and will not affect plastics, so many people prefer it to DEET for that reason alone.

Personally, if I am on a backpacking trip in high infestation areas, I use Ben’s Max 100% DEET because it has always worked for me, and that’s what I trust, although some of my coworkers swear by Natrapel 8-hour.  As long as you’re using a CDC-recommended ingredient (such as DEET or Picaridin) and following the label instructions so that you’re applying it often enough, you should be able to keep insects at bay.

Q: We purchased the Suture/Syringe Kit from Adventure Medical Kits but were disappointed not to have instructions for use. Can you recommend a book(s) for those who might need to deal with the contents in an emergency?

A: Because this kit is designed to be purchased and used by professionals only, we don’t include instructions in it. Suturing wounds, administering injections and IV’s, and performing field surgery are not practices that are advisable for a novice to perform – these types of procedures require professional instruction with hands-on demonstrations and significant field experience. In a case where surgery or suturing is indicated, it is best to stabilize the patient as much as possible and either evacuate the patient so medical care can be obtained or await wilderness rescue. If you are traveling in an area where sterile supplies may not be available at a local hospital, this kit (or the smaller Suture/Syringe Medic) can be given directly to the medical practitioner to ensure the use of safe equipment.

Q: I have a Thermo-Lite 2.0 Bivvy and it is a bit stinky.  Can I put it through the laundry?  How do you recommend it be cleaned?

A: I wouldn’t recommend machine-washing a Thermo-lite 2.0 Bivvy (now renamed the SOL Thermal Bivvy).  To clean it, wash it by hand using warm water and mild soap, and hang it to dry.  Open the velco side-vents as far as they go to aid in drying.

Q:  Could you tell me yourself or direct me to a site that would explain the usual procedure to treat a deep open wound, especially using the products of AMK.  Recently I had an episode where I cut my finger with a chain saw and luckily I had some quickclot at home which stopped the bleeding quickly until I could get to the hospital. I was by myself and had to drive myself to an emerg. clinic nearby. They simply deadened the finger with a shot(wow!), soaked it in a Betadine solution and stitched it with 6 stiches. Then wrapped it in a splint and gauze.

But what would I do if something like this happened out on a hike or wilderness trip? Could this be handled with substitute or similar medical products and medicine?

A: As you found out, stopping the bleeding is the most important step to take when confronted with a laceration, so it’s good to have a pack of QuikClot on hand at home and in your pack if you’re in the wilderness.  Once bleeding is under control, the best way to clean and close a wound is to irrigate it (preferably using an irrigation syringe) to clear out debris and then to hold the edges closed with wound closure strips (or butterfly bandages).  This technique is explained in detail in Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness Medicine, and you can see an improvisational technique, should you find yourself without the requisite supplies here: http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/blog/2008/07/dr-weiss-advice-wound-irrigation-technique/

Most of our most popular kits contain an irrigation syringe and wound closure strips, including the Ultralight / Watertight .9, Weekender, and Hunter.  If you already have a medical kit and just need wound closure supplies, we also offer the Wound Closure Medic, which you can find here: http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?product=95&catname=Wound%20Care%20%20/%20Burn&prodname=Wound%20Closure%20Medic.

A:  Condensation inside the bivvy is par for the course with this product – since the material itself is not breathable, moisture accumulates fairly rapidly.  This is why we classify the Heatsheets Bivvy as an emergency product – since, in an emergency, it is necessary to preserve heat and get warm at all costs, even if condensation results.

Q: I have to prepare a medical kit for 40 people in a wilderness setting and being “waterproof” is a must so we don’t lose supplies.  What Adventure Medical Kit do I need?  My wife is a retired R.N., so we would also like something that has a stapler as well as sutures in it.

A: A kit for 40 people is going to need to be pretty large – I would recommend either our Guide I or Expedition kits from our Professional Series.  These kits have enough supplies to treat a wide range of ailments and injuries over a large group of people, and they are designed for professionals or individuals with advanced wilderness first aid training.  (For a more user friendly option, I highly recommend our Comprehensive kit, which features Easy Care organization so even someone without any first aid training can administer medical care.)  All of our kits in the Professional series use water-resistant fabrics, although they aren’t 100% waterproof – for a kit as large as what you’re looking for, I would recommend keeping it in a waterproof container such as a Pelican case, Otter box, or even a very large size Aloksak; alternatively, you can pack the inner components into zip-lock bags to keep them dry in the event that the kit is submerged.

As for sutures/surgical supplies, I recommend picking up a Deluxe Wound Cleaning and Closure module from our refills page – this module is for professionals only, and it contains sutures as well as a skin stapler and staple remover.

Q: Would it be safe to put the Quikclot sport silver after I’ve use neosporin on a gauze?

A: QuikClot (and QuikClot Silver) are designed to be used in an emergency situation when bleeding is heavy or life-threatening.  If the amount of bleeding has slowed enough for you to dress the wound properly (with gauze and antibiotic ointment), it probably isn’t necessary to use QuikClot.  In answer to your question, it is safe to use QuikClot or QuikClot Silver in this situation, but my advice would be to use QuikClot directly on the wound immediately, hold it in place using direct pressure for as long as is necessary to stop the bleeding, and then to use antibiotic ointment, non-adherent dressings, and gauze to dress the wound once bleeding has stopped.

Q: What is the best kit for horseback riding? We ride in the mountains often, and sometimes get far from camp.

A: I suggest either our Comprehensive or Outfitter, since these kits both have detachable inner bags that you can take with you on excursions from your base camp.  Both of the kits have enough supplies for large groups or extended trips, so if you’re venturing out with smaller groups on shorter trips, you may want to consider the Weekender or Sportsman kits instead.  The Comprehensive and Weekender kits are from our Mountain series, which will suit your needs if you just ride horses to get out into the wilderness, while the Outfitter and Sportsman kits are specifically designed for hunting/fishing trips.

Q: I will be directing an archaeological project in the lower Andean mountains of Peru (ca. 1000m).  We will have a crew of four people and will be working for about a month.  It is five hours by horse to the nearest road and then four hours by truck to the nearest town. We will have supplies brought in once a week and each crew member is expected to bring in their own basic supplies.  We can get most basic supplies in Peru (boxes of gauze, bandages, eye flush, antiseptic wipes, etc,) but I am concerned with a major machete cut.  Snake bites and burns are second and third on my list.  Any suggestions for kits.

A: I would recommend the Comprehensive kit from our Mountain Series for your needs (four people in a remote location for 30 days).  Although you can obtain basic supplies, it really is preferable to have everything contained in one kit, especially one like the Comprehensive in which the contents are organized by injury.  If you are particularly worried about major cuts/bleeding, pick up a Wound Closure Medic, which as everything you need to clean and close a wound, as well as some QuikClot Sport, which will stop bleeding within minutes.

-Jordan Hurder, AMK Product Specialist

Q: I do SAR and have to carry for myself and a subject.  Your 2.0 Bivvy sac is small and light, but for another $25 to $50 and maybe 16 oz more I could get a 40 degree “rated” bag.   I would always carry at least your 2.0 Bivvy but am considering a lightweight down bag for those cold nights.   If your Bivvy was “rated” at 40 – 45 degrees, it would be a no brainier to always carry two of your bags.  Have you done any testing to get a temperature rating on your 2.0 Bivvy?

A: Because adventure racers are often required to carry a 50-degree sleeping bag, we did some testing and found that the S.O.L. Thermal Bivvy (the same one you’re referring to, but with a new name) will work as a primary sleep system down to 50 degrees, as long as you are wearing some light insulating clothing (such as thermal base layers).  You can also use it in conjunction with a sleeping bag to add 10-15 degrees of warmth to the bag.

Q: Which first aid kit would you recommend for a 10 day backcountry hunt. So, size and weight are a concern. I will not have a basecamp and I plan on getting the SOL3 kit.

A: If you’re already going to have survival tools and some medical supplies in your S.O.L. 3 kit, I recommend augmenting them with an Ultralight/Watertight .9 kit.  Without a base camp, you need something that can treat a wide range of injuries but won’t weigh you down too much, and the UL / WT .9 fits that bill exactly.  With a trauma pad and plenty of gauze, it can stop traumatic bleeding from a hunting accident, and there are also supplies to clean and close large wounds, including an irrigation syringe and wound closure strips.

-Jordan Hurder, AMK Product Specialist

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.

Also, because the mineral that constitutes QuikClot is chemically inert, contraindications are very rare.  The only injury in which I would recommend not using QuikClot is one immediately around the eye (in which there is a possibility that QuikClot will come into contact with the eyeball), since it is an eye irritant.

Please let me know if you have any further questions, and thanks again for your interest.
Best,

Jordan Hurder
Product Specialist

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.

The World Travel also contains our Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine by Eric A. Weiss, M.D. The guide includes information on wilderness and travel medicine including: “Weiss Advice” improvised techniques; “When to Worry” tips; 97 illustrations; recommended prescription medications to pack; medical supplies for extended expeditions; and information on how to use the components of your Adventure Medical Kit.

The Suture/Syringe Medic contains sterile supplies to administer IV drugs or injections in case the medical clinic in the area you’re traveling doesn’t have sterile needles or sutures. Since it is still a common practice in many developing countries to re-use supplies, it is important to carry a sterile set that you can give to the medical provider that is treating you.

Be sure to read our blog to learn more about avoiding the most common ailment that travelers face.

Thanks for your interest, and let us know if you have any further questions.
Frank Meyer, Marketing Director and Co-Founder

HAVE A QUESTION? ASK OUR EXPERTS!

I bought a pack of the GlacierGel to use on the ball of my foot, and despite following the instructions they quickly fell off.  Just wondering why that was?  For the time they were on it did drastically reduce the pain, so job well done there.  Is it just the nature of the bottom of the foot, and if so how do you recommend keeping the in place?  Sean M.

Answer:

Hi Sean,

The bottom of the foot is a tough place to stick a dressing.  Make sure you clean around the blister with an alcohol pad first, let it dry, and then stick the dressing on.  Many of our kits contain tincture of benzoin, which can be used around the blister as well to increase adhesion.  Finally, you can wrap a strip or two of cloth tape completely around your foot to hold the dressing in place as a last resort, although we don’t usually recommend covering the GlacierGel dressings, since it interferes with the breathability of the dressing.

Thanks for your interest, and let us know if you have any more questions!

ASK YOUR QUESTION – CLICK HERE

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.

If you have any other tips or suggestions, please let us know!

ASK YOUR QUESTION – CLICK HERE

Answer:

Thanks for sharing your frustrations with the Group Size, Trip Duration Rating. Let me share a story with you. Back in 1989 when we launched Adventure Medical Kits, our only kit we sold was the $190 Comprehensive Kit in our current Mountain Series. This was much more comprehensive than anything on the market at the time. An editor from Outside Magazine was reviewing the kit and he asked me what I would take out of the kit to make it lighter and smaller. And I asked him what injury or illness does he not want to be prepared for?. How about taking out Glutose Paste for Insulin Shock or the oral rehydration salts for dehydration? How about taking out the Sawyer Extractor Snake Bite Kit?

A few years later, Dr. Weiss wrote the book, A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine, to help people treat injuries and illnesses when medical care will not arrive. He included “Weiss Advice” improvisational techniques in the book so you can improvise when you don’t have the medical supplies you need. For example, page seven has a tip on how to improvise a CPR barrier using a nitrile glove. The section on treating insulin shock suggests using Glutose Paste but if you don’t have it use sugar granules under the tongue will work. The section on rehydration goes over treating dehydration with oral rehydration salts or an improvised solution using fruit juice, honey and salt. Dr. Weiss’s book is your guide to keeping someone alive until help arrives whether it is two hours or two days away.

Back to the question on classifying kits. We are working on a more sophisticated set of metrics to help people choose the right medical kit for their adventure. While group size and trip duration will be one of the metrics, others like risk factor, hours away from medical care and level of first aid training will come into play as well. Your question is timely and will help spur us on in the development of these new metrics.

Thanks, Frank

Frank Meyer

Marketing Director/Co-Founder

ASK YOUR QUESTION>>> CLICK HERE

Answer:
Kevin, I would use the Fundamentals kit in our Mountain Series and add a QuikClot Dressing to stop severe bleeding. This kit will have everything you need from splinting fractures to wrapping sprains and dealing with puncture wounds. The Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine included in the kit will describe how to use the supplies. Once you buy the kit and register it you can enjoy 25% off your refill supplies if you need to refurbish.

Thanks for the question.

Frank Meyer

Marketing Director/Co-Founder

ASK YOUR QUESTION >>> CLICK HERE

Do you recommend adding Celox powder to first aid kits? My situation is carrying the master FAK for a crew of 8-10 scouts and adults for 10+ days backpacking at Philmont.

Thanks, Dan

Answer:

Dear Dan,

I do recommend carrying a “Hemostatic dressing” for adventures like yours where the activities are higher risk and the remoteness of your adventure means professional medical care will not arrive quickly.

AMK prefers using QuikClot® instead of Celox because of its ease of use. QuikClot® contains the mineral zeolite which has a tremendous capacity to absorb fluids. The zeolite is contained in a sterile mesh pouch which you simply place over the wound and apply direct pressure. The zeolite beads quickly absorb the smaller water molecules out of the blood and leaves the platelets and other clotting factors in the wound to form a strong clot.

The advantage to a mesh pouch is that in higher wind conditions the beads won’t blow away and you can apply the QuikClot® dressing no matter what position the patient is in i.e. hanging from a harness or rope. When QuikClot® first came out it was a pretty “hot” clotting agent. Temperatures of the dressing would reach 135F. causing burns to the skin. QuikClot® is now pre-loaded with water so that the dressing reaches only 105F, about the temperature of a hot tub. What is interesting to note is why the QuikClot® dressing gets hot. The heat in the dressing is generated by the speed of the water molecules moving from the blood to the zeolite mineral beads.

You can buy QuikClot® here. or click here to learn more.

Have a great trip.

Frank Meyer
Adventure Medical Kits
Marketing Director and Co-Founder

ASK YOUR QUESTION>>> CLICK HERE

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.

Please contact us if you have any other questions.

Thanks,

Jordan Hurder
Product Specialist

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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:

ABRASIONS (ROAD RASH)
An abrasion occurs when the outer layer of skin is scraped off. Abrasions are often embedded with dirt, gravel and other debris which, if not removed, can result in scarring or infection.
An abrasion must be vigorously scrubbed with a surgical brush or cleansing pad until all foreign materials are removed. This can sometimes be more painful than the accident itself. It helps to first wipe the area with a cleansing pad containing lidocaine, like our After Cuts & Scrapes towelettes. Use tweezers to pick out any remaining embedded particles and then irrigate the abrasion with saline solution or water. A thin layer of aloe vera gel applied to the abrasion after cleaning will reduce inflammation and promote healing.

After cleansing, apply a nonadherent, protective dressing and secure it in place with a bandage. You can secure it with a stockinette bandage, tape or an elastic bandage and leave it in place for several days, as long as there is no sign of infection.

Check the Wound Daily for Signs of Infection
1) Increasing pain, redness, or swelling;
2) Pus or greenish drainage from the wound;
3) Red streaks on the skin adjacent to or “upstream” from the wound;
4) Fever.

If an infection develops consult a physician as soon as possible because antibiotic could be needed.

Be Safe,

Frank Meyer
Marketing Director/Co-Founder

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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.`

Kneecap (Patella) Dislocation
Dislocation of the kneecap usually occurs from a twisting injury while the knee is extended. The kneecap is displaced to the outer part of the knee, resulting in an obvious deformity and pain. The knee is usually flexed and the victim is unable to move it.

Treatment
A patella dislocation can usually be reduced by pushing the kneecap back toward the inside of the knee with your thumbs, while gently straightening the leg (Fig. 48). The kneecap will pop back into place and there should be immediate relief of pain. If the maneuver is very painful or not easily accomplished, do not continue with the attempt. After the kneecap is repositioned, the victim should be able to walk with an improvised knee immobilizer. If you’re unable to reduce the patella, splint the knee in a position of comfort and evacuate the victim.

Knee Dislocation
Do not confuse this devastating injury with a dislocation of the kneecap. A total knee dislocation results in the disruption of all of the ligaments of the knee and a very unstable joint. Often the knee will reduce itself spontaneously. If the knee is still deformed, gently reposition and straighten it by applying gentle traction to the lower leg. The victim should be evacuated immediately to the nearest medical facility. A major artery in the leg is often torn or damaged during the dislocation, and if not repaired within six to eight hours, the leg may need to be amputated.

Thanks,

Frank Meyer
Marketing Director/Co-Founder

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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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Thanks.
James

Answer:

Hi James-

I got your question about using Heatsheets as a ground cover for Ultralight backpacking.  My answer would be a qualified “yes”… for a skilled ultralight backpacker, a Heatsheets blanket will make a suitable ground cover.  It won’t last forever, but the big advantage of the material is that it is repairable, meaning that if it gets torn or punctured, you can just tape up the blemish (or do nothing), and the blanket won’t crumble apart like a traditional mylar blanket will.  That being said, the material is extremely thin (I don’t have an exact measurement, but we’re talking thousandths of a millimeter here), so you would need to care for it in the field the same way you do with any other ultralight gear (eg- clear your shelter site from rocks, sticks, and pointy objects; treat it carefully when stored; etc.).  If you’re still in the process of making the transition to ultralight and most of your gear is still the standard bomber stuff you’d get at REI, I’d recommend developing your ultralight habits a little bit before relying on the Heatsheets blanket as your only ground cover.  However, if you already know how to treat a Gossamer Gear Mariposa backpack differently from a Gregory Whitney and are down with silnylon, spinnaker, and Cuben fiber, I’d say to have at it.

Thanks again for your interest, and please contact me if you have any other questions.
Best,

Jordan Hurder
Product Specialist

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Here’s a basic question… I’m getting back into backpacking after a good decade off. I am a 42 year old male and I will initially be taking 2-3 night trips in relatively remote locations . Some solo, but factor having up to 2 additional companions. Based on this info, can you offer some advice on which first aid kit would be the best combination of preparedness and size for this activity?

Answer:

Thanks for your question. I recommend the Ultralight/Watertight .7 or .9 for your 2-3 day backpack trips. If your first aid skills are a little rusty I would also recommend adding our book,  A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine. This book has a ton of useful advice, including, When to Worry, Weiss Advice Improvisational Tips and over 100 illustrations.

Be Safe,

Frank Meyer

Marketing Director/Co-Founder

ASK YOUR QUESTION – CLICK HERE