Question:

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:

Lessons Learned in the Big Sur Wilderness – Carry lots of Diphen!

The fog hit hard on the morning of November 23^rd and I awoke knowing that something was not quite right. Although the Big Sur area is well known for its low visibility and dense fog, I knew that I should be able to see more than I currently could. That’s when my longtime friend and trusty campmate, Todd, looked at me from across our tent and politely exclaimed, “WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE?!”.

MYTH: Hydrogen Peroxide is an optimal disinfectant for cleaning a wound.

FACT: Hydrogen Peroxide kills not only germs, but living cells as well, thus delaying wound healing. Plain potable water or a diluted povidone iodine solution works better.

Question:

1) I am a field member on our county Search & Rescue team. 2) I will be finishing with my Wilderness First responder certification in a few weeks. 3) I spend tons of time in the back country of colorado year round. From ice climbing to mountain biking. I have always carried a small field first aid kit, have have added more and more items over the years.

Can you recommend a kit (for personal use) that I could use while hiking, biking, climbing, etc… in very reomte areas that can deal with everything from allergies to major trauma.

Sent to us 4/25/07 from Peter, NY

I wanted to advise you of a recent accident that I had while hiking in Northern New York State. I have attached a news article from the New York State Department of Conservation. The article does not specifically mention one of your products but I want to advise you that it helped save my life. I purchased the Thermo Lite Emergency Bivy Sack at Eastern Mountain Sports, and I stayed in this shelter during my long night out. Please read the article attached and be advised that I truly can say that I was glad that I had this with me. This item along with food and staying hydrated kept my body temperature at 97 degrees for almost 18 hours while I was stuck outside, in temperatures that dropped to -23.

Myth of the Month – Extracting Snake Venom

Myth: Cut, suck or extract or extract snake venom out of the skin from a poisonous snake bite.

Fact: Cutting, sucking or using an extraction pump will cause more harm than good, while removing little, if any venom. Remove constrictive clothing and jewelry and keep the snake bite elevated above the level of the heart while seeking professional medical care.

Remember to carry a first aid kit with you at all times!

Dr. Weiss Advice – Improvisational Technique – Wound Irrigation Using a Plastic Bag and Safety Pin

Fill a clean plastic sandwich or garbage bag with disinfected water and puncture the bottom of the bag with a safety pin or pointy knife. Hold the bag just above the wound and squeeze the top firmly to being irrigating.

Carry a first aid kit with wound irrigation supplies!

Learn more wilderness medicine, improvised techniques and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

Dr. Weiss Advice – Improvisational Technique – Quick Relief of Dental Pain

Bleeding and pain from the mouth can often be relieved by placing a moistened tea bag onto the bleeding site or into the socket that is bleeding.

Carry a Dental Medic with you!

Learn more improvisational techniques and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

Dr. Weiss Advice – Improvisational Technique – Making a Sling with Safety Pins

If the victim is wearing a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, pin the sleeved arm to the chest portion of the garment with two safety pins. If the victim is wearing a short-sleeved shirt, fold the bottom of the shirt up and over the arm to create a pouch. Pin this to the sleeve and chest section of the shirt to immobilize the arm.

Learn more improvisational techniques and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

Dr. Weiss Advice – Improvisational Technique – Creating Ankle Support Using a SAM Splint

Wrap a SAM Splint around the foot and ankle, with the shoe in place and secure it with tape. This will help stabilize the joint while walking. You may need to stop periodically to tighten or re-wrap the splint.

You can buy a SAM splint here.

Learn more improvisational techniques and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.