It’s summertime! That means it is time to get outside and explore your state and national parks, recreation areas, and favorite campgrounds.  Before you pack up the kids into the SUV,  be sure to review this list of outdoor first aid tips from wilderness safety expert Buck Tilton, who this month joins AMK as a regular blogger. Welcome aboard Buck!

AMK's Newest Expert Blogger Buck Tilton

When you pack for a camping trip, a first-aid kit is a mandatory item. Heck, it has been on the list of Ten Essentials ever since the invention of lists. If your gear includes the Adventure Medical Kits’ Day Tripper with the Easy Care First Aid System, you can handle the most common problems—even without advanced first aid training.

Here are answers to a couple questions that have come in through the AMK website over the past week.

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?

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’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:
FAKs rated by people/days (2-3 people, 5-7 days) frustrate me. I think a more useful measure might be people/”time to help”. I bought the Field Trauma kit because I was looking for a kit to use where assistance was 1-2 hours away, I want the kit to answer “What will kill the victim in 1-2 hours?” – Bleeding, not breathing. If a 1″x3″ bandage will stop it, you won’t die today from it. We’re within 2-6 hours of aid, so what do I need to keep a victim alive till we get help?

Answer:

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.

Adventure Medical Kits’ marketing director Frank Meyer appeared on San Francisco’s KGO AM 810′s “On The Go” Travel Show on Saturday April 18th.

In the first segment Frank discusses with host John Hamiltion the Ultralight Series, the Adventurer, the S.O.L. Pak and other essential gear for camping in Northern California.

In the second segment on KGO AM 810,  Frank talks about the World Travel kit, Ben’s & Natrapel 8 hour insect repellents, AfterBite and other must-pack items relevant for adventure travelers.

Question:

Which kit would you recommend to keep around the house or in the car?

Thanks, Chris

Answer:

I have carried the Mountain Series Comprehensive Kit in my car for the past 20 years. It is my favorite kit and with the detachable inner bag inside you have a kit for day trips as well. Of course, any of the Mountain series kits would work well for the car or home. The Comprehensive has always been my favorite and it was the first kit Adventure Medical Kits launched in 1989.

BE SAFE,

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:

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.