Here are some questions that people reading our blog have submitted recently…

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.

Everyone has had a toothache at some point in their lives, but what do you do when you are in a remote area, traveling in a developing country, or on a back-country expedition?  Below are some tips from AMK’s Founder, Dr. Eric A. Weiss about what to do when you find yourself with a dental emergency far from the nearest dentist…..

Excerpt from A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine, by Dr. Eric A. Weiss.

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

TOOTHACHE

The common toothache is caused by inflammation of the dental pulp and is often associated with a cavity. The pain may be severe and intermittent and is made worse by hot or cold foods or liquids.

Treatment

1) If the offending cavity can be localized, a piece of cotton soaked with a topical anti-inflammatory agent such as eugenol (oil of cloves) can first be applied.

2) Place a temporary filling material, such as Cavit® or zinc-oxide and eugenol cement, into the cavity or lost filling site to protect the nerve.

ʻWEISS ADVICEʼ [IMPROVISED TECHNIQUE]

Quick relief of dental pain and bleeding.  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.

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.

Dr. Weiss Advice – Improvisational Technique – Replacing a Lost Filling

Melt some candle wax and allow it to cool until it is just soft and pliable. Place the wax into the cavity or lost filling site and smooth it out with your finger. Have the victim bite down to seal the wax in place and remove any excess wax.

Check out our Dental Medic kit here.

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