Bringing this thread back to life.
What is a good first aid kit to keep stocked in a day hike bag?
How about a good first aid kit to take to the range?
The reason behind my thoughts is I have recently got more into hiking and am looking for some solid recommendations into a basic first aid kit to keep in the bag. Would I be better off with a prepackaged style or putting a more elaborate kit together. Obviously weight and space is of concern.
That leads to my second thought. Going to the range. It only seems that carrying a good first aid kit would be smart. There are a lot of potential hazards at any gun range. Also if you go to marion road or creekside it may be a little while before paramedics could get to you. What would be a good kit to have on hand while visiting a range?
@AtlMedic get in here so I can pick your brain.
I'm looking forward to any advice or observations you have to offer-
Lets start with this, no kits will be a perfect do-all type kit. Lets start with the hiking first aid kit. You want it to be light and compact because you are carrying it so we want to look at essentials to start and build from there. What I carry hiking is this.
Bandaids of different sizes ( I like the cloth ones)
Moleskin for blisters
ACE bandage x3
Duct tape
Multi tool with scissors and saw
foil blanket
a couple extra bottles of water
tourniquet (RATS for this)
Israeli bandage (or similar)
benadryl
OPTIONAL
neosporin
Sting relief stuff
ibuprofen
Cloth tape
Gauze pads
trauma shears
I dont carry too much because I dont like alot of weight. The most common injuries youll encounter hiking are sprains and scratches. The multi-tool is listed specifically because the saw can be used to cut sticks for making a splint instead of carrying a commercial one. I keep a couple cheap bottles of water set aside for cleaning out wounds, poke a small hole in the lid so you can squirt it out to irrigate a wound or use to clean an area. The foil blanket is to keep warm, hypothermia is a risk for any traumatic injury. Duct tape can be used to hold bandages in place, help secure a splint, and tons of other uses. Mole skin is for blisters. A t-shirt or towel can be used as a large bandage in a pinch, or you can add the gauze pads. The optional stuff I listed would be more needed for long distance backpacking but I wouldnt stress too much for day hiking. It is also a good idea to keep it all dry in zip lock bags.
As far as something to keep in a range bag, this is what I would put in one for someone with limited medical training.
tourniquet x2
Israeli bandage
Gauze pads
ACE bandage x2
Foil blanket
Chest seal x2
Obviously you can see this is all bleeding control with the assumption that medical help is on the way, even if it isnt immediate. Things like airway stuff or decompression needles is that they require more training and start to really push the limits for good samaritan protection. If someone is shot they will typically either only need very basic bleeding control or they will need surgery. It is important to get an ambulance called immediately so they can go ahead and get a helicopter ready if they deem necessary.
As far as premade kits, there are several good ones on the market but you are going to typically pay a premium for them. I would recommend a trip to truprep and a drug store to get your supplies and then buy a bag to keep them in that suits your needs.
We usually help people find exactly what they need, not just sell them one of everything. I have sent people to all over the world for products we do not carry.
