BajaNomad - Whats in your first aid kit?

Whats in your first aid kit?

TLBaja79 - 11-6-2016 at 09:06 AM

Whats in your baja first aid kit for?

Great thread!

Howard - 11-6-2016 at 09:20 AM

I really look forward to the replies.

willardguy - 11-6-2016 at 09:45 AM

I think its important to also know whats in your neighbors first aid kit. we recently had the rare rattlesnake bite in camp, fortunately the military checkpoint kit included anti venom. maybe the most important thing in your kit is knowledge of where to find emergency care?

willardguy - 11-6-2016 at 09:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho

Quote: Originally posted by TLBaja79

Whats in your baja first aid kit for?

A comb. Best way to remove cholla segments.

XLNT!

yellowklr - 11-6-2016 at 11:01 AM

Quickclot gauze
Tourniquet
plenty of normal gauze
clean cotton rags

AED if possible or at least know where to find one

[Edited on 11-6-2016 by yellowklr]

pacificobob - 11-6-2016 at 12:28 PM

in addition to the regular stuff, i like to have antibiotics like amoxicillin 500mg, and some narcotic analgesics. also a large bottle of beta-dine, rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.

4x4abc - 11-6-2016 at 12:34 PM

since we are in Mexico: a bible and tequila

woody with a view - 11-6-2016 at 03:04 PM

Just the regular gauze compress's, splints and the oral/nasal pharengeal airways-and the know how! Pray to Neptune we don't need them.

Meany - 11-6-2016 at 06:49 PM

All the above and Three bottles of wine and a Wine opener. Never with out.

surabi - 11-6-2016 at 07:44 PM

Tea Tree oil (antiseptic and numbs pain, and a few drops keeps the bugs away), sealed sterile wash containers, strong painkillers, plus the usual bandages, wraps, etc. A venom extractor would be good to have, but I don´t.

AKgringo - 11-6-2016 at 07:54 PM

I never thought about a comb for detaching cholla's, I will add one along with my leatherman which is always in reach for removing spines (I travel with a dog).

Along with a basic first aid kit, I also carry a tick spoon and flea and tick treatments.
Deet for when I know there are no-seeums or sand fleas
Antihistamine for when they surprise me
Sunscreen and sunburn treatments

I travel alone most of the time, and since I won't be able to use an AED on myself, do you think I should have a pacemaker/de-fibrillator installed? Just kidding, there is such a thing as over preparing!

[Edited on 11-7-2016 by AKgringo]

redhilltown - 11-7-2016 at 12:08 AM

A 4 oz bottle of sterile eye wash...good of course for anything in the eye but also good for irrigating a wound...peroxide is a no no for anything significant...some antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment...but most importantly, a roll of coflex or self adherent wrap, gauze roll, and blood stop pad...I can't recommend coflex enough!! so many uses.

Coflex follow up

John M - 11-7-2016 at 06:06 AM

I hadn't considered this to carry, but after Redhilltown recommended it, I took another look. We have a roll at home, but now I'll buy a couple of different widths for our first aid supplies in the truck. Lots of different styles and sizes on Amazon - and it's inexpensive. Example of what's available:

Andover CoFlex Med - Self-adhesive Compression Bandage Wrap is a comfortable medical bandage for use when lightweight compression is required. This medical compression bandage wrap offers controlled pressure with non-slip support. Coflex Med bandages are self-adhesive, comes in a variety of colors and sizes, easy to tear and are extremely soft. Ideal for use as a support wrap, to promote circulation and healing, to help stop bleeding, and holds IV's in place for extended periods of time.

Recommended by doctors and veteranians as a high quality wound care product.

Andover CoFlex Med - 2" Self-adhesive Compression Bandage Wrap Features:
An elastic bandage for sprains and strains
A self-adhesive bandage wrap to hold gauze and dressings in place
Compression bandage to help promote circulation or control swelling
2" x 5 yards per roll

Made in the USA

CoFlex Med is available in both latex, latex-free and Foam Easy Tear styles:
Latex Compression Bandages:

AND7100: Andover CoFlex Med - 1" Self-adhesive Compression Bandage
AND7200: Andover CoFlex Med - 2" Self-adhesive Compression Bandage
AND7300: Andover CoFlex Med - 3" Compression Bandage
AND7400: Andover CoFlex Med - 4" Self-adhesive Compression Bandage

Latex-free Compression Bandages:

AND5100: Andover CoFlex NL - 1" Self-adhesive Compression Bandage Wrap (Latex-free)
AND5200: Andover CoFlex NL - 2" Self-adhesive Compression Bandage Wrap (Latex-free)
AND5300: Andover CoFlex NL - 3" Self- Adhesive Compression Bandage Wrap (Latex-free)

Pacifico - 11-7-2016 at 06:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

I think its important to also know whats in your neighbors first aid kit. we recently had the rare rattlesnake bite in camp, fortunately the military checkpoint kit included anti venom. maybe the most important thing in your kit is knowledge of where to find emergency care?

The military checkpoint kit included anti venom? Usually only hospitals have it. I'm interested in how it was administered; I.V.?

Pacifico - 11-7-2016 at 07:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi

A venom extractor would be good to have, but I don´t.

It should be noted that a "venom extractor" is not recommended for a snake bite. The old snake bite kits with a razor blade and the rubber suction deal are of no use and are not advised. The best treatment is to keep the person calm, don't elevate the bite, immobilize the bite site (arm, leg) and get the person to the nearest hospital for anti venom if symptoms dictate it. Keep in mind that many bites are "dry bites" where no venom is injected.

wilderone - 11-7-2016 at 08:42 AM

Adhesive compression bandage = duct tape. I use duct tape as blister preventive pads. Use with toilet paper. Add some Neosporin as necessary with other applications. Not too pretty but stays on.

bajaguy - 11-7-2016 at 08:53 AM

Before you stock up on stuff, you might want to consider taking a basic and advanced first aid course. Also highly recommended is a wilderness first aid course.

Build your kit based on your probable use......vehicle accident, hiking/camping or boating/fishing mishap. Also take into consideration any physical conditions you/your group may have

While putting your kit together don't forget to assemble a kit for your four legged friend/companion

And also carry a SPOT

Great advice Bajaguy!

AKgringo - 11-7-2016 at 09:12 AM

I would like to add, that if you are traveling with others, let them know of any medical conditions that may suddenly affect you!

My first aid background is from 18 years with a ski patrol (similar to a wilderness EMT) One of the patrollers that I had worked with for several years died of an asthma attack at home.

Even though he served with other trained personnel in a wilderness event in Valdez Alaska, he never told any of us that he suffered asthma attacks!

[Edited on 11-7-2016 by AKgringo]

Marc - 11-7-2016 at 05:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

Adhesive compression bandage = duct tape. I use duct tape as blister preventive pads. Use with toilet paper. Add some Neosporin as necessary with other applications. Not too pretty but stays on.

Duct tape + paper towel is what I used for my last wound until I got to my kit.

woody with a view - 11-7-2016 at 05:29 PM

I case of rattler bite in Baja is the only ratioal thing to do is haul ass for the border? Do hospitals SOB have antivenom?

redhilltown - 11-7-2016 at 06:09 PM

Don't want to careen the thread into snake bite land, but isn't antivenom specific to the snake? Meaning only a well equipped hospital is the best answer?

DawnPatrol - 11-7-2016 at 06:40 PM

all of the above but I ALWAYS carry a small tube of optical antibiotic gel for the eyes.... I have had to use it three different times in past years when someone scratched an eyeball, or the like.
Saved all three trips

you can buy over the counter in Mex

[Edited on 11-8-2016 by DawnPatrol]

freediverbrian - 11-7-2016 at 07:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Pacifico

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

The military checkpoint kit included anti venom? Usually only hospitals have it. I'm interested in how it was administered; I.V.?

The medic at the check point gave him a IM of anti venom and a IV of fulids . They took him to San Fielpe ,where he received two more doses of anti venom. He is doing well . Never go out at night to take a pee

Pacifico - 11-7-2016 at 07:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by freediverbrian

Quote: Originally posted by Pacifico

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

The military checkpoint kit included anti venom? Usually only hospitals have it. I'm interested in how it was administered; I.V.?

This is really good to know...especially if many of the military checkpoints have it. Always take a light with you and watch your step in Baja!

Pacifico - 11-7-2016 at 07:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by redhilltown

Don't want to careen the thread into snake bite land, but isn't antivenom specific to the snake? Meaning only a well equipped hospital is the best answer?

I did a little research on this...It appears that some anti-venoms can work across a variety of snakes such as pit vipers; rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads. While a totally different anti-venom would be required for a snake such as a coral snake. The manufacturers can make it from a single species or multiple species to cover a wider range of snakes.

freediverbrian - 11-7-2016 at 07:31 PM

They looked around the next day and found and killed a sidewinder . Was it the same snake ????

willardguy - 11-7-2016 at 07:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by freediverbrian

They looked around the next day and found and killed a sidewinder . Was it the same snake ????

I sure hope so!

freediverbrian - 11-7-2016 at 07:45 PM

Back on topic ,my son was burned by fireworks,you never have enough in your kit!!!

ILikeMex - 11-8-2016 at 11:28 AM

Hydrogen peroxide
triangle bandage (arm sling)
super glue (close cuts without stitches)

DanO - 11-8-2016 at 12:47 PM

An EpiPen. My wife was on a road trip in NorCal a few years ago and went into anaphylactic shock because of a mold allergy she didn't know she had. An ambulance got to her just in the nick of time. The docs told her to never go anywhere without the EpiPen. She told me that I'll have to administer it because she can't deal with stabbing herself in the leg with that huge needle, but fortunately, we've never had to use it.

redhilltown - 11-8-2016 at 04:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by freediverbrian

Back on topic ,my son was burned by fireworks,you never have enough in your kit!!!

That is a good reminder to add a Water Jel or similar burn bandage to the kit...takes up little room and there are many many ways to get badly burned in the outback...even working on a hot car engine...campfires etc.

Kind of forgot just about THE most important item for the kit: latex or better yet, nitrile gloves. I always put them right on top and obvious because they will be the first thing you need for anything serious as to bleeding.

First aid supplies

John M - 11-9-2016 at 05:08 PM

Quikclot is one item we have put into our first aid kit.

Single use, around $12 - $15 each single use package. Several styles, Quikclot gauze, Quikclot sponge, and Quikclot sport (I think a little larger than the sponge). The "Sport" is 4'x5" - It doesn't appear that there is any expertise needed. Open the foil package and apply directly to a wound that won't stop bleeding - you'd leave it in place until you get to a medical facility.

Type Quikclot in Google to learn about it - I think this is way better than a handful of gauze pads. Least expensive on Amazon.

John M

laventana - 11-10-2016 at 08:30 AM

after a meeting with a cacti I had to endure them removing the pieces with what I as an engineer consider horrible tools. So I searched online and found some better ones that would have prevented them from gouging so much. Normal tweezers do not have the gripping efficiency needed. The splinter wants to shift the other direction or to the side, So I found this and ordered it and have used it now several times. By less aggravation and tearing the near skin the less likely infection is the net. Being a so called inventor drew up a new style one that grips better from the side and the cost to make them in production is too much.

So try these for $18.00 they were the best I could find and they work way better than any general purpose tweezers. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SZVKD1M/ref=pd_sbs_328_...

Next here is the most important. I am allergic to bees and other things. I get hit by the honey bee and if I can not get a benadryl tablet in me off to the doctor I go for major shots.

I have found that Benydral topical spray gel is the most amazing. If I put this on a bee sting withing a short time I am fine. Now here is the more amazing thing, I have tested this on kids and many adults.

I have used it on kids and adults for the ants, the jellyfish, the bugs that we have no clue of what bit us and are swelling /itching/hurting, two people one being me with scorpien stings, and one person with a sting ray hit. I also gave some of this to the local medical clinic doctor and she treated many people and said herself it was amazing.

Her example was a local tough Mexican fisherman was stung all over his body by man-o-wars and was in tears as he showed up to this doctor. She had no other way to treat it and tried and in 5 minutes he was fine.

And that has been true every time I apply it, except the friend hit by a scorpion and the friend by sting ray, they got to me 30 minutes after hit. So for both of them though in 5 minutes they knew they were improving, still took 30 minutes to say well I feel absolutely fine and no pain.

I went into respiratory arrest because I got hit by the man-o-wars under the armpit ( high blood flow there so was fast). I was escorted back to my property because I could feel my ability to breath was disappearing. I sprayed that on me, and in the same 5 minutes I knew I was ok.

I have done this with children in full screaming from a jellyfish sting, where in 5 minutes they were ready to go back to the beach and swim. It is amazing... don't leave the USA without it, not sold in baja.

I swear I would use it on a rattlesnake bite too with how effective the localized spray is. I have smaller portable ones in my truck and car. Haven't had to go to a MD for bee sting since I discovered it 10 years ago.

Here is the link to it.
https://www.amazon.com/Benadryl-Relief-Spray-Extra-Strength-...

bring an extra one down and give to a friend or local doctor..

[Edited on 11-10-2016 by laventana]

pacificobob - 11-10-2016 at 08:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DanO

An EpiPen. My wife was on a road trip in NorCal a few years ago and went into anaphylactic shock because of a mold allergy she didn't know she had. An ambulance got to her just in the nick of time. The docs told her to never go anywhere without the EpiPen. She told me that I'll have to administer it because she can't deal with stabbing herself in the leg with that huge needle, but fortunately, we've never had to use it.

if one would rather not spend $300 on an epi-pen. a vile of epinephrine and a syringe can be had for around $25 if you know a cooperative doctor.

AKgringo - 11-10-2016 at 09:28 AM

Laventana, thanks for the tip! I did not know the product existed. I hope I can find it locally, I am hitting the road this weekend, and don't want to wait for delivery.

I have gotten into jelly fish several times, and have a pretty strong and sudden reaction to them. The sooner the relief starts, the better, so I want some. I also react pretty strongly to bites from those black gnats (no-seeums, bobo's, jejene's, white socks). Pills are too slow, and Benadryl makes me groggy and restless at the same time!

laventana - 11-10-2016 at 10:35 AM

In the USA nearly every pharmacy has these topicals.

and yes hated taking the oral benadryl. Knocks me out too. Before the bee sting would also swell up my arm to look like Hulk, and the pill never stopped the week or so itching still in the arm. When I put this on quick enough my arm does not swell up or have a everlasting itch.

I gave a bottle to friend with horses and she loves it, she use to have horrible reactions to the ant bites when grabbing the hay to feed, always ants.

I have tried to post this on wikipedia and they will not let me under bee stings, jelly fish and so on, they say I am not qualified to make such a statement. Shame because it really has helped in over 60 cases I have used it with at least 30 other people I know of. And not a failure to date.

AKgringo - 11-10-2016 at 10:58 AM

Sensitivity is a strange thing. Bee stings have a very minor effect on me, mosquitoes, almost none, little or no reaction to poison oak, nettles, most bug bites, but gnats and jelly fish tear me up!

laventana - 11-10-2016 at 12:38 PM

speaking of sensitivities of another sort, I am a manny/mentor/caregiver for two Mexican kids one is allergic to DEET.

So I purchased a bunch of alternative natural repellents and tested them on me. I am a mosquito magnet. So after getting abut 6 types ran into one that works for the dengue/zika carrying mosquito and he was not allergic to it. The stuff is amazing , smells good and lasts so much longer than any other stuff.

My test was spray one leg and see if they bite either. This was the only one that worked.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LEPD1A6/ref=pd_bxgy_121...

Guardian Wilderness Deet Free 8 Hour Mosquito and Tick Repellent, 4 Fluid Ounce

also speaking of the other sensitivities I could hold poison Ivy in my hands until i hit about 30, not that I did that but a few times in my teens. but in my 30s after a hike had my first case of it and thereafter stayed away from trails with it.