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Author: Subject: Tackle Box Morphed into Baja First-Aid Kit
DianaT
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 02:52 PM
Tackle Box Morphed into Baja First-Aid Kit


My sister who lives in Baja is a retired nurse. Thus, she decided that she, us and some friends needed some first-aid kits for at home in Baja, and for travelling, especially out into the back country. At first, we thought it might be a small and very basic kit, but it her idea grew and here it is

The Box



The list inside that also has a place for personal emergency information.



Some basic information for if someone is alone and has a heart attack---and she suggested that as we find other useful medical information on the internet, that we print it and slip it into the jacket



What the top layer of this kit looks like -- I think that perhaps only a nurse would think of having the notebook and pen to record everything. Also, she included some empty small containers for a stash of personal medications in case one is stranded.



And the second layer of the kit---love the paint sticks for possible splints; she admitted that one was her friend's idea. The item not seen well is a small flashlight with the batteries attached on the outside.



I am sure her friends are as thrilled to have this as we are. We just think it is such a special gift as she put so much into this project!

Wanted to share this as she also wants us to think about anything she might have forgetten! None of this, of course, takes the place of professional medical care, but all of it sure could help in an emergency.




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dizzyspots
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 02:59 PM


would be interested to know whats in the "snake bite kit"?...the fine print at the bottom seems to indicate a "suction pump"...if that is the case: "DO NOT USE IT"...the suction pump was banned many moons ago...it caused MORE tissue damage than the bite itself. The CURRENT teaching is to immobilize the limb, if possible, below the level of the heart, stay as calm as possible and seek medical attention as soon as possible. No amount of tourniquets, suction, cut and suck..any of the old "Boy Scout" methods is going to stop any significant amount of venom, but WILL increase the chance for tissue damage and infection...many bites are actually "dry" bites...but the only cure for a "wet" is "antivenin"...this info is taken, paraphrased, from the latest info from the University of Arizona Poison Control Center...PS NO ice packs or tourniquets either....otherwise NICE first aid kit...:)

[Edited on 4-25-2012 by dizzyspots]
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woody with a view
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:02 PM


that is pretty complete but you can always add to it. get a cpr mask with a 1 way valve that store about the size of a hotel soap bar. if you want to get involved with potential roll overs and such a nasal canula is an easy way to keep an airway open....and on...and on....and on.

everyone should know cpr and first aid!

edit: and use latex gloves for anyone other than your spouse!

[Edited on 4-25-2012 by woody with a view]




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Cisco
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:02 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
My sister who lives in Baja is a retired nurse. Thus, she decided that she, us and some friends needed some first-aid kits for at home in Baja, and for travelling, especially out into the back country. At first, we thought it might be a small and very basic kit, but it her idea grew and here it is

The Box



The list inside that also has a place for personal emergency information.



Some basic information for if someone is alone and has a heart attack---and she suggested that as we find other useful medical information on the internet, that we print it and slip it into the jacket



What the top layer of this kit looks like -- I think that perhaps only a nurse would think of having the notebook and pen to record everything. Also, she included some empty small containers for a stash of personal medications in case one is stranded.



And the second layer of the kit---love the paint sticks for possible splints; she admitted that one was her friend's idea. The item not seen well is a small flashlight with the batteries attached on the outside.



I am sure her friends are as thrilled to have this as we are. We just think it is such a special gift as she put so much into this project!

Wanted to share this as she also wants us to think about anything she might have forgetten! None of this, of course, takes the place of professional medical care, but all of it sure could help in an emergency.



Great stuff Diana, thanks for the post.

Would you ask her about carrying a suture kit also please and her recommendation for that kit. (I'm really tiring of using 8# mono or dental floss and my fishing long-nose pliers). Need something a bit more antiseptic.

Thanks again, great post.
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DianaT
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:09 PM


Woody,
Gloves are included and I will mention the other item.

Cisco, she looked for suture kits and could not find them. She is still looking as she thinks it is a good idea. Not as easy to find some things now that she is retired.

Dizzyspots, I have not opened the snake/insect bite kit, but it is basically a suction device---no cutting device. It certainly would not cure the problem, but it could slow it down. Also, she, of course suggests that if someone has severe insect bite allergies, they should always have an epi-pen (sp) with them.



[Edited on 4-25-2012 by DianaT]




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dizzyspots
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:10 PM


?nasal cannula to keep an airway open?...missed that one in Medic class???
suture kit....use steri-strips or super glue (seriously...that is what it was originally invented for: wound closure in the field!


dittos for first aid and cpr training...
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:13 PM


Diana...glad it doesnt contain any blades for cutting, but the suction is not gonna get any venom out...from the time of the bite until you can get to and use the suction...the venom is in the system and moving along...sorry
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DianaT
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:14 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
?nasal cannula to keep an airway open?...missed that one in Medic class???
suture kit....use steri-strips or super glue (seriously...that is what it was originally invented for: wound closure in the field!


dittos for first aid and cpr training...


Steri-strips are included, but super glue---that is a good one! Thanks




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dizzyspots
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:16 PM


Diana...you are correct an Epi-pen IS a LIFESAVER!!! Stateside, we get used to calling 911 and getting Paramedic level help within 8-10 minutes, most places...for those of us that love Baja...the remoteness of ANY level of medical care behoves(sp?) us to all be prepared and ready to assit our selves or other Nomads should the need arise....:)
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:22 PM


Great kit Diana. My wife is a nurse and we have seen some bad accidents along the road so we also carry, tourniquets, hemostats and a product called Quickclot, trach tube and Lidocaine. Im sure there is more, but she's the nurse and Im the guy with the crow bar and rope.

Bahia Asuncion is really lucky to have my buddy Stan in its population. He is the real deal Medic.
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DianaT
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:32 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Frank
Great kit Diana. My wife is a nurse and we have seen some bad accidents along the road so we also carry, tourniquets, hemostats and a product called Quickclot, trach tube and Lidocaine. Im sure there is more, but she's the nurse and Im the guy with the crow bar and rope.



It is very handy to have a trained nurse along. :yes:




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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:33 PM


Good looking first-aid kit! Except I don't see the bourbon listed..... :D

On the snakebite subject----what are your chances if you don't get medical attention? What if you just stay put? I'm under the impression that bites are not always fatal.
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:39 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Good looking first-aid kit! Except I don't see the bourbon listed..... :D

On the snakebite subject----what are your chances if you don't get medical attention? What if you just stay put? I'm under the impression that bites are not always fatal.


Jeez---where is the bourbon is the first question my son asked. :biggrin:

I am sure no expert on snakebites and I do my best to avoid all rattle snakes! However, I have read that if possible, it is best to not move, but in the back country, that is not always possible. And I have also read that not all rattlesnake bites are fatal and I think it often depends on what type of rattler, and lots of other variables. I sure hope to never have first hand experience in this area!




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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 03:47 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
?nasal cannula to keep an airway open?...missed that one in Medic class???


you're right, i'm a maroon! i meant http://www.google.com/products/catalog?oe=utf-8&rlz=1V4I... :light:




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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 04:31 PM


Diane

Stop it. My better half is a nurse and has "these" kits every where. and always adding more... need to hide this post some how! more stuff.... now where is my picture of that snake
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 04:31 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Good looking first-aid kit! Except I don't see the bourbon listed..... :D

On the snakebite subject----what are your chances if you don't get medical attention? What if you just stay put? I'm under the impression that bites are not always fatal.


This is very true. I want to relate a seminar I went to with Ralph Cutter.

Ralph is an incredible flyfishermen. Probably the best in California. He wrote a very important book "Fishing the Sierras". He lives in Truckee.

Anyway, it was a slideshow. Ralph pointed out that if you kick around the Sierras long enough sooner or later you will get bit. What to do. Absolutely nothing. Just kick back in a shaded cool area and let your body do it's thing. Laying next to a stream, he drank lots of fluids.

Well, I would ignore such advice. Except there was Ralph with a picture of himself in some wilderness. His arm was a rich purple from the forearm to the biceps.

I believe that Ralph is an intelligent man who completely understood what was happening and what would happen. He had faith in the course of event.

Me? If I saw my arm turning purple that would really worry me.

I would think if you panic and run for help that would not be helpful. If you are left in the hot sun or have little water you are reducing your chances. If you know what you're doing you can ride it out.

[Edited on 4-25-2012 by Skipjack Joe]
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 04:56 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Frank
Great kit Diana. My wife is a nurse and we have seen some bad accidents along the road so we also carry, tourniquets, hemostats and a product called Quickclot, trach tube and Lidocaine. Im sure there is more, but she's the nurse and Im the guy with the crow bar and rope.

Bahia Asuncion is really lucky to have my buddy Stan in its population. He is the real deal Medic.


If he's not out fishing or driving the beach looking for fish. :lol:
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DianaT
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 05:10 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Diane

Stop it. My better half is a nurse and has "these" kits every where. and always adding more... need to hide this post some how! more stuff.... now where is my picture of that snake


Do you think there is something in this kit that your wife may have forgotten? :lol::lol: Now go find that picture!

Igor, When we lived in Honduras I was bitten by some unknown insect right on my elbow and it swelled quite a bit. I finally went to see one of the local doctors who had very little training and he gave me a shot of something. The next day my entire arm swelled up HUGE and it scared me to death. The doctor said it was a normal reaction to the medicine------I still don't know. I was ready to drive 3 hours to Tegus and catch the next plane north!

So, I just can't imagine me ever sitting and remaining unconcerned and calm as my arm swelled and turned purple. I wonder if his method would work for everyone in all bite situations---it sure is something to ponder and it sure seemed to work for him!

[Edited on 4-26-2012 by DianaT]




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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 05:24 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Diane

Stop it. My better half is a nurse and has "these" kits every where. and always adding more... need to hide this post some how! more stuff.... now where is my picture of that snake


Do you think there is something in this kit that your wife may have forgotten? :lol::lol: Now go find that picture!

Igor, When we lived in Honduras I was bitten by some unknown insect right on my elbow and it swelled quite a bit. I finally went to see one of the local doctors who had very little training and he gave me a shot of something. The next day my entire arm swelled up HUGE and it scared me to death. The doctor said it was a normal reaction to the medicine------I still don't know. I was ready to drive 3 hours to Tegus and catch the next plane north!

So, I just can't imagine me ever sitting and remaining unconcerned and calm as my arm swelled and turned purple. I wonder if his method would work for everyone in all bite situations---it sure is something to ponder and it sure seemed to work for him!

[Edited on 4-26-2012 by DianaT]



MONDAY, April 23 (HealthDay News) -- It goes without saying that bites from venomous snakes can be painful and dangerous, but they can also be very expensive, an expert warns.

Medical bills of $50,000 or more are not uncommon for a person bitten by a venomous snake, said Jill Heatley, an associate professor of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University in College Station.

The total cost includes hospitalization, which can last from one day to several weeks, treatment of damaged tissue, and antivenin therapy, which can run into the thousands of dollars.

http://news.yahoo.com/cost-snakebite-therapy-may-squeeze-vic...
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[*] posted on 4-25-2012 at 05:35 PM


Diane,

It depends on many factors I would think. The man was in mid 30s and great shape. What about children, over 60, weak immune systems. I would never suggest nomads follow that advice.

Just sayin. You'll probably make it.
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