My EDC First Aid Kit

by R.JStorey (Rodders) in Outside > Survival

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My EDC First Aid Kit

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This is my first aid kit. it's quite compact, but quite comprehensive.
It's designed for dealing with cuts, grazes, blisters and burns as well as some illnesses (colds etc) on cadet camps and DofE. it is designed to be used on conscious people, with minor injuries.    
The pouch (http://www.highlander-pro-force.com/partnumber.asp?cid=29711&pnid=302542) is waterproof and quite sturdy and due to it's size, you could just throw it into a rucksack, brief case, webbing pouch or onto a belt. 

The kit contains:
-Plasters; Useful for treating small open wounds (ie. cuts and grazes) and blisters (possibly for dressing small burns also)
                I carry a range3 of sizes and brands. be careful if you offer one to domeone, as the adhesive can contain latex (a common
                allergen).   
                I have found no brand loyalty, but be careful that they are sealed against air, dirt and germs especially if buying cheaper
                ones.

-Antiseptic wipes; Useful for cleaning wounds and hands prior to dressing.
                Again, i have found no brand loyalty, but look for benzalkonium chloride   in the alcohol free ones, preferably with a soothing
                agent such as aloe vera in them, as they can sting.

-Hydro-colloid dressings; Also known as blister or burn plasters, they are used mainly for these purposes as well as promoting faster
                healing in cuts and grazes. Again, no brand loyalty, but quite pricey.

-Bandages; In the kit, i keep a small 3 inch wide non-woven bandage for holding dressings in place and for minor sprains (eg. wrist)
                  and splinting one finger (or toe) against the other in the event of injury. with thie kit, i usually bring a larger crepe bandage
                  for sprains etc.

-Gauze pad; For dry-dressing a larger burn cut and graze between the accident and professional help.

-Plaster roll; Useful for dressing long, narrow cuts and scratches as well as cutting to size for dressing an awkward wound
                    (eg. a finger).

-Microporous tape; Used for holding dressings in place.

- A small pair of scissors; Used for cutting plaster roll, gauze pads and tape.

-Vinyl gloves; used to keep wounds safe from dirty hands, and keep hands safe from other people's blood if you are treating them. 

-Space (mylar) blanket; Useful to keep an injured person warm outdoors.

-Pocket tissues; Useful for staunching bleeding before cleaning and dressing as well as drying hands and even blowing your nose if
                         you're ill.


It's worth mentioning (prompted by a comment from @jtpoutdoor) that before offering even an antiseptic wipe or a plaster to someone for something minor (eg. a cut, graze or small burn), that you check for known allergies as even common things can cause bad reactions in some people.

Below, i have mentioned some common 'drugs' that it might be worth carrying, but avoid giving them to other people . If you must, however, remember to check for allergies.

Meds for personal use
-Paracetamol; Used for reducing fever and pain.

-Ibuprofen; Used for reducing pain and swelling.

-Aspirin; Used for reducing pain, and thinning the blood. the dispersible type can (when gargled) help sore throat and tooth ache.

-Antihistimines; Used for reducing allergic reactions to bug bites and stopping the sniffles as well as an occasional sleep aid.

-Cold and flu drink; Does what it says on the packet. No brand loyalty, but look for paracetamol, phenylphrine hydrochloride and             
                               vitamin C in the ingredients.

-Decongestant nasal spray; Used for reducing runny noses. Brand wise, i'd choose sudafed, as it contains xylometazoline; this is (i
                           find) more effective than it's close cousin oxymetazoline used in cheaper brands