257 First Aid Kit, Cabinet of Curiosities, Trees in the Road, Leathermans, Wound Closure
First aid kits seem like a good idea, but are they useful? Ours is! Let's dive deep on this one. We'll also visit a mummified hand, see trees in the road, play with sharp things and stop a whole lot of bleeding.
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The AI made me do it
PRODUCT REVIEW
Clozex Emergency Laceration Closure
https://amzn.to/44rakZV
A PLACE TO VISIT
Sewards Curiosities
https://wp.cga.ct.gov/osh/museum-of-curiosities/
TECH TALK
Leatherman Tools
https://amzn.to/4d77F9L
RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION
Online Wilderness First Aid Certification
https://survivalmed.org/courses/wfa-16-hr/
FIRST AID KIT
Wilderness First Aid Training:
Red Cross
American Outdoor School
Emergency Number List:
US poison control 1-800-222-122
General Emergency 911
Mental Health Support 988
Stop the Bleed Kit - TRAINING STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
Pressure dressing (Israeli bandage or similar) - Maintains pressure over bleeding wounds
Hemostatic gauze (e.g., QuikClot) - Promotes clotting in deep wounds; requires training
Blister Tape (Moleskin) - Blister prevention
Burn Cream - Minor burns
Medical paper or silicone tape - Gentle adhesion to skin; secures dressings with minimal irritation
Heavy-duty cloth or waterproof tape - Strong adhesion for securing splints, bandages, or emergency repairs
Cotton swabs (e.g., Q-tips) - Applying ointments, cleaning small wounds, precise care
Flat-style instant cold pack (single-use) - Temporary relief for sprains, bruises, burns, and insect bites
Sterile gauze pads (various sizes) - Covering wounds, absorbing fluids
Heavy-duty feminine pads (non-menstrual use) - Used as emergency absorbent dressing for bleeding control
Irrigation syringe (10-20 mL) - Wound flushing
Antiseptic wipes (benzalkonium or chlorhexidine) - Wound cleaning
Hydrocolloid bandages - Blister prevention and treatment
Adhesive bandages - Small cuts and abrasions
Whistle - Emergency signaling; attract attention in remote areas
Disposable thermometer - Fever monitoring
Scalpel (individually wrapped, single-use) - Precision cutting in emergencies; backup cutting tool
Stainless steel sewing needle - Removing splinters, emergency gear or fabric repair
First Aid Guide - Reference
Small compass (cheap but reliable) - Basic navigation in case of GPS failure or emergency
Tick remover tool (e.g., Tick Key) - Safer removal of embedded ticks (optional, useful in wooded areas)
CPR mask (one-way valve) - Rescue breathing TRAINING RECOMMENDED
Sterile eye wash (saline solution) - Flush out irritants, dust, or debris from eyes
Trauma shears (full size, usable) - Cutting tape, clothes
Tweezers (fine tip) - Splinters, ticks
Acetaminophen - Pain, fever (alternate to ibuprofen)
Activated charcoal - for poisoning
Zinc oxide diaper cream - Treats chafing, rashes, minor burns, insect bites; provides moisture barrier
Meclizine or dimenhydrinate - Motion sickness, nausea
Antacid tablets - Indigestion, heartburn
Oral rehydration salts - Rehydration during illness
Loperamide - Diarrhea
Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) - Hand hygiene
Nitrile gloves - Protective barrier
Finger cots - Protect wounds on fingers; keep dressings dry
Non-lubricated condoms - Emergency water carrier, wound protection, or improvised cover
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - Allergic reactions, sleep aid
Hydrocortisone cream 1% - Skin irritation, rash
Ibuprofen - Pain, inflammation, fever
Loratadine or cetirizine - Non-drowsy allergy relief 2-day emergency supply of essential personal meds - Includes medications critical for survival or ongoing treatment (e.g., insulin, heart meds)
Hard candy (glucose source) - Emergency sugar source for suspected diabetic hypoglycemia
Naloxone nasal spray (e.g., Narcan) - Emergency treatment for opioid overdose; potentially life-saving
Permanent marker (e.g., Sharpie) - Mark tourniquet times, label supplies, track wound changes, or leave emergency notes
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