Dwagenheim
05-26-02, 03:27 PM
Can anyone reccomend a good first aid kit, or maybe some important items to include in one I can make myself?
Dave
Dave
Touring - First Aid Kits
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Richard D
05-27-02, 06:58 AM
I picked up a very small one from an army surplus/camping shop, that's got a few sterile dressings, a bandage, needle and thread and antiseptic wipes, but then mine's for commuting not touring.
Richard
Richard
IowaParamedic
05-27-02, 08:03 AM
Ok, finally a cycling topic that I actually know something about.
As a paramedic, my first rule is to travel light. No need to carry a lot of stuff in your first aid kit. But there are some essentials.
1. Latex gloves (or non-latex if you are allergic) - good for cleaning blood from somebody else's wounds if you are lending a helping hand. Also, great for fixing your chain.
2. 4x4 dressings - there is no need to be sterile.
3. Roller gauze - or Kling - holds the dressings in place
4. Bandaids - probably the most used item
5. A pocket CPR mask. They make ones that are really small and light. (I wouldn't do CPR without one - ok, maybe I would, but it would suck)
That is all I carry in a pocket of my trunk.
As a paramedic, my first rule is to travel light. No need to carry a lot of stuff in your first aid kit. But there are some essentials.
1. Latex gloves (or non-latex if you are allergic) - good for cleaning blood from somebody else's wounds if you are lending a helping hand. Also, great for fixing your chain.
2. 4x4 dressings - there is no need to be sterile.
3. Roller gauze - or Kling - holds the dressings in place
4. Bandaids - probably the most used item
5. A pocket CPR mask. They make ones that are really small and light. (I wouldn't do CPR without one - ok, maybe I would, but it would suck)
That is all I carry in a pocket of my trunk.
MichaelW
05-27-02, 10:50 AM
A bike first aid kit is mainly for self first aid. The FA you learn at classes is usually dealing with other casualties.
I just carry stuff for road rash (antiseptic wipes/gauze pad), + a few plasters and steristrips. I usually carry enough spare clothing to rig a sling.
One important thing if you crash is to treat yourself for shock. Drink something and put on some warm clothing if its cool.
Iowa Paramedic. Do you have any professional tips on self-administered first aid?
I just carry stuff for road rash (antiseptic wipes/gauze pad), + a few plasters and steristrips. I usually carry enough spare clothing to rig a sling.
One important thing if you crash is to treat yourself for shock. Drink something and put on some warm clothing if its cool.
Iowa Paramedic. Do you have any professional tips on self-administered first aid?
IowaParamedic
05-27-02, 11:48 AM
Sure, I have some tips!
1. Air goes in & out, blood goes round & round, any disruption of that cycle is bad.
2. All bleeding eventually stops.
But seriously,
Helmets - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Shock, as defined by a lack of prefusion to the body tissues, is pretty rare in most crashes. It is the type of condition that you will not be able to treat yourself if you really have it.
Soap and water. Cleaning a wound, when you have the chance with soap and water will save you problems in the long run. Antiseptics are nice, until you sweat, spit, or ride into dirt.
Lastly, if you don't know what to do, call for help rather than wait. (oh, and put down that cell phone when the medic arrives. I hate that walkie-talkie feature on cell phones -- "honey, the paramedics are here, over.... ...ok, tell me what they do, over...")
1. Air goes in & out, blood goes round & round, any disruption of that cycle is bad.
2. All bleeding eventually stops.
But seriously,
Helmets - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Shock, as defined by a lack of prefusion to the body tissues, is pretty rare in most crashes. It is the type of condition that you will not be able to treat yourself if you really have it.
Soap and water. Cleaning a wound, when you have the chance with soap and water will save you problems in the long run. Antiseptics are nice, until you sweat, spit, or ride into dirt.
Lastly, if you don't know what to do, call for help rather than wait. (oh, and put down that cell phone when the medic arrives. I hate that walkie-talkie feature on cell phones -- "honey, the paramedics are here, over.... ...ok, tell me what they do, over...")
IowaParamedic
05-27-02, 12:44 PM
Has anybody used the new liquid bandaids by Johnson & Johnson? It looks similar to dermabond used in the ER. Dermabond is just one carbon molcule different than superglue (makes it patentable).
al223
05-28-02, 07:50 PM
Nope, but I have used superglue, only on very small cuts to the fingertips made by a sharp craft knife, a very clean cut, works fine. Not sure about larger, more serious injuries.
Mikew305
05-30-02, 01:38 PM
Originally posted by IowaParamedic
Lastly, if you don't know what to do, call for help rather than wait. (oh, and put down that cell phone when the medic arrives. I hate that walkie-talkie feature on cell phones -- "honey, the paramedics are here, over.... ...ok, tell me what they do, over...")
Funny, sounds like your living in miami by that statement.
Lastly, if you don't know what to do, call for help rather than wait. (oh, and put down that cell phone when the medic arrives. I hate that walkie-talkie feature on cell phones -- "honey, the paramedics are here, over.... ...ok, tell me what they do, over...")
Funny, sounds like your living in miami by that statement.