Coles on the Coast Podcast Episode 13 - First Aid Kits

Episode 13 – Essential First Aid Kits

 

1. Plan out your kit.

 

Who will be using the kit?

• What you put in your kit will depend on who is using it. Many drugs are dangerous for children even though they are extremely common. Any Aspirin derivatives (Pepto) can cause Reyes Syndrome. Diphenhydramine can be fatal for children under 2 due to its sedating properties.

 

How will you organize the kit?

• Organization is key while performing first aid. A well organized kit will decrease the amount of time it takes to locate items in an emergency and will improve your chance of saving a life. Organization is also critical when you are giving instructions on where to locate an item.

 

Where will you keep the kit?

• The size of the kit will determine where you will keep it. You can be minimal and chose a few items to store in your medicine cabinet or you can create a standalone kit that can be stored in a closet or utility room.

2. Stock your kit

• What capabilities do you want?

  • Household accident

  • common illness

  • Traumatic injuries

• Stock what you know and know what you stock

  • brand name vs generic

  • what does what, drug interactions

  • be aware of combining medications

  • choose quality over quantity

3. Leveling up your kit

• Advanced Medical Items

• Trauma Items

• Emergency Antibiotics

4. Resources

• The Survival Medicine Handbook – Joe Alton MD

   

5. Shops to Visit

• Active Carry Technologies - https://activecarrytec.com/

• Doom and Bloom Survival Medicine - https://www.doomandbloom.net/

• Amp-3 - https://www.amp-3.net/