Pre-assembled
First Aid Kits are available at outdoor and camping stores, as well as surplus
and outlet stores. Department stores also carry small kits. You can put together
your own using a shoebox or fishing tacklebox. Small make-up carryalls also make
good containers for a First Aid Kit. Its a good idea to make the kit waterproof
if possible. A thin bead of RTV silicon around the mating edges of the
above-mentioned boxes will help seal them better. A plastic trash bag of the
correct size wrapped around the box might also be a good idea.
The number one rule with a First Aid Kit is to REPLACE ITEMS WHEN YOU USE
THEM. It won?t help to carry around an empty box of gauze, right?
The contents of a proper First Aid Kit depend on your activity, location,
traveling season, first aid training, potential environmental hazards, activity
hazards, and personal medical histories. If you are limited on available space
in your vehicle, here is a basic list of first aid items:
Plastic bandages
Tweezers
Pen and paper
Safety pins
Cotton swabs
Medical tape
Gauze pads
Cold pack
Antibacterial soap
Small scissors
Rubber gloves
Disinfectant
A
First Aid reference book can also be picked up at a bookstore or outdoor supply
store.
With a large vehicle, consider filling some of that extra cargo space with a
blanket or two, a few gallons of bottled water (change the water out every six
months), a box of dehydrated food (energy bars are a good choice), and a
flashlight with spare batteries.
For
those of you who have special medical conditions, pack ten days? worth of
vital medications (be sure to throw them away and replace them when they expire)
into your truck. Also include any items you may need to administer the
medication (syringes, etc.). When you travel with passengers, find out if they
are on any medications or suffer from allergies or asthma. Ask them to show you
where they keep their medication in their duffel bag, and their daily and
emergency dosage. Remind them to bring enough to last longer then the trip you
plan to take.
If possible, be sure to gather and carry the following documents for
reporting an accident:
Accident reports Field Information reports Patient Assessment forms Emergency information forms 8 quarters
These forms can be found at
a Red Cross center, police station, and some Ranger stations.
The following section describes, in detail, medications that should be
carried if room permits. The more you can carry, the more prepared you will be
for medical emergencies. The information presented here is not a complete
medication reference. You should consult your physician before taking any
medications. Off-Road.com assumes no liability for any individuals? use of, or
reliance upon, any material contained or referenced herein.
Mild pain reliever, reduces fever. Good for headaches, muscle aches, and
menstrual cramps. A good alternative to aspirin if person has an aspirin
allergy. Acetaminophen will not upset the stomach. It does not reduce
inflammation.
Adult Dose: 325 to 500 mg every 3?4 hours, as needed. For
short-term use the total daily dose should not exceed 4,000 mg.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages if you are taking more than an occasional
1?2 doses. Individuals with liver disease should consult their physician
before using this drug. Overdose can cause permanent liver
damage
and death. Treatment must be initiated within hours after overdose to be
effective.
Adult Dose: 650 mg as needed with lots of water and food if possible
May irritate stomach, cause vomiting, abdominal pain or bleeding. Do not use
if you have a history of peptic ulcers or related disorders. Can cause allergic
reaction: watch for skin rashes and asthma-like symptoms. Overdose will cause
dizziness and confusion. If ringing in the ears is present, discontinue
immediately. Aspirin is also an anticoagulant, so it can lead to bleeding.
Aspirin may interact with Diabinase or other diabetes drugs to cause a
dangerous fall in blood sugar for diabetics.
People with aspirin allergies, bleeding stomach ulcers, anemia, high blood
pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, gout, or hemophilia. Diabetics or
people who have allergic sinusitis or asthma should contact physician prior to
taking.
Use only as a topical solution on skin to provide a sticky surface for
tape or moleskin to adhere to. Benzoin is not effected by wet or sweat. Notfor internal use.
Directions for Use: Clean and dry the area. Apply a thin coating and
let air dry until tacky, then apply tape or moleskin.
Do not apply to open wounds. Do not take
internally.
Antihistamine, anti-allergy medication. Inactivates histamine produced by
allergic reactions. Provides temporary relief of sneezing, watery and itchy
eyes, and running nose due to allergies and hay fever. Also helps relieve upper
respiratory allergies.
Adult Dose: 25 - 50 mg every 4-5 hours.
May cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or hiking in dangerous terrain. Do not
drink alcohol. Large doses may cause central nervous system depression or
convulsions.
Antihistamines add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system
depressants such as sedatives, tranquilizers and sleeping pills. Consult your
physician before taking an antihistamine with these other drugs. Consult your
physician before taking if you have asthma, glaucoma, liver disease, or
difficulty in urinating due to enlargement of the prostate gland.
Epinephrine 1:1000 solution (a synthetic form of adrenaline)
. This
drug is used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions that cause
respiratory distress. It is a fast-acting bronchodilator that also reduces
swelling in the throat to allow breathing. It also serves to constrict the
capillary bed to restore the circulating blood volume. After injection,
bronchodilation may occur within 5-10 minutes, with maximum effects within 20
minutes.
Adult Dose: 0.5 ml. of epinephrine solution from the syringe in the
kit, injected into the muscle of the shoulder (deltoid) or thigh. Dose may be
repeated in 10?15 minutes as needed. See the kit itself for attached
administration instructions.
Possible side effects include increased heart rate, heart flutters, increased
blood pressure, trembling, dizziness, anxiety, weakness, paleness, nausea,
vomiting, and headache. Excessive doses cause very high blood pressure, and
cardiac irregularities.
Use according to directions attached to the kit. Epinephrine is light
sensitive and should be stored in the box provided. Store at room temperature.
Periodically check contents of the syringe. The solution should be clear and
colorless. If it appears brown or cloudy or contains a precipitate, do not use.
The effects of epinephrine may be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants or by
some antihistamines.
Must not be given intravenously!It must be given into the
muscle only. It should not be used on individuals in shock from blood loss.
Epinephrine is a powerful cardiac stimulant. Use may be contraindicated in
persons with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease.
.
Relieve redness, swelling, itching of skin. Use on skin rashes and irritations
caused by eczema, insects, poison ivy/oak/sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics,
genital and anal itching.
Dose: Apply cream to affected area not more than 3-4 times daily.
External use only. Do not bandage or wrap the skin being treated unless
directed to by a physician. Occlusive dressings increase the amount of medicine
absorbed through the skin. Avoid contact in eyes. Do not use it for skin
problems that are not listed on the package label without checking with a
physician. Discontinue use after 7 days if itching is still present, and contact
a physician. Do not use for external feminine itching if there is a vaginal
discharge.
Advil, Motrin. Mild pain reliever, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory. Good
for menstrual cramps.
Adult Dose: 200 to 400 mg every 4?6 hours, as needed. Total daily
non-prescription dose should not exceed 1,200 mg.
Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach; take with food or milk. It should not be
taken if there is a history of ulcers or severe indigestion. Ibuprofen can also
produce gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Ibuprofen also has a tendency
to cause fluid retention, so care should be used in situations where fluid
retention is a problem (ex. acute mountain sickness or high altitude pulmonary
edema). Pregnant women should not take Ibuprofen without consultation with a
physician.
Do not take if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylates
Ducolax, ExLax. Stimulant laxative for prolonged constipation, to encourage
bowel movements
Dose: varies with specific preparation
Do not take if there is abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Discontinue if
rash appears, or if there is rectal bleeding. Do not use if there is a history
of kidney disease. Continued use can cause a dependence upon laxatives.
Do not use products with Bisacodyl if you are allergic to
aspirin
Neosporin ointment. Polymyxin B sulfate, Bacitracin Zinc, Neomycin, in a
white petrolatum base. Use to prevent skin infection in minor cuts,
scrapes, and burns..
Dose: Apply a small amount (an amount equal to the
surface area of a finger tip) on the area 1 to 3 times daily. To clear up the
infection completely, use the medication for the full time of treatment (even if
symptoms have disappeared).
For external use only. Do notuse in the eyes or apply over
large areas of the body. There is a separate product specifically designed for
use in the eye. Stop use and consult a physician if the condition persists or
gets worse, or if a rash or other allergic reaction develops. Do not use this
product if you are allergic to any of the active ingredients. Do not use longer
than 1 week unless directed by a physician. In case of ingestion, seek
professional medical care on contact the nearest poison control cente
Antacid, for upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea.
Neutralizes excess stomach acid and protects stomach lining. If you are having
diarrhea, taking a dose before eating may help.
Dose: 2 tablets chewed or dissolved in mouth every 1/2 to 1 hour, as
needed, to a maximum of 8 doses in 24 hours. Best to take an hour after meals,
and every 2-3 hours thereafter.
A darkened coating of the tongue or darkening of the stool may occur with
use. Both conditions are harmless and temporary.
May prevent the absorption of other drugs, so avoid taking when on other
medications. Do not take more than 16 tablets in 24 hours. Do not use maximum
dosage for more than 2 weeks. Consult physician prior to giving Pepto-Bismol to
teenagers during or after recovery from flu or chickenpox. If diarrhea is
accompanied by high fever or continues more than 2 days, evacuate and contact
physician.
Do not use this product if you are allergic to aspirin. Contact
a physician prior to use if you are on anticoagulants (blood thinners), have
diabetes, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or gout
Betadine. Antiseptic (cleansing and sterilizing agent), topical antibiotic,
water purification.
For cleaning and irrigation, lush wound with povidone-iodine solution.
Mixing Solution: Mix about 1-1? inches (2-4 centimeters) of povidone-iodine
ointment with 1 liter of water (anywhere from 1:100 to 1:1000 concentration is
acceptable). Allow to dissolve completely; wait 10-15 minutes. This solution can
be safely stored in plastic bottles for extended periods, but may be slightly
light sensitive.
For skin disinfection, apply ointment directly to skin, or to sterile
dressing to be placed over a wound.
Individuals who are allergic to iodine. A chronic skin rash is the usual
manifestation. Do not use directly in deep puncture wounds, on severe burns, and
avoid contact with eyes.
Sudafed. Decongestant, for the Generic cold. Promotes sinus/nasal
drainage. Relieves nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, and upper
respiratory allergies.
Doses: 60 mg tablets every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 240 mg in 24
hours.
Acts as a mild stimulant and makes some individuals restless or jumpy,
inhibiting restful sleep. Reducing dose of drug usually relieves these side
effects. Taking the last dose of the day several hours before bedtime will help
prevent trouble sleeping
Do not exceed recommended dosage because at higher doses nervousness,
dizziness or sleeplessness may occur. Do not take this product if you are
presently taking a prescription anti-hypertensive or anti-depressant without
consulting a physician first.
If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disease
consult your physician before taking this drug.
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