[swatsurgeon]

Originally Posted by sf11b_p

Rattlesnake/Coral Snake bite - can't help with this

Broken lower leg or arm - SAM splints yes but padding, wraps and tape to secure are needed.

Heat injury - shade, rest, wetting and fanning along with fluid replacement. The fluids should include electrolytes. Severe heat injury requires rapid cooling so in addition the chemical cold packs are useful. You can get hot/cold packs which are also useful for sprains and various athletic injuries.

Class II or III sprains (ankle injury) - The hot/cold packs, cold spray and supportive taping. Supportive taping is different from the elastic wraps. Supportive tape is a combo of gel wrap or foam tape (same thing really) and cloth tape over that. The first wrap protects the skin from sticky adhesive. Some knowledge of athletic training wraps is needed.

Minor cuts (rarely requiring stitches)
abrasions - The typical antibiotic ointments and sprays, tuff skin or spray bandage, super glue or cut sealer, band aids and sterile gauze rolls, butterfly (knuckle) bandages, wound and eye pads and an eye cup, with rolled medical tape.



I'd buy the pack and items separately. You'll get exactly what you need in the quantities you need, it'll likely be cheaper. Also pack the loose items in rubbermaid or tupperware sandwich containers, Keeps things clean dry and together.

I'd also have some medical information cards, allergies, medications, prior and current ailments such as asthma, ulcers or heart conditions etc, about your people.

Bandage scissors, disposable gloves, CPR mask or barrier, thermometers, tweezers, penlight/flashlight and batteries. Sterilization liquids or, povidone iodine and alcohol pads (light weight) for skin and instruments. Hydrogen peroxide and sterile saline for irrigation, Irrigation syringe, and a good eye irrigation and lubrication kit would likely be handy as well. Space blanket. Think about including a couple burn dressings. Triangular bandages and pins.

Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, Motrin or simply Aspirin, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen are always nice, with attention to patients tolerance for them. Hydrocortisone, benadryl creams, calamine lotion for the itchies. Benzocaine or Lidocaine for numbing scrapes, toothache or insect bites. Diphenhydramine for allergy or nausea. You might include an anti-diarrhea and antiacid.

All of these items can be googled or found in most drug stores. The cold hot/cold packs, cold spray and athletic training tapes can be ordered online or found in some sports or local stores. Get them in bulk with a mind to shelf life.

There's other tricks and favored items that are availabledebatable but I believe I've hit most the basics. I was LRS with some aid and minor medical training not a qualified SF medic.

A good sharp knife as always might be handy and a charged cell phone.

Okay , I may only be a seasoned trauma surgeon, Paramedic/flight crew operational medical director and tactical medic (surgeon) and not knowing it all but what the hell do you need a topical cold spray for and padding for a splint...this isn't camp we're talking about here. Electrolyte fluid...above and beyond saline: WHY?
Be practical , responsible and keep it tactical, i.e., space/weight/utility(multi-use) smart........you get to carry all of the team gear and let me know how happy you are humping all of the useless gear!!
My luck, you're a retired 18D....right?
ss