Quote:
Originally Posted by s/v Jedi
I just lost my post here when somebody closed my browser
So, I'll just list some points and will probably add more later. First a picture of the Pelican EMS (Emergency Services) case we use; this keeps it air tight so that the contents keep longer and better:
- Ciprofloxacin broad spectrum anti-biotic for infections (reef cuts etc.)
- GlacierGel for burns treatment
- Celox to survive arterial bleeding
- Stingkill ampules for biting/stinging insects & jellyfish
- Klinitule waxed gauze
- wound closure kit (the stitching kind)
- wound stapler plus the tool to remove the staples again
- blood pressure monitor (the new wrist-types with position-sensor are small and good; practice!)
- more battle dressings; they exist in multiple sizes but may be called different then plus are not packed military grade.
- big SAM splint for arm or leg
- survival blanket (to add to anti-shock measures)
- Iodine and hydrogen-peroxide.
|
Jedi,
Thanks for the list. I am not familiar with some of these items. "Klinitule" sounds like it might be similar to hydrocolloid dressings which keep the wound moist and facilitate healing.
For jellyfish and other stings the
research shows that there is no one "cure," and what works on one kind of sting may aggravate another. We carry a great book on oceanic stings and the different treatments, "
All Stings Considered." It was written by two doctors based in
Hawaii and has a
Pacific Ocean bias but is extremely useful.
For wound closure, it seems the thinking now has changed and closure via stitching or staples is discouraged. Wounds need to "exude," or drain to heal properly. Closing a wound in the field (on a boat) raises the risk of infection which is why we are going with Xeroform (petrolatum dressing) and hydrocolloids.
We also learned that hyrogen peroxide use is now discouraged due to the fact that it kills everything it touches - including the tissue you are trying to save. Povidone Iodine solution is what we carry as a substitute.
Lastly, the blood pressure monitor is a good idea and I will look at adding it to our kit. The space blanket is also good but we are putting those in the ditch bag. In our kit I have a separate section for hypothermia which includes a hot
water bottle and packets of Gu Gel - instant energy used by marathoners.
We also carry Vicodin and I asked for hydrocodone or fentanyl and was told in no uncertain terms by my physician, "NO." The druggies have hijacked that market and doctors are under extreme scrutiny if they prescribe these restricted medications.
Thanks for sharing and starting this discussion.
Cheers.
Dhillen