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ASSEMBLING A FIRST AID KIT
Personal safety is
one of the foremost concerns each of us should have when preparing for a
trip. Whether you drive a Suburban or a Samurai, some form of a First Aid
Kit should be stored in the vehicle at all times. I have put together a
long list of items that will be useful in one emergency type of situation
or another.
  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
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| Small scissors |
Rubber gloves |
Disinfectant
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 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
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These forms can be found at
a Red Cross center, police station, and some Ranger
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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.
Acetaminophen - Generic Name:
Tylenol
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.
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Aspirin - Generic Name: Aspirin, Bayer
Mild pain relief. Fever reduction. Anti-inflammatory.
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.
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 Tincture of Benzoin -
Benzoin, alcohol 80%
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. Not for 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.
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Diphenhydramine -
Generic Name:
Benadryl
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.
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Epinephrine
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.
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 Hydrocortisone
Cream
Cortaid, Lanacort . 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.
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 Ibuprofen
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
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Laxatives
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
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 Triple Antibiotic
Ointment
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 not use 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 r.
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 Pepto-Bismol
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 .
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Povidone-Iodine Solution and
Ointment
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.
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Psuedoephedrine
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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 Sting Relief Swabs
Sting-Eze. Local immediate sting relief for non-allergic
reactions
Remove swab from packet, squeeze mini-vial between fingers, and apply
using sponge end directly to sting site, spreading with your finger.
Do not use in eyes or nose. Not for prolonged use, or use over large
areas of the body. If swelling or pain persists, discontinue use.
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 Zinc Oxide Ointment
Use: Skin protectant (total sun block). Apply liberally to
desired area (especially face).
Do not take internally. Avoid eye contact. Do not apply to open
wounds.
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