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Before heading to WY, I need to get a first aid kit. What are needed to make it worth having? I am guessing band aids, tweezers, tape. What else?
Posts: 348 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2010
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Assorted sized adhesive pads, gauze pads, betadine, waterproof surgical tape, moleskin, aspirin, anti-inflammatory pills, antibiotic cream, small blunt tip shears, chemical heat and cold packs, fire making supplies,water purification system, maybe signal mirror/signal flares, map and compass skills...that should get you started
Posts: 2094 | From: new york | Registered: Mar 2003
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mysticguido
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Needle and thread for them bad cuts.
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The most important first aid kit is the one you keep between the ears and a basic first aid class is always helpful to get the gray matter up to speed..
That being said, the suggestions above are spot on. You should tailor the kit to what you and your partner(s) are comfortable with. There is likely no need for suture material if no one can stomach the idea of stitching someone up/deal with human blood or injury etc. A basic bandaging kit is great, super glue works fine on cuts and it's cheap (be forewarned that it will sting some), anti-inflammatories. Many things you can improvise from your hunting/camping eqpt.
Best of luck and safe travels.
David
-------------------- Hunting with the bow and arrow involves earning your way by making meat, getting your hands messy in the process and then recognizing your own reflection upon them. "The Squirrel Chronicles" Dean Torges
TGMM Family of the Bow Posts: 1206 | From: Pikeville, TN | Registered: Jul 2003
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There are only two kinds of injuries. Ones you need a doctor for and ones you don't. Try to imagine being on your hunt and the type of terrain there, what weapon will you be carrying (obviously the bow). What type of injuries could you encounter and can you get to a doctor if you need to? Pack accordingly. I think essentials are assorted size cloth Bandaids, Gauze pads, cloth tape, Neosporin single use packets, large trauma compress for bad open wounds, I carry a new cloth baby diaper and a new clear plastic garbage bag. A roll of 3M vet wrap or ace bandage will wrap the trauma bandage down snugly. Fine point tweezers, razor blade, dental floss (not tape) your favorite pain killers, aspirin, personal meds, a baggie of Ricola cough drops, a 3x5 card with my personal info and doctors name and phone, the names of my insurance carriers, whom to contact etc. and that is laminated, carried on me at all times. Leave a note with a trusted family member. Zip loc bag to keep it all in
Posts: 252 | From: Canandaigua, NY | Registered: Jul 2004
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Putting together a good kit does take some time and a little cash, but well worth it to be prepared. Good suggestions already above.
One thing I would add is some Duct tape. Great for removing those small cactus spines that you will no doubt end up with.
Posts: 8861 | From: Lake Mills, WI | Registered: Mar 2003
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I carry a few quickclot packages on backpack hunts "in case".
I also carry a SPOT and will have a sat phone in AK.
Small roll of duct tape and a bit of gauze plus superglue covers all cuts or lacerations. I always also tote vitamin I, acetaminophen, and Tylenol pm too.
Tweezers are in my pack and used often as well.
You want to have what you need, but some folks pack such large first aid kits that they are tempted to leave them on "quick hunts", which Mr Murphy's law states is when you need it.
Have fun and be safe!
-------------------- Give me a bow a topo and two weeks, and I guarantee I kill two weeks! Posts: 743 | From: California by way of Georgia | Registered: May 2009
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I carry a good size kit with a few hospital grade heavy wound dressings, the kind that can soak up a lot of blood. I dont scimp on my first aid kit and will gladly carry extra weight for that one time when it may be the difference between saving you or your mates life or not. All the first aid stuff in the world wont help you though if you dont know how to use it.
-------------------- "A hunt based only on trophies taken falls short of what the ultimate goal should be ... time to commune with your inner soul as you share the outdoors with the birds, animals, and the fish that live there." Fred Bear Posts: 401 | From: Melbourne Australia | Registered: Feb 2009
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Zbearclaw's point about if your kit is too large you will be tempted not to carry it is valid. I do have some emergency type stuff in my day pack that will handle what is likely to happen in the field. But my main first aid kit has backup bandages, medicines, etc. and will allow me to do a better job and care for a wound or whatever for the rest of the hunt.
Posts: 8861 | From: Lake Mills, WI | Registered: Mar 2003
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get you some quick-clot for bad cuts/puncture wounds. REI stores carry it. especially since we play with sharp bhs and knives. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and bleed to death. Posts: 1593 | From: Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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Here's what is in my pack kit that goes anywhere I am. Have used it a few times the last 12 years on backcountry hunts. It includes survial stuff too. 1. 1/4 roll of duct tape 2. A small 1/4 inch candle for heat/light/waxing blisters on your feet 3. A small pad of paper (3-4 sheets for leaving notes...yep I am here. Wait for me) 4. A pen 5. A sam spint (made of foam for helping w fractures)...can order it. Malleable but works. 6. 3 in ace wrap 7. Space blanket 8. a signal mirror 9. A whistle 10.Matches 11.A flint fire-starter 12.A pill bottle full of dryer lint for fire. 13.Women's Pads (4 or 5) for pressure dressing 14. An orange trash bag for signal and rain shelter. 15. 8 ibuprofen
All fits into a gallon zip bag with 2 big rubber bands around it and fits in the bottom of my day pack. Might weigh 2 lbs but it covers the basics. I keep a real kit at the truck with things to treat bigger injuries.
-------------------- Mike Davenport Posts: 2235 | From: Southern IL | Registered: Jan 2006
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Good suggestions already on stuff to bring to WY, but the big question is what to take in the day pack. I would disagree with some of the suggestions so far.
I opt for carrying very little with me. If you do many hunts, or packing, or both, less is better and more likely to be with you. Trust me, after week one, you will be looking to leave stuff back at camp. You don't want to leave out some first aid.
I carry (for first aid) only duct tape and a lighter. The latter is obvious.
I already carry a compass, knife, water, maps, rain gear etc in my pack, but those need to be handy beyond a first aid kit IMO.
Duct tape can be use as band aids and major cuts(with pieces of the t-shirt you are wearing), an ankle wrap, or splint with nearby sticks.
It also works well for non-emergencies.
There is only so much that you can prepare for out there and hence bring with you. I suspect medium falls and cuts are about it so I think I am covered.
BTW: I know bigger things can happen, but I don't believe I can do much about it. e.g. a heart attack, major fall, or frickin' grizzly having a bad day.
Posts: 834 | From: Mount Horeb, WI | Registered: Jul 2004
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