[pct-l] Ultralight first aid

[wandering_bob at comcast.net (Bob Bankhead)]

I'm assuming that like me, you are not a medical professional and so have no
legal liabilty that would mandate a more extensive kit. Here's what I've
carried for 12 years on the trail - never needed anything else. One time I
did wish I had brought an irrigation syringe, but used tweezers and lots of
water instead to debried a nasty abrasion suffered during a glacier fall.
Note the absence of any adhesive tape. I carry duct tape for repairs and if
necessary, it will hold bandages too. My spare bandana makes useable
dressings, slings, etc. My doctor is also a hiker and says he can't think of
anything to add to a layman's kit. For a major injury, you can fashion what
you need from clothes, hiking poles, duct tape, and whatever else you have
with you or naturally available.

The 5 ounce first aid kit:

14 Naproxen sodium tablets (good for 12 hours) or ibuprofen (4 hours)
  4 Neosporin ointment individual packs
  2 self-adhesive pads 3x4 inches
  1 package moleskin plus
  3 Band-Aids
  3 q-tips
  6 alcohol wipes
  1 needle-nosed tweezers
  1 oz tincture of benzoate (to keep moleskin stuck on sweaty feet)
  1 Ziploc bag

Even this kit is overkill for the PCT, as I can fabricate bandages and
dressings if need be, but the extra weight is so tiny that the convenience
is worth it. Were I to pare it down to the essentials, I'd drop the SA pads,
bandaids, q-tips, tweezers, half of the moleskin, and 4 of the
anti-inflammatory tablets..  Know your limitations and the risks inherent in
what you're doing and where you're doing it. Adjust your kit accordingly.
Note that prescription medicines you need are NOT part of a first aid kit.








----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom" <weir@turbonet.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 9:21 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Ultralight first aid


> I am working on getting my pack weight down.  I have noticed that the one
> thing that I haven't reduced is my first aid kit.  Obviously, this is one
of
> those items that is an exception to the "if I didn't use it last trip, get
> rid of it" rule.  I believe that a first aid kit should be truly an
> emergency item.  Not for blister treatment or other maintenance items.
The
> only time that I ever really used it was for someone who wasn't even
hiking
> in my group.  And then it wasn't life threatening.  I have one of those
> prepackaged REI kits in the nifty fold-up zip-shut pouches.  Clearly, the
> pouch is the first thing that needs to go.  It is probably half of the
> weight.  Next would be the little first aid book.  This information is
much
> lighter and more useful if carried in ones head.
>
> My real question is; what is really important?  Do I really need such a
big
> assortment of Band-Aids?  I can take care of small wounds with a little
> toilet paper and some duct tape.  Maybe my first-aid kit should
concentrate
> on the big stuff.  I am thinking, maybe a wad of gauze and some tape, a
> butterfly closure or two, maybe some antiseptic.
>
> Any advice?
>
> Tom
>
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