minimalist first aid kit: show me / describe your's please

[Dr Nick]

My small trip over my handlebars yesterday, thanks to some very gloopy mud on the Ridgeway, into a bramble-infested-water-filled-ditch, resulted in me being very wet, with slightly grazed hands, and helpless through giggling too much as I lay there at the stupidity of it.

More seriously, it has set me thinking that I really should sort out a bijou-and-compact first aid kit for forthcoming rides including the WRT (yay!)

What do you carry in terms of first aid stuff for day rides and longer rides. Off the shelf? or a hand crafted assortment? Pics always welcome...

[Richard G]

I carry this all the time: http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/med ... ght-5.html

For multi day rides I sometimes take one of those Israeli Emergency Bandages too, and probably some Immodium and Co-Codamol just in case.

[atk]

Couple of antiseptic wipes, 2-3 plasters, strip of butterfly stitches, couple of ibuprofen, safety pin. Sun and bug spray in the summer, occasionally bite relief cream too.

Anything needed more than a plaster would get bodged from spare clothes, gorilla tape and zip ties. Tiny pliers with tools have mini knife+tweezers in it.

[Ian]

Couple of antiseptic wipes, 2-3 plasters, strip of butterfly stitches, couple of ibuprofen, safety pin. Sun and bug spray in the summer, occasionally bite relief cream too.

This ^^, plus a medium absorbent dressing, small bandage, a very small knife and some tick removal things. Weighs 30g and fits into a small aloksak.

[whitestone]

Basically what atk takes plus I've duct tape wrapped around the tyre pump. If you do a search I posted a rationale about this a few months ago: basically once you get past cuts and grazes unless you are a trained first-aider or paramedic then you are into damage limitation or calling for help. Actually, here's the link - http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... =first+aid

About five years ago I fell off when solo climbing and broke my wrist and dislocated my elbow. After impressing on my mate that, no, I wasn't going to be able to stay at the crag and belay him on further climbs (!) I walked back to the car and he drove me to hospital. The hospital staff wondered which ambulance I'd come in, "but I was still able to walk" was my response. I'd have needed a huge FAK to deal with my injuries myself even if I had the knowledge or expertise to use it. I certainly didn't and don't have the expertise to administer the general anaesthetic which was needed when relocating my elbow,

Obviously if you are diabetic or can suffer anaphylactic shock or similar then you need to take supplies to be able to deal with that.

Edit: absorbant dressing could be a tampon or sanitary towel. Improvised kit can work just as well as the specialist stuff.

[Ray Young]

A small roll of Elastoplast type tape, couple of medi swabs, small role of bandage, gauze squares, pain killers, insect bite cream, tick tweezers.

[HaYWiRe]

I have several kits setup in a sorta tier system,

In a tiny wallet that I carry every single day in my pocket is:
4 small plasters
2 large plasters
2 antiseptic wipes
2 butterfly paper stitches
1 sachet iodine
1 non adhesive gauze
1 adhesive gauze

My main concern is minor cuts getting infected (which I'm prone to) and helping cuts clot, admittedly the plasters get more use on other people, or kids that have had a bump, saves the day and their parents are always grateful.

Next I carry in a tiny ziploc for any bike ride further than a walk home:
1 bandage
1 non adhesive gauze
1 sachet burn cream
2 blister plasters
1 larger antiseptic wipe

These are things I've really needed during past accidents, mostly for falls and road rash. And has been selected carefully (and used during a nasty fall)

I mainly figure, that if its so serious I don't have the experience or skills to treat there's no use carrying the equipment, so its mainly minor common stuff that could turn serious by my bodies ability to bleed far more than it should and infect easy.

All of this takes up less room Than the average gentlemans leather wallet and has saved my bacon before. I also carry glucose tablets everywhere for hypo treatment but that's more specific.

Finally I have another ziploc containing duplicates and extras but rarely comes out with me, I planned it to be for longer trips away but haven't needed it yet

[mountainbaker]

I carry some gorilla tape. And some kevlar thread and a needle. Both can be used to repair rubber or skin.

[Richard G]

Basically what atk takes plus I've duct tape wrapped around the tyre pump. If you do a search I posted a rationale about this a few months ago: basically once you get past cuts and grazes unless you are a trained first-aider or paramedic then you are into damage limitation or calling for help. Actually, here's the link - http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... =first+aid

I'd say pretty much all of us would benefit from first aid training (specifically for outdoors) given the nature of mountain biking.

I'm definitely getting my knowledge topped up again next year, and plan on doing a course every couple of years as a refresher.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Edit: absorbant dressing could be a tampon or sanitary towel. Improvised kit can work just as well as the specialist stuff.

Although a very valid and accurate point, hearing this always takes me back to a first aid course many years ago. A bloke on the course was spouting off about carrying tampons and super-glue as his first aid kit ... the instructor was a 'no messing' kind of chap, explained to him that he was "in Snowdonia, not fu*king Vietnam

I'd say pretty much all of us would benefit from first aid training (specifically for outdoors) given the nature of mountain biking.

I'm definitely getting my knowledge topped up again next year, and plan on doing a course every couple of years as a refresher.

I've mentioned this in passing before ... if there really is genuine interest, then I'd consider arranging something. It would be a 16 hour REC course, which are very much tailored to outdoor enviroments and true hands on emergency first aid. Going off previous experiences, I'd expect the cost to be in the region of £100 pp.

[whitestone]

Basically what atk takes plus I've duct tape wrapped around the tyre pump. If you do a search I posted a rationale about this a few months ago: basically once you get past cuts and grazes unless you are a trained first-aider or paramedic then you are into damage limitation or calling for help. Actually, here's the link - http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... =first+aid

I'd say pretty much all of us would benefit from first aid training (specifically for outdoors) given the nature of mountain biking.

I'm definitely getting my knowledge topped up again next year, and plan on doing a course every couple of years as a refresher.

Our club ride leaders (road biking) have had a biking specific training day. Not an official qualification or certification but targeted at the usual biking injuries: broken wrist; broken collarbone; road rash; concussion. Was run by a guy who does FA certification courses for outdoor centres and the like. The one bit of kit reckoned to be useful not mentioned so far in this thread was a space blanket as it's surprising how cold people can get once they stop being energetic.

Personally I reckon mountain biking has far greater potential risk than something like rock climbing, it's more akin to horse riding in terms of risk.

[Richard G]

I'd definitely do another two day one. Was well worth it.

I just wish I could remember most of it.

[Bearbonesnorm]

The one bit of kit reckoned to be useful not mentioned so far in this thread was a space blanket as it's surprising how cold people can get once they stop being energetic.

The thermal properties of a space blanket are about zero. They're designed to reflect radiated body heat, chances are if you're in need of a space blanket then you're not radiating much heat. Granted, they can help with convective heat loss caused by the wind but in those situations, a bothy bag makes much more sense / does much more good.

[benp1]

Mine has some plasters, steristrips, couple of wipes, small dressing, micropore, couple of safety pins, maybe a tampon, paracetamol - I think that's it

It's in a tiny little ziplock bag (in fact it's the one that came free with my mount skidmore bottle cage adaptors). Small enough to pop it my bumbag, camelbak or whatever other bag I'm using

[Scattamah]

This was covered last year... http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... st+aid+kit ...my medkit pic is on the first page. I need to get some new bits in there after eating some of the stuff.

Greetz

S.

[welshwhit]

Couple of antiseptic wipes, 2-3 plasters, strip of butterfly stitches, couple of ibuprofen, safety pin. Sun and bug spray in the summer, occasionally bite relief cream too.

Anything needed more than a plaster would get bodged from spare clothes, gorilla tape and zip ties. Tiny pliers with tools have mini knife+tweezers in it.

This covers my approach too, used to cary what I considered a large first aid kit when with groups, but again, you have to know what to do with it. Most of the time its first aid, if it needs more than a quick patch, you should be going looking to get help.

I got one of these cheap, https://www.weldricks.co.uk/product/555 ... GwodkTkOKg

It basically the above in an aloksac bag; I ditched the bits I didn't want, I added some more plasters and stern strips and dip in and out as a little kit. Add a field dressing and its a good kit

[PaulB]

Not mentioned yet... some form of ID should you the person involved and not in a good way. This should have any meds your taking, allergies, contact details for a responsible person, any other info you think is important, example - heartrate possibly a lot lower than most folk.
Instead of foil blanket, a plastic bivi bag slit along the long side creates a great shelter for the injured person and if you carry a bag a folded piece of mat (double sit mat can make a huge difference to the injured parties comfort if on the floor or makes a nice splint.

Hope this is ok? http://www.peakmountaineering.com/cours ... aid-2-day/ as it's run at work and I know the quality is excellent.

Paul.

[ScotRoutes]

Edit: absorbant dressing could be a tampon or sanitary towel. Improvised kit can work just as well as the specialist stuff.

Although a very valid and accurate point, hearing this always takes me back to a first aid course many years ago. A bloke on the course was spouting off about carrying tampons and super-glue as his first aid kit ... the instructor was a 'no messing' kind of chap, explained to him that he was "in Snowdonia, not fu*king Vietnam

Sanitary towel was highly recommended when I had my BASP Outdoor First Aid Course a few weeks ago. Who was the instructor?

[RIP]

Bit p1ssed at the moment, apologies. Best state to be in when talking about leaking/damaged bodies. Anyway, humble left-field contribution: agree with all the "FIRST aid, sticky plaster, gaffer tape etc; then owt else for goodness sake call for help" views, "DrsABC" thing, emphasis on "s". Was involved in a two-helicopters, dark, winter, rain, wind, middle of nowhere situation a while ago; with a few of us. One mountain rescue bloke said well done for having a paper map marked with quick-ref coordinates, a [signal] light, and a cheap phone. Actual 1st aid kit, slings, bandages, hipflask whisky = useless. Recovery position + minibothy = useful. Would rather not repeat that episode thanks. "Reg".

[Bearbonesnorm]

Sanitary towel was highly recommended when I had my BASP Outdoor First Aid Course a few weeks ago. Who was the instructor?

I'm sure a sanitary towel's much more use than a tampon for mountain bike inflicted wounds ... bullet / shrapnel wounds might be different

Can't recall who the instructor was Gari ... all a long time ago and I can't remember what I did this morning.

[RIP]

Excellent.. and very important/useful... thread BTW... Don't like to talk about it, tempting fate, but similar to the Mistress/Mastress(?) - best talked about before you have to, to save things getting messy when you need to .

[HaYWiRe]

Surprised to see my old topic dug up, forgot how much info was in that

I've been carrying my kit since not long after That post. Its been used, emptied, ripped open and restocked alot, that reassures why I carry it every day.

I figure its more for comfort than safety, and tend to pick the contents for different reasons;
The bandages and gauze can help with more serious cuts, only as a temp measure until I can get proper help. I follow the "SLAP IT & WRAP IT" idea that you need something to stop bleeding and protect from further elements. I figure it'll hold me out and there's millions of ways I could use them.

The plasters are not essential, if its small enough for one I probably dont NEED one. But having a paper cut on your breaking finger or a graze that'll leave your shorts with blood stains is a minor annoyance that could have been avoided.
Also like I said, they've helped a few folks with young children, also handy for when my injection site decides to bleed...

As for patching yourself up with duct tape and tampons....from a 1st responder friend, it can just make the paramedics job harder trying to sort a wound covered in gaffer and sanitaries.....unless of course you are actually in a 127 hours situation

[LSJ]

It always amazes me the amount of FAK people somtimes carry. Especially when they have no clue on how to use it (but they have read about online somewhere).

For me the FAK should be tailored to what ability you have, the curcumstances it might be used, and the time of year.
Also there is a huge difference if the activity that takes place. Ie if it is in Denmark, there is never a long distance to help, so all I carry is something to dress and clean minor cuts, and a thigh slide on gravel (netting and some gauze). Dont carry any painkillers (if I need to be taking them to carry on, I probably shouldn't be carrying on).
I never carry tampons and other stuff to stop heavy bleedings (then a tshirt or other would do), not likely to happen on a biketrip.

On a long unsupported trip, far away from any help, I might take some painkillers (to help me carry on to a pick up site), and something to stop heaver bleedings. The rest can be improvised with the kit I alrteady carry. But as stated in an earlier post, best thing is to know where you are, and able to call for help.
And sun screen, insect repellent and prescribed medicin and butt cream thats not first aid, thats personal hygiene. I have a pair of tweezzers in my knife.

In all seriosness why do people carry those Isreali bandages, Tourniques and quick clot bandages. How often do people have their limbs torn of by biking???? And if you dont know how to use them, you will probably do more harm than good.
To me, good first aid starts with prevention, then training and knowledge of first aid. Lastly the kit..
Wonder if those people that carry more first aid kit than I did in my IFAK when deployed, also carry a fireinstinguisher (just in case the tent is on fire).

Lars

[Richard G]

I do mostly know how to use them (well, in theory, I'm certified to), and I had a friend rip his arm open by crashing into a tree, which was a complete mess. I managed it with a few very tight bandages, but a 30g emergency bandage would have been faster, and more reliable (I don't think I'd want to even try using a tourniquet or quick clot stuff).

...and often on rides I'm at least an hour from anywhere (probably 45 mins from a helicopter too), so if the sh*t hits the fan I'd rather increase the chances of being able to help the person I'm with last until the pros turn up.

[HaYWiRe]

I actually own quite alot of military grade first aid stuff, CATs, Quickclot, Israeli bandages and the sort. But its for reenactment and just little collection rather than actual use. I really don't trust myself trying to use anything that serious, although I cut-down Israeli actually makes a very good all round bandage/sling/gauze,ect. Still bulkier than id want to carry biking.

Another thing to carry is a good whistle, for helping emergency services finding you, or simple calling your mate ahead that you've had a slip up. Mine is built into the buckles of my packs.

Survival blankets are debatable use, but something high vis for signalling could be more realistic. Admittedly I dont carry either but I rarely ride far enough from villages to be an issue, south wales is both rural and well populated with a pub or spar never far away.