First Aid

[NEJ]

This is an area that is very important in camping and not because of the reasons that most of us think. Probably (hopefully) no one reading this will ever have to use or give emergency medical assistance, but all of us will need to administer to ourselves or others medical remedial care on almost every camp out.

So, I buy a mid-level first aid kit and augment it before I ever leave home. I add Pepto Bismal tablets, Gas-X, Tums, Comtrex, asprin, Advil, Neosporin, Bandaids, Kaopectate, Benedryl, etc.

The point is, we all have been out camping and have had the unexpected happen. Someone or the dog is stung by a bee--- Benedryl. Dinner doesn't sit right---antacid--- Xantac or Tums or Pepto. All those home remedies you use on regular basis need to be represented in your first aid kit. Mole skin, Neosporin, Bandaids, etc.

Preparing for the worst is fine, but preparing for the stuff that happens all the time is also important if you want to have a great trip.

NJ

[Puddles]

Luck favors the prepared.

[Vtec44]

Something like this is a good start

http://www.rei.com/product/736309?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-736309&mr:trackingCode=967C4FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

I typically have it in my back pack while hiking but thankfully I haven't used it yet.

Also, any recommendation as far as a snake bite kit or are they all about the same?

[NEJ]

I am not sure that a snake bite kit is worth the money. Anti-venom kits are species specific. Maybe a general anti-venom is better than nothing, but I have never seen it used. Don't get bit. Wear high-top boots, long thick socks, and long pants. Don't step over logs and rocks, step on top of logs and rocks.

I keep a small first aid kit with my day pack at all times. In fact everything in my day pack (ten essentials) stays in the pack and I just add water or some munchies.

I keep a bigger first aid kit in my general camping gear and I also have a small kit bag of medical remedies in my travel duffel that goes with me camping and to the cabin in Idyllwild.

NJ

[Wardroid]

I was finicky about medkits, so I accumulated 4 in the last couple of years. They usually have cheap quality stuff in them, so I've replaced a lot with high quality stuff (waterproof band aids, etc..). Snake kit is a must. Not only do they work for snake venom, but only Wasp and bee stings. The pump takes the venom out. I have one that's similar to vtec's link and the bag quality is great. I think I prefer the bag over the hard shell.

[NEJ]

The number one thing to remember about rattlesnakes is that they are out in the spring. They can appear in the fall, rarely summer, never winter, but spring---there is one to be seen on almost every trip.

Ninety percent of bites are from trying to handle the snake. When you see it or hear it---leave. But take some photo's first.

NJ

http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz335/NEricJ/Snakes/Rattlesnake2.jpg?t=1257726613

[Vtec44]

But take some photo's first.


From far far away with a good zoom lense! :D