First Aid

[mfoga]

With the number of threads regarding injuries it had me thinking. How extensive of a first aid kit should one carry. Also do many of you have First Aid and CPR certifications?

I have let mine lapse by quite a few years from mine time as a Athletic Trainer. I was thinking it might be a good idea to re do them and start carrying a kit.

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by mfoga

With the number of threads regarding injuries it had me thinking. How extensive of a first aid kit should one carry. Also do many of you have First Aid and CPR certifications?

I have let mine lapse by quite a few years from mine time as a Athletic Trainer. I was thinking it might be a good idea to re do them and start carrying a kit.

Carrying a first aid kit for yourself is a good idea. Knowing how to use it is a better idea. Especially if you plan on trying to help somone else who is injured.

As a paramedic, I only carry the basics: gauze, band-aids, alcohol wipes, latex gloves and coban (kinda like athletic pre-wrap) along with athletic tape. Conspicuously missing is a CPR face shield...I need to get one.

I think eveyone ON THE PLANET should take a basic first aid course, including CPR; simply knowing how to control major bleeding can save someone's life in the back country. Just my opinion.

[FatWhat?]

I carry a SAM splint, some roller gauze, ace bandage, saline flushes, and antibacterial wipes, 4x4's.

I don't know if it is entirely necessary but then again it's stuff I had so why not.


As far as certs the only problem with getting any is the liability tied to it. As an EMT if I start to help someone on the trail I liable to get sued if I don't turn over care to someone of equal or more medical training. I think the good Samaritan law applies to First Aid certs that states that you were acting with good intentions and therefore only offering help not acting as a medical authority. It's not that I really think anyone here would sue, at the same time I have to be careful and not lose tons of money because some jackass wants to make a buck at my expense.

[Permagrin]

Just so happens I'm renewing my cpr/ first aid in a couple weeks and I'm in the process of becoming an asst trainer. I think everyone who participates in athletics should at the least take a cpr class. You never know when you might need it and even though it's your perogative if you want to use it or not, it's definitely good information to know.

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by FatWhat?

I carry a SAM splint, some roller gauze, ace bandage, saline flushes, and antibacterial wipes, 4x4's.

I don't know if it is entirely necessary but then again it's stuff I had so why not.


As far as certs the only problem with getting any is the liability tied to it. As an EMT if I start to help someone on the trail I liable to get sued if I don't turn over care to someone of equal or more medical training. I think the good Samaritan law applies to First Aid certs that states that you were acting with good intentions and therefore only offering help not acting as a medical authority. It's not that I really think anyone here would sue, at the same time I have to be careful and not lose tons of money because some jackass wants to make a buck at my expense.

Yeah the good samaritan law was exactly what I was thinking of when I asked if people were certified. I know unless it has changed anyone who has certifications is covered. I know you have to follow a few basic guidelines like if someone more trained shows up you have to allow them to take over. That you can't get paid, so unless your working your covered, and a few other little things.

Do you carry a larger backpack or do you have it somewhere else. I know i can't fit to much in my pack past what I carry in tools, water and food.

[FatWhat?]

I have a camelback HAWG. Room for two tubes, pump, some food, 3L bladder and the medical stuff

[boboso]

Lots of good ones out there... I have two from REI, one hiking and one biking... carry a fairly extensive one in the vehicle as well.

http://www.rei.com/Search.do?x=0&y=0...ing+%26+Hiking

[kanga]

I always carry a first aid kit, but fortunately, have rarely had to use it. On Sunday's ride I went down pretty hard on the Chilao ride (video of the crash available on the RR) , and actually pulled out the first aid for use on myself... that was a first. When I pulled it out, I was a little surprised at the response from the other riders around...."Now THAT's a first aid kit.... etc." Kind of dismaying to know so many aren't prepared.

Yes, it's a lot of stuff in there... a sam splint isn't and should be, but splints aren't too difficult to improvise. Basic meds... Aspirin (we had a rider have a heart attack on a ride last year), benadryl capsule (dissolve under the tongue for a beesting allergy), ibuprofin, tylenol, electrolyte pills, water treatment kit, 4x4's, latex gloves, bandages, waterless hand wash, sunscreen, poison oak wipes, triangular bandage, pencil and paper, tick remover, superglue, antibiotic ointment, liquid bandage and assorted bandaids, duct tape, surgical tape, contact (stick-on) thermometers, eye drops, plastic baggie for waste... probably some other things I'm not remembering. Plus I always have a leatherman (pliers, knives) and zip ties/duct tape.

And most importantly, emergency contact/insurance/medical/allergy info on a separate card. Or a RoadID.

A GPS (my edge) and cell phone and FRS/GMRS radio are always with me too. If you have to alert the EMS, GPS coordinates are your best friend.

[ericfoltz]

I carry gauze, tape, triangular bandage/sling and a military field dressing. Arm & leg warmers can be used for splints or tourniquets as needed.

First aid/CPR certifications through Red Cross. Combat lifesaver and cross training as a medic from the military.

I like to know if the people I'm riding with have some first aid or medical training.

[bighit8]

Today was the First day I have used mine,its pretty big.Manny crashed and I was glad I carry one, never know when you may need it.I carry regular band-aids,some big gauze( 4"x4" )pads and good surgical scissors,along with rubbing alcohol and some anti septic.Tweezers,small magnifying glass,tape ect........

I also have some first aid training from the military.Oh I carry emergency blanket,sling,ace bandage,gloves,bee sting stuff,iodine tabs

[2wheel_lee]

As mentioned, it's not just having the supplies, it's knowing what to do with them. It's also important to be able to truly evaluate the situation.

You may have to make the call whether or not you need to call for emergency support, or whether or not you think the person can ride/walk out on their own.

You may have to be able to read people. Although the injured person may say they're fine, they may not be. Just the opposite may be true; the person may be over reacting.

In the event that you have to help the person out of the area, but the injury doesn't make it easy, there is a window of time between adrenaline and shock where you can more easily get the person out. You need a certain bit of time to evaluate the situation, but if you start moving too late, it can be very difficult, and perhaps more painful to the injured person. As time goes on, the person may lose motivation to move out. Take your time, but react fast - if that makes sense.

You may have to not only calm the injured person, but others around who are panicking.

Most importantly, you may have to be a leader. After evaluating a situation, you may have to take charge and give the injured person instructions or instruct others on what to do (such as going for emergency support). You may also need to recognize if someone else is a better leader in the particular situation and simply offer your support.

[bighit8]

1)start the breathing
2)stop the bleeding
3)protect the wound
4)treat for shock.

[DBD]

My kit has a few things that I found to be essential for me when I crash and it looks like this

Roll of sterile gauze
Surgical tape
0.0 and 0.2 suture
Iodine swabs
Alcohol wipes
a couple butterfly closers
Smelling salt - this is actually for others since I most likely could not get to it if I needed it.
Benadryl
Asprin
small 2' Ace bandage

I have had CPR cert for both adult and children (good idea if you have young'uns), used to have first aid but I need to redo both and it has been some time since I have had to use either. I would very much like to join the VCSR3-East Valley , even if I could just train with them would be cool, but I do not have the time at the moment and I would also want to be in a bit better condition.

[DBD]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

...Although the injured person may say they're fine, they may not be....

It is not really funny, well, yeah it is but serious as well but this always gets me a good chuckle AFTER the fact and the person is safe,

"Are you ok?"

"I'm good. Man what happened?"

"Are you sure? You better stay down right now"

"Ah, ok but I am fine. Man what happened?"

"You should be fine, do you know where you are?"

Looks around ...
"Yeah **name trail**. Did I crash? Man what happened?"
pause
"Damn! How/where is my bike? Can I get up now? Man what happened"

repeat an infinite number of times.

[OTHRIDER]

Conspicuously missing is a CPR face shield...I need to get one.

Ditto that. I usually get re-cert'd each year at the Scouts' summer camp. For the last four or five years, the instructor's mantra was the same. "Unless the victim is an immediate family member, I will not perform CPR without a shield". The risk of disease transmission is too great a risk. They usually hand all of us shields after finishing the class.

I need another EPI pen also - good reminder!

[kanga]

Originally Posted by OTHRIDER

Conspicuously missing is a CPR face shield...I need to get one.

Ditto that. I usually get re-cert'd each year at the Scouts' summer camp. For the last four or five years, the instructor's mantra was the same. "Unless the victim is an immediate family member, I will not perform CPR without a shield". The risk of disease transmission is too great a risk. They usually hand all of us shields after finishing the class.

I need another EPI pen also - good reminder!

If you don't have a shield (I don't) the current research indicates that hand-only CPR (chest compressions, no breaths) is as effective as CPR with compressions and breaths, and much more effective than doing nothing. This is for when you witness an adult collapse. It looks like it may become the standard of care for lay people. Those trained in CPR and comfortable with and proficient at it should continue to use it. Only trained medical personnel (doctors, EMT's, etc) will likely continue with the current methods once it's ratified. It's being talked about in a lot of the recent scientific and medical literature, and is making it's way into the mainstream media:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl.../BAJ8VTF35.DTL

http://www.reuters.com/article/healt...41805220080331

http://handsonlycpr.eisenberginc.com/

[SheDevil]

Originally Posted by FatWhat?

I carry a SAM splint, some roller gauze, ace bandage, saline flushes, and antibacterial wipes, 4x4's.

I don't know if it is entirely necessary but then again it's stuff I had so why not.


As far as certs the only problem with getting any is the liability tied to it. As an EMT if I start to help someone on the trail I liable to get sued if I don't turn over care to someone of equal or more medical training. I think the good Samaritan law applies to First Aid certs that states that you were acting with good intentions and therefore only offering help not acting as a medical authority. It's not that I really think anyone here would sue, at the same time I have to be careful and not lose tons of money because some jackass wants to make a buck at my expense.

I've been EMT certified for 15 years and I'd never give the advice for people NOT to be First-Aid CPR certified. I'd much rather help someone than sit and think about my own well being (legally) out on the trail....and I'd like to know people could help me out in a time of need and were capable of it. The basic certs for people are VERY important because they give correct guidelines and a checklist of how to help an injured individual. Instead of panic..it keeps a rescuer clear minded and useful.

Maybe my two cents... but we're all a family out there.