First Aid Thoughts

I’m looking through various every day carry sources and I notice something that is very common. A lot of folk carry some form of first aid kit. A lot of them seem to have very redundant and in my opinion pointless items. I’m sure that there are even folk that carry portable defibrillators.

What do I do for first aid in an urban environment?

Nothing.

I have never had a reason to carry any sort of first aid kit when I’m in the city. The worst thing that has happened to me in the city is I graze my knee or hand if I trip and fall. Hardly something to break out a trauma kit for. I just curse a bit, wipe off any dirt and move on. I am considering putting a few plasters in a ziplock bag, just in case.

What about in a wilderness situation?

Very minimal.

I have had exactly one incident where I needed a plaster when in the woods. I was being stupid and cut myself with my knife. Again, hardly life threatening but I got a plaster from V, whacked it on and went about the rest of the day.

If you are in the wilderness and something truely bad happens, no amount of plasters or over the counter painkillers will help. The best you could probably do is make a splint for a broken bone, make yourself comfortable and attract as much attention as possible.

All I have in my wilderness first aid kit is a few plasters of various sizes. No painkillers, I find they do nothing for me. May add anti-diarrhoea medicine cause that seems like it could be useful. The complete kit takes up very little room. Less than a pocket pack of tissues.

Just some thoughts that popped into my head.