Gaye Levy
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Generally speaking, I have a fairly decent first aid kit. It includes everything from a large variety of bandages to pain killers, antibiotics, essential oils, trauma supplies, first aid books, and equipment such as braces, splints and a blood pressure monitor.
That being said, I put the kit together a few years ago and as they say, I wish I knew then what I know now. As with all things preparedness, my knowledge has increased over time and I now recognize that I need to go back and revisit my first aid kit, adding items that are missing and removing certain items I no longer consider appropriate or necessary.
Over the years, something I have learned is that in a survival situation, it may be the less common items in our supply closet that turn out to be the most useful. The same applies to a first aid kit.
Today Backdoor Survival Contributing Author Rob Hanus is back with us to share his take on 8 uncommon first aid items.
8 Items You May Have Overlooked In Your First-Aid Kit
Having a well-stocked first aid kit (FAK) is a given. You should have one in your home and one in your vehicle, as well as in each of your emergency packs.
Once you have a basic first aid kit, consider adding these 8 items:
Liquid Bandage: Though this has become more popular, surprisingly, many people still don’t know about it. Liquid bandage, like New Skin, is just like it sounds: you apply a the liquid to a small wound and within minutes, it dries into a protective bandage. It’s good for keeping out dirt, germs and water, without the annoyance of a bandage.
Link: New-Skin Liquid Bandage
Super Glue: This is a common household item that also has a use in first aid. You can buy the expensive, prescription-only version called Dermabond, but it’s far cheaper to use a common tube of super glue.
This works a lot like the liquid bandage above, in that you apply it to the wound and when it’s dry, it will hold the cut together. The glue doesn’t go into the wound, it’s suppose to go over the wound. Basically, you hold close the cut and apply the glue over it, to bond the two sides together. Most people do this wrong and don’t wait long enough for the glue to dry.
Just make sure not to use super glue on the following: eyes, lips, genitals, wounds with a high risk of infection like animal bites, and deep wounds that involve damage to muscles or tendons. Also, note that will sting more than Dermabond will.
Link: Super Glue – The Original
Tampons and Maxi-pads: While using these for their normal role is one aspect, they also have uses in first aid. Tampons are good for plugging up puncture wounds and the pads make good dressings. Just make sure you get the non-scented type so you’re not injecting the scent chemical into the wound.
Link: Playtex Unscented Tampons, Always Maxi Unscented Pads
Hand Sanitizer: You can’t always wash your hands in the wilderness, but you can sanitize them with the common alcohol hand sanitizer. This is good to use both before treating wounds and after your hands have been covered in blood. As an aside, it’s also a very good fire starter (it’s essentially gelled alcohol).
Link: Purell Hand Sanitizer
Safety Pins: While this seems like a common item found in first aid kits, you would be surprised at how many kits don’t have any. Not only can you hold bandages in place with these, but they are also good for digging out splinters. They’re safety design makes them easy to carry in your kit. One non-medical use for them is when you lose a button on your shirt or pants.
Link: Singer Safety Pins, Multisize
Tongue Depressors: While common in pediatrician’s offices, you should have a few of them in your FAK, too. The main use for them is as a finger split. The best way to treat a broken or severely sprained finger is to immobilize it. They’re also good for kindling if you need to make a fire
Link: Tongue Depressors
Self Adherent Bandage: Most of us have probably learned that the way to dress a wound is to put gauze dressing on it, then wrap in gauze roll bandage and secure with a safety pin, or tuck the end under one of the wraps.
In talking to a Navy corpsman, the preferred method is to use the self adherent bandage or cling wrap. This wrap looks much like an Ace bandage, only that it clings to itself. This makes it far easier to wrap, unwrap and rewrap a wound, as you’re not having to mess around with pins or other fasteners. A few rolls of these and some maxi-pads and you have some excellent field dressings.
Link: Pac-Kit Self-Adhering Cohesive Wrap, 2″ Wide
Hemostatic Agent: These go under several brand names, like QuikClot, Celox, and HemCon. What they do is quickly cause the blood to clot, stopping the bleeding much faster. These are best used in large wounds where the risk of death from blood loss is high. These can be more expensive than other first aid items, but they literally can mean the difference between life and death in severe trauma.
Link: Israeli Battle Dressing, 6-inch Compression Bandage, Quikclot Sport Brand Advanced Clotting Sponge
Whether you’re making a new kit or adding to your existing kit, the items above can add to the functionality of your first aid kit. And, if you don’t have any FAKs or want to run a quick check on them, I suggest starting here: The Preparedness Podcast: First Aid / Medical.
Essential Oils for the First Aid Kit
In addition to Rob’s suggestions, I would you to consider adding an assortment of health and wellness related essential oils to your first aid kit. At a minimum, include melaleuca (tea tree), lavender, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, and clove oils.
You can read about these and other healing essential oils in 20 All Purpose Remedies Using Essential Oils or other articles on this page: Interested in Learning About Essential Oils?.
For an even broader selection of oils consider this Spark Naturals Health and Wellness Kit which includes a total of 10 oils and blends, nicely packaged in a tin that is perfect for your first aid kit. And note that with any purchase from Spark Naturals you will enjoy a 10% discount by using code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout.
The Final Word
As preppers, one thing we should strive to do is keep our eyes open for uncommon uses for everyday items. This includes the gadgets in your kitchen to the odds and ends that have found their way into the proverbial junk drawer. Come on – I just know you have one!
All kidding aside, a properly stocked first aid kit is an important addition to both your day to day and long-term preps. If it has been a while since you have taken inventory, do it now. And while you are at it, can you think of some additional uncommon items to include in a first aid kit?
For additional uncommon items for your first aid kit, see 6 More Uncommon First Aid Items.
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
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Spotlight: From BDS contributor, Rob Hanus, The Preparedness Capability Checklist succeeds where other survival lists fail. You won’t find outdated or useless equipment here. Instead, the checklists in this book focus on the capabilities you need to do in order to survive any number of disasters or crisis events. With this book, you can actually answer the question, “Am I prepared?”
Bargain Bin: For your convenience, here are links to many of the items referenced in today’s article.
New-Skin Liquid Bandage, First Aid Liquid Antiseptic: I have been using New Skin for years. It is an antiseptic, invisible, flexible, and waterproof. It works.
Super Glue – The Original: This is the original Super Glue brand. Also, check out Krazy Glue or Gorilla Brand Super Glue.
Pac-Kit Self-Adhering Cohesive Wrap, 2″ Wide: I first learned about self-adhesive bandages when my dog came home from the vet such a bandage wrapped around his leg. A light went off telling me I needed to add some to my first-aid kit. And so I did.
Quikclot Sport Brand Advanced Clotting Sponge: A must for any first aid or emergency kit, Quikclot Sport stops moderate to severe bleeding until further medical help is available.
Israeli Battle Dressing, 6-inch Compression Bandage: This is another inexpensive, yet critical item. Combat medics, trauma doctors, and emergency responders all recommend this Israeli Battle Dressing (IBD) for the treatment of gunshot wounds, puncture wounds, deep cuts, and other traumatic hemorrhagic injuries.
Living Ready Pocket Manual – First Aid: Fundamentals for Survival: Whether you are miles from help or immersed in an urban disaster situation, every second count during a medical emergency. This book will help you take quick, effective action to stabilize the situation. One of the best things about this book (other than the information, of course) is its size. It is small enough to keep in your bug-out-bag and also in your first aid kit.
Spark Naturals Essential Oils: I use essential oils from Spark Naturals exclusively. They are of high quality yet reasonably priced. In addition, there are no membership fees and a distributor relationship is not necessary to get the best pricing. Interested in checking them out? Backdoor Survival readers get a 10% discount by using coupon code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout!
Help support Backdoor Survival. Purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!
73 Responses to “Fast Track Tip #10: 8 Uncommon First Aid Items”
You’re right Moleman, many don’t know that bleeding is the body’s way of pushing out any foreign stuff back through that wound. 🙂 Great point!
I superglued my schlong, and now my hand is stuck to it! 😀
And one piece of advice that I never see mentioned, but which will save you untold grief: When you get a cut- whether big or little, let it bleed a little- as this will keep it from getting infected. If you apply pressure the minute you cut yourself and stop it before it even bleeds, you’re likely to get an infection.
As a nurse I cringe when I see people talk about closing wounds without doing a assessment of the size, depth, location and state of cleanliness of the wound bed. The risk of causing infection by sealing a dirty wound is high, which could lead to Sepsis, or worse.
Also is this person diabetic? Immune-compromised? A child or very old person? All have special considerations in treating wounds.
Does this person have a current tetanus shot?
There is a type of dressing called a wet -to-dry dressing which I would consider using on a non -life threatening, not heavily bleeding woundThis is when you dampen a clean gauze pad with saline , place a dry gauze dressing over then secure (not to tight). This keeps a wound bed moist until it can be seen by a medical professional.
There is a time frame to suturing a wound closed, I am not sure what it is. But I know you’d have a few hours before that happens.
Also wound beds need to be cleaned with sterile saline carefully or you risk pushing dirt and debris further into a wound or the bloodstream, making the risks of infection or sepsis higher.
Last night there was the story of a ten year old boy who died from sepsis after a scraped knees. Three days earlier, so even small wounds can be dangerous.
If you are not a trained medical professional your first goal is to stabilize your victim, then get professional help. When this isn’t possible your next goal is to do the minimum needed to prevent further complications.
That all being said, if you are serious about this , have you learned how to take Vital signs? Do you know what is normal? What is normal for a infant or child?a elderly person? Can you check a pulse?
Do you have a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff for children and adults, thermometer, or a pulse oximeter?
vital signs are called Vital for a reason, this is information you need to act quickly and that medical professionals will need.
This equipment isn’t that expensive and could be had for under $100 for a serious kit. Also a card with what normal for different age groups in your kit is a good idea.
For myself I buy bottles of saline nose drops at the dollar store to clean simple wounds, then toss after use to prevent cross contamination.
I hope this will make people think before they act, it’s good to be self sufficient, but no one wants to cause further harm.
Kelly – so in a shtf situation where there are no hospitals and no means to take a person to a doctor, are you suggesting that we do absolutely nothing? Yes, what you say is good advice for now, but even in a standard emergency, like Katrina, it may be days before the person can get professional help. I hope you are not advocating just letting injured people die! And if there is just myself to care for an injured person, what am I supposed to do, ignore them?
This is a ‘survival’ blog, not a medical blog and emergency medical treatments are relevant to survival. We can not all get a degree in medicine, but we can try to learn some basics.
Thank you for reminding us that a wound should be well cleaned before closing it, but can you tell us some ways to do that?
With total respect for your training and experience. If I had to be hurt, I would prefer to have someone with your training. Life doesn’t always allow for that. Please correct if I’m wrong but first aid is about giving those of us who don’t have your kind of training, the opportunity and knowledge to possibly save someone until someone like you can attend.
It’s a terrible thing to stand by because you can’t do something for someone who is hurting. I suspect you know this from experience. For all you know and the tools you discuss, in the wrong hands with little or no knowledge. though the tools be great, they are potentially futile. All that said, please do tell what we can do to improve and allow us to know more. 🙂
Jim no reason to be hostile. In Shtf situation, you will do the best you can. But isn’t it better to informed so that you do no harm when you are in that situation?
I realize this isn’t a medical blog, but the likelihood of a accident while camping or hunting or power outage is far more likely, so this is important information.
Being able and knowledgable about the equipment and recommended course of action, is far more important than having the latest gimmick or tool. I have improvised many times in my career.
As for methods of cleaning a wound, you could can jars of sterile water to have to clean a wound. You will want to add a little salt to make a slightly saline solution. And have a sterile clean syringe to irrigate ,or gauze to clean a wound. Often the least amount you do is the best.
Digging around in a wound increase the chance you will push a unsterile object further into a wound or bloodstream. This is especially true if it is deep, that is when a when to dry dressing works by wicking away fluid while keeping wound moist so the body’s immune system can do its job.
As for ignoring people? Really? I think that was a unnecessary remark. But that being said, how do you act in a critical medical situation?. I know even as a nurse it’s hard for me, I count on my co-workers help, assistance and advice. That’s why “Code Blue” is a team effort.
But you never know-the one thing that makes a difference to the victim is that you appear calm and act as if you know what you are doing.
In a critical situation-calming your victim makes the chances of survival increase and you able to do what is necessary.
So how many of you have taken a basic CPR class? Is your card current? Recommendations change all the time based on studies by The American Heart Association. do you know the signs of a stroke or heart attack?
These are things that will happen everyday, and will especially after the shtf. Do you has Aspirin?
Sorry Kelly. I do tend to get irate when it looks like someone is telling people that since they don’t work with something every day they should not even attempt to do it. Yes, I realise that an uninformed person can do great harm. Just moving someone who has a back injury could paralize them for life, or even kill them. But, if the fire is getting too close and endangering them, then I will move them, being as cautious as possible. And I, and most here, know not to use a dirty sock for a bandage on an open wound, but if that is all I have, I’ll do what I can to sterilize it and use it.
My feeling is that giving knowledge is much, much better than giving discouragement. Something like, do “this” instead of “that” and it will be morevhelprul. But, try to realise that all the modern convinces and products may not be available.
Like Dee said, if something were to happen to me I would rather have someone like you or my daughter to treat me than someone that faints at the sight of blood! 🙂
Jim, thank you. I don’t want to sound .like I don’t appreciate anyone’s efforts. What concerns me is the situation for instance a deep cut. Where someone feels they should treat it, instead of figuring out “if” it’s necessary, just because they have the glue , dermabond etc.
My experience is treat bleeding first, then figure out what to do. Often wounds are left open with a dressing over it until further care can be had. What is left open May shock you but I can tell you I’ve put my hands on someone’s femur, in someone’s abdomen, and over someone’s heart. So hurrying to close a wound , if you can’t stabilize it can cause more harm.
Burns are a different kettle of fish. I would begin to deal with here.
But do consider getting CPR TRAINING, OR CERT training.
Remember what ever training you do, you will know more than the person who hasn’t trained.
Kelly, I think you’re doing just fine! And I do disagree with the super glue, and at NO time did you advocate or suggest we do nothing. There is a reason for some first aid training to go along with that first aid kit! I wouldn’t hand anybody a tool without some instruction and practice on how to use it. I have a hatchet, well, I’m gonna learn how to use it before I start trying to build a shelter, and end up chopping off something I’m very attached to.
And thank you for bringing up the CERT class, I’m taking one now, and there is a TON of great info there! And the free training and continuing ed sessions can’t be beat!
With this clarification, I couldn’t agree more Kelly. This is a big concern with deep wounds and the use of antibiotics w/o knowing what else is going. It’s really about knowing one’s limits and not overstepping. I’m signed up for CERT too, just waiting for the time. Here, one town it’s free and another town it’s $65 but with that you get a pack full of supplies too including a handi talkie use by CERT people. Guess which one I signed on for 😉
A tetanus shot? Seriously!
I haven’t had one since I was 10. I’m 52 now- and having worked most of my life in mechanical trades, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had cuts…often when the site of the wound was covered in dirty grease; most often cut on metal- often rusty. Not only am I still ticking…but I haven’t been to a doctor since 1978. Such advice [to get a shot] is just more proof that “professionals” just blindly accept the propaganda which they are taught, without ever getting to the core of the issues or thinking for themselves. Never get ANY kind of shot! Never lewt them inject ANYTHING into your blood stream!
Moleman, i just looked up the life expectancy of males in 1914, before WW1 and the Spanish Influenza. Which both were catalysts for development of modern scientific research method for Modern Medicine and Immunization research.
The average life span was 52 years!
I know nothing I can say will change your opinions, but I have seen many men like you in my cardiac unit with hypertension, cardiac disease, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, impotence etc. all treatable diseases with modern preventative medicine.
Oh and tetanus is still around, so is necrotizing fasclitis flesh eating bacteria),and gangrene all painful ,terrifying in it their rapid onset. And deadly.
good luck.
I just ordered 5 “MealSpec Flameless Ration (large MRE) Heaters” from Camping Survival (link on this page). These things will heat up to 220F and boil water. I can see uses for these in medical treatment as well as for heating food or even heating an emergency shelter. They are only $1.95 each (plus shipping) and worth having one for each BOB and vehicle! When you go to the site just search for “MS-Heater”. You can watch the video there to see it in action.
One of my favorites I have everywhere (my purse, car, b.o.b.) is a survival lighter I made myself. Just take an ordinary lighter (Bic or whatever), hold a small safety pin to the side of it and wrap a foot or so of duct tape around it. Now you have three basics covered in one tiny package. I have honestly used this countless times!
Good idea!
I used to work in a factory and got small cuts on a daily basis. Everyday, I would come home, clean up and glue the cuts with regular, cheap super glue. A few years ago, my 2 year old got a nasty gash under her chin. Knowing how traumatic and painful stitches would be for her, I went ahead and super glued it, too. It healed fast and barely left a scar. I am a big fan of super glue in the First Aid kit. Also, I would add tweezers and finger nail clippers, very helpful for any splinters and don’t take up much room. I also have a 2 oz. Spray bottle for alcohol. I don’t have to worry about it drying up like the pads/swabs and I can spray it where I need it AND can use it as sanitizer.
I have added what I consider an uncommon item to my first aid kit. I added a pack of Bic lighters. I know most of us have lighters in our BOB’s, EDC’s, and storage, but I put mine actually in the kit itself. I did this because if you grab your kit to pull a splinter or stitch a cut and are away from water or other things for sterilizing heater a needle will sterilize it. So if you need it and only grabbed the kit at least they are there. Great article. Love this site Gaye.
Excellent point, Angela!!!
My kits are a bit practical and frugal so here’s my adaptations. My 2 wants, a stethoscope and a blood pressure kit. So in finding alternatives to some mentioned items, I can afford to get these soon.
For sure I’ll be buying some super glue for most of my first aid kits. My daughter had surgery last month and no stitches, they used glue on her neck!
For those buying feminine pads for first aid kits. Because they also have have a plastic liner, that’s also a barrier between body fluids depending on the seriousness of the wound.
Hand Sanitizers won’t be in my kits. I can’t find enough reason to stock it since it doesn’t qualify, for me, as a multi-use piece of equipment. Others may disagree, I just choose to consider the weight and utility for my purposes.
Safety Pins—well, I’ve taken some old sheets; where they were worn (usually in the middle) I’ve cut into strips, rolled and using safety pins to contain each roll, baked them to sterilize and packaged. I’ve even packed the corners of fitted sheets to act as triangular bandaids for knees, shoulders and elbows. (Got the ideas from WWII movies) In the event of mass casualties, I will have plenty while not expending much more than time and work. Plus I can eliminate those cling
wraps mentioned later. It doesn’t mean I don’t have any, but I buy mine through the local feed store because it seems wrapping livestock legs doesn’t cost as much as being called ‘medical’ for humans. 🙂 By having pins on each roll, they will be available for whatever is needed.
My needs are different because of where I live so tongue depressors won’t be needed. To many trees with fallen branches which can be quickly used as splints as I have done before.
Hemostatic Agents? I confess, I won’t be spending my money on this either. Being an novice herbalist, I have that covered with herbs and since there are evergreens around here, I have an unlimited supply of a great substitute.
O and EOs………by all means I agree with Gaye about this, except for my family there is one she includes that I will not due to allergies. Remember to know enough about those you may treat to know their sensitivities and allergies since you don’t want allergic reactions to be a problem when administering first aid.
One that wasn’t mentioned….Duct Tape. I was given an extraordinary opportunity to beta test a first aid course due to come out within a few months. I was very surprised to see duct tape being used in place of other tapes. So I will be including some in each of my kits….considering what colors now. 😉
One other item I have in each kit. Well two actually…..some curved needles and some beading needles plus unwaxed dental floss for those wounds where super glue might not work. For my poor eyes, mine are pre-threaded too. The needles woven through silver cloth so they won’t tarnish or rust.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE KEY EQUIPMENT ANY OF US HAVE IS OUR BRAINS AND OUR HANDS. DON’T RELY ON A FIRST AID BOOK OR eTECHNOLOGY IN EVENT OF A CRISIS, KNOW IT WELL ENOUGH THAT YOU ACT AUTOMATICALLY AFTER FIRST MAKING SURE OF YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY.
Dee,
You write:
“MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE KEY EQUIPMENT ANY OF US HAVE IS OUR BRAINS AND OUR HANDS. DON’T RELY ON A FIRST AID BOOK OR eTECHNOLOGY IN EVENT OF A CRISIS, KNOW IT WELL ENOUGH THAT YOU ACT AUTOMATICALLY AFTER FIRST MAKING SURE OF YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY.”
Well said, and such an important point. As I read this article and the comments, my “little voice” kept screaming that none of this equipment is useful without the knowledge and skill to use it. There are YouTube videos, articles, books, etc. to help us learn to use these products and techniques, but unless we learn AND PRACTICE – hopefully BEFORE a crisis rears its ugly head – the “fluster factor” often induced by the heat of battle could keep us de-facto caregivers from being effective, and possibly lead to us making serious mistakes in our care-giving, let alone being wasteful of our precious and limited supplies.
Re: Hemostatic Agents (and I offer this with all respect)…you characterize yourself as a “novice herbalist”, as do many of us; and that’s all well and good, but only as far as it takes us. Personally, if I were hemmorhaging and somehow came under your care, I’d prefer you employed a proven agent like Quik Clot NOW to stanch the the flow of my blood NOW…and we could talk about alternative herbal remedies after I recovered. Please know I say this with respect and admiration for all you have obviously accomplished; but that’s MY personal take on the scenario.
thank you both ways. When I call myself a novice, it means acknowledging there is so much to learn. I’m only confident of a few things along this line because I work at practicing. Because of that repetition, I have the confidence in what little I do with herbs. Perhaps that’s in part because I have considered myself more a ‘country girl’. I just wasn’t brought up where doctors were available nearby, so other options HAD to be found. For someone who hasn’t worked with any tool, practice is what makes, if not perfect, at least as effective as possible. I suspect times are coming when it will take ALL of what each of us know to get through.
As to the “fluster factor,” I’ve seen it and never understood the why of it. Recently I read where most of us do it. In the study, it was thought to be the natural reactions humans have. WHICH has led me to speak more about practicing and repetition. When you post, we may disagree, but we, both, have respect and regard for others. Keep it up. 🙂
You, as well, Dee. Thank you for taking the time to add so much thoughtful value to this discussion.
Dee,
Not to bug you forever, but I want to pass along a link to an interesting article I just received entitled “Decision Making in Survival Situations” and, in a somewhat different way, it touches on that “fluster factor” we spoke of.
//www.theprepperjournal.com/2014/09/19/decision-making-survival-situations/#comments
Thanks for the link. What Selco describes is much like what my Dad saw in North Africa when the Germans would go through a town. I’m a child of watching those WWII movies and tv shows with my dad adding his observations and reviewing with us what options could have been. I have done so with children I teach as well. No, it’s not about stranger danger, it’s about learning to observe so you know when to listen to your survival instincts. Get to now different scenarios and what might be done so you aren’t desparate like the many Selco described. Haste, not only makes waste, but desperation can hurt and sometimes kill.
I would be very interested in more info about the use of evergreens as a hemostatic agent.
Donna, I don’t remember where you are, but I have found this and am working on one tree at a time to learn from it. I do a little bit for each season so I know when and how to use it. I am not confident enough for me to use it yet, but here’s the link:
//www.nwplants.com/information/edible_medicinal_poison/medicinal.html
I have added droppers that you can find at the drug stores. They usually come in packages of two.There may be times you need to clean or sanitize small areas and this will minimize wasted liquid supplies.
NEVER USE TAMPONS FOR A GUNSHOT WOUND-NEVER!!!!!
You have no idea what the wound channel looks like and you can cause severe damage going in and even more pulling out a tampon.
Trust me 40+ years as a firefighter medic and combat medic, this is a NO=GO.
Best Regards RangerRick
Thank you so much for your comment. I have removed the reference about using tampons to plug bullet holes. If you ever see something else on BDS that can cause harm, be sure to let me know. While I do my best to check facts, often it is the experience of those in the field that counts the most.
— Gaye
I’d say gun shot wounds are the most serious Punture Wounds, then the out a tampon in ANY puncture wound is the wrong advice! You are giving dangerous advice. Please remove the tampon advice. People who don’t bother to read comments after an article are in danger of unintentional harming a puncture wound victim.
Couldn’t you use a Tampon as extra gauze? The ones I remember would open out into a big square. [When I was much younger I was looking at one & popped it out of the tube and then got it wet. It unfolded into the aforementioned square.) Even though I no longer need then, I keep some on hand for emergencies. Plus you never know when someone visiting will have an emergency. That goes for the maxi-pads as well.
I had seen both recommendations for using tampons and remarks of the danger of doing so. Apparently the way they expand when absorbing blood and fluids is what makes them so dangerous when you pull them out, besides the obvious of not knowing exactly what you are shoving aside putting them into a wound. A very good comment and warning, Ranger Rick. Thank you.
I read your magazines as a boy, Ranger Rick. You were the coolest raccoon I ever saw. 😀
RangerRick is RIGHT!!! Using sanitary pads as heavy-duty gauze pads, however, is an excellent idea. These pads are designed to absorb copious amounts of body fluids so it’s a great choice! I chose the ones that are individually wrapped so there’s as clean and close-to-sterile as possible. While Israeli Battle Dressings (IBDs) have built-in bandages, applying a “maxi-pad” first at a wound site is not a bad idea.
Tampons still do have a place in an IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit). For example, if a cheek was punctured where the inside wound site was inside the mouth, that would be a DIFFICULT wound to dress with conventional bandages. And since most tampons come out of the package with a rigid, plastic applicator, it could be used as a finger splint when used with tape and covered in self-adhesive wrap.
BTW, a good way to estimate blood loss is that for each maxi pad that is soaked (and I mean soaked) you can estimate about a 150-200 cc blood loss
From an old labor & delivery RN
Thanks for the amount info. I carry the pantiliners, and different absorbency pads. I like them since they are sanitary until opened. Never thought about the amounts each holds. Now I have a gauge on each size. 🙂