Pt 2: “Level 2″ First Aid Kit Review” by Nutnfancy
- on 07.22.09
- First Aid
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Part 2 of 5 ////////////////////
My experiences in the outdoors led me to my Level 2 First Aid Kit concept. More capable in depth and breadth than my also-reviewed “Level 1″ First Aid Kit, my Level 2 kit will weigh more and be bulkier but can better handle medium medical emergencies. The kit shown focuses on capabilities in ROL (Rule of Law) situations where the priority is to stabilize the patient and effect transport to better facilities and care (when necessary). In group or vehicular outings, the increase in weight and size of the Level 2 makes the extra capabilities more do-able. Similar to the Level 1, this kit still has an emphasis on stemming blood loss, disinfecting, pain stoppage, wound dressing, and bandage exchange. Size and weight are still players in this 5 lb kit and I don’t achieve the capabilities of Level 3 or Paramedic-level lifesaving kit. As I say in the vid, that type of kit requires medical training and its use comes with extra liability and concerns as a first responder. However I have the Level 2 kit shown has handled my encountered medical situations adequately and absolutely blows away any other kits I’ve encountered along this POU. Components of the kit and the foundational “Nutnfancy” philosophies involved are explained. An annotated list of my typical Level 2 Kit may be forthcoming (another project!). Compared to even a quality first aid kit, like ones from Adventure Medical Kits this version has more depth i.e. multiples of common use items which can better handle longer duration scenarios. It is difficult for makers like AMK to make kits to this level because of the markedly elevated cost in doing so (and then they won’t sell well because of that). As noted, my kits are transitional in nature and will include improved medical technologies that have merit and can improve or simplify my treatment capabilities. Handling medical emergencies on your adventures is your responsibility and help may be far away. You will also find that few people even carry a First Aid kit with this much capability and you will be the on-site medical expert since you’re prepared (been there). Having such a kit will minimize pain, injury, and maybe even save a life… possibly yours. Be prepared.
Duration : 0:24:49
Correction on …
Correction on Tegaderm: The whole surface of the sheet is adhesive. What you were calling the adhesive is a removable strip of backing that runs around the edge to make it easier to manipulate it during application without it sticking to your fingers or getting all wrinkled or sticking to itself. Benzoin (Friar’s Balsam) is not necessary (or recommended) with them as long as the skin is clean and dry, it does however work very well with Steri-strips which have less adhesive power.
The word Wal-mart …
The word Wal-mart sends Evil chills down my spin. Stop that!
Does anyone Know …
Does anyone Know where i can find the mylar bag that he uses in his level one kit.i searched for them but could only find the vinyl ones.Thanks
The camo color wrap …
The camo color wrap you showed when talking about the ace bandage can be found under the name Coban in most stores with a OTC section. Works great. Actually used it on my dogs leg after a minor surgery. Middle of winter walking through crusty snow and it never came off.
Oh yeah…it has …
Oh yeah…it has people have also been known to use maxi pads sounds weird but its true.
I’ve heard of navy …
I’ve heard of navy seals using tampons in the exit wounds of bullits perfict fit!
i think that the …
i think that the brand NORTH has really good first aid supplys including blood sponges or guaze
Condoms work great …
Condoms work great :p
One way of water …
One way of water proofing everything in it could be to just put the whole bag into a Ziploc storage bag and squeeze/suck all the air out. It looks kinda dumb but it keeps everything fairly well water-proofed. And it adds hardly any weight.
I’ve done it with my laptop. When I’m driving my truck in the rain and there are so many people in there that I can’t drive with it in the cab, I throw it in a bag I have and lay it in the bed. Works great. Don’t know about underwater though.
excellent series!
excellent series!
I was just telling …
I was just telling someone that I hadn’t seen any vidz on first aid or casualty response during a potential fire fight. I’m glad I ran across this vid.
Where can I get …
Where can I get those Mylar document envelopes?
You can use small …
You can use small gauze pads under a Tegaderm. They’re most often used in hospitals to secure IV’s to skin. They do not stay adherent very well in flexion areas (i.e. fingers, knees, etc.). Benzoin may help but not a lot.
haha feminine …
haha feminine napkin, thats great. but seriously, very true. if you think about the objective of a feminine napkin, its to absorb an enormous amount of liquid. it is very economical to use as a backup blood absorber. the only thing different than a johnson and johnson to that is that it isnt sterile. but like you said, its not goignt to be crawling with germs either. and in an emergency situation, using that instead of a dirty hand to stop blood is much better. great idea!
How often do you …
How often do you Replace items in your kit?
Cheaper marks of …
Cheaper marks of Medical gear is not always Less good i’ve worked as a Combat medic in the danish military and i bought a lot of off brands gear and it worked bouth in iraq and afganistan so guys just becouse is a Brand gear it’s not also better just a little Coment but GREAT Video and Awsome First aid kit
can I reccomend a …
can I reccomend a short, light, but sturdy stick to include in ur level two? Nothing fancy just a simple stick. You never know when it could come in handy (splint, thigh tourniquet etc).
You must mean Celox …
You must mean Celox. It’s expensive but I hear good things.
What about adding a …
What about adding a shaving wax stick? I use it all the time, for small cuts.
Great video, man! …
Great video, man! Have you ever considered quikclot? its been good to me.
In reference to the …
In reference to the Tegaderm adhesive dressing, I’ve used it MANY times for certain wounds I’ve had (I’m a paraplegic and have had dozens of pressure sores), and a really good example of when Tegaderm is used is when you have a skin graft the surgeons will place a sheet of Tegaderm onto the DONOR sight and leave that same piece in place for two or three weeks, allowing it to heal without scabbing up REALLY badly, which would make the donor sight take way longer to heal, months instead of weeks.
i’m having the same …
i’m having the same problem. I have the vinyl bags that i have used for items around the house but i cannot find the mylar bags anywhere. The vinyl bags are ok but i think the mylar bags are much stronger and have a better build quality.
Tegaderm is also …
Tegaderm is also great for severe burns, I had a wicked chemical burn under my left armpit from when I was shot in Iraq. It wasn’t from the bullet, but from the Quikclot chemical powder that was applied to my entry wound to stop the bleeding (which saved my life, btw I love Quikclot and would be dead had it not been for that miracle powder, plus it burned and hurt like which kept me awake). The nurses only had to change that dressing over my burn just once a week. Tegaderm is good stuff!
Loved Part 2, …
Loved Part 2, especially the reasoning behind your choices and the experiences you shared, what works and what doesn’t. This is extremely valuable information and I appreciate you taking the time to publish it. Thanks!!!
Nutnfancy,
Where …
Nutnfancy,
Where did you find your Mylar document envelopes? Using the NSN I can only find Vinyl. Please Help.
Thanks
Brian