First aid kits

[DivingGal]

OK, the new moderator on the block, Laurence Stein DDS, gave an indication of a "partial list" of things he carrys as "first aid" see First Aid for the complete post. Here's an abbreviated list of his additions:

• Coins,safety pins,disposable razor, butane lighter, rubberbands, bug repellant, earwash, electronic thermometer, minimag flashlight, extra absorbent feminine pads,Superglue, Meat tenderizer, alcohol, vinegar, assorted O-rings

We've had various discussions on "save a dive" kits.... what's in your first kit?

 

[otter-cat]

One of the most important parts of my first aid kit is not in it, but ON it. It's a bright red DAN sticker, with their diving emergency hotline phone number! (919)684-4DAN (4326).

 

[tombiowami]

First Aid Kit
Sun Block 1
Sun Block 2
Bug Repellent
Ear Prep
Camphofenique
Gauze
Ibufrofen
BandAids
RubberGloves
Tums
Vitamins
$5/Change
Neosporin
Sudafed
Visine
Aloe
LipBalm
Poison Suction
Space Blanket
Hand Moister
Vinegar
Alcohol Preps
Cotton Pads
Bonine
Dramamine

 

[The Iceni]

Public first aid courses concentrate on cardipulmonary resuscitation and the use of AED defibrilators. I for one would not think a defibrillator is a good idea as treatable cardiac arrest is not common in the diving community and electicity and sea water most certainly do not mix.

Effective diver first-aid is a very specialist field.

As I see it, apart from trauma, there are really only four correctible conditions that kill divers.

1) (Near) drowning

2) DCI

3) Pulmonary barotrauma (and arterial gas embolism)

4) Hypothermia


I carry wide bore cannulas with me to perform thoracostomy if circumstances requirer me to use it - in the case of PB & AGE. It is widely taught in the miltary for "sucking chest wounds".

Is this a procedure that diver first aiders should be taught?

 

[Uncle Pug]

... to neutralize stings....

 

[Texass]

Dr. Thomas, what is/are wide bore cannulas? Can you give us a clue how to perform a thoracostomy and what we should look for before subjecting a dive buddy to our operating techniques?

Hmmm, that sounds kind of mean - that's not how I'm thinking. I really am curious.

Thanx

 

[The Iceni]

Thoracostomy is dead easy.

If you think about the mechanism of pulmonary barotrauma for a moment;-

Gas becomes trapped in the space betweeen the lungs and the chest wall and is subjected to the pressure changes of the ascent, expands crushing the lungs and the heart thus preventing both respiration and venous return. It also forces gas into the arterial tree (AGE). In such a tension pneumothorax the pressure could exceed that of a car tyre.

It is rapidly fatal unles the pressure is released.

The treatment is to insert a wide bore needle through the ribs to release that pressure. In the movie, Three Kings, our hero George Cluny shows how its done! (A sucking chest wound has the same effect, with the wound acting as a one-way flap valve.)

A cannula is just the name for the hollow steel needle used to put up an IV line.

 

[chrispete]

Hrm... Rummaged through the camping/diving bag I carry with me and the only items I have to add are:

Duct tape - c'mon, it can be used for anything from stitches to holding a muffler in place

assorted spare batteries

Pepto tablets

dental floss - great for tying things up, etc. in addition to its intended usage

Hotel bar of antibacterial soap & bottles of hotel shampoo and conditioner

A small bottle of Everclear - works wonders as anything from a cleaner to an antiseptic, plus (in all seriousness) could be used to control pain in a situation of physical injury (broken kneecaps, etc.) when help is quite a while off. (Ok Docs, you can open fire now - and actually if this is wrong, please tell me, but I've been told that it's a viable option several times for camping, etc.)

Pepcid AC

Small umbrella

Bottled water

Small bag of cornmeal - this may be an old wive's tale, but I've seen it used on critters before and it would work the same with people as a coagulant for wounds which will not stop bleeding.


I saw a few things that I don't have, guess I'll be heading to Wal-Mart before my next dive. I know that a couple of items I carry are unconventional at best, but when camping I've learned to expect that rescue may not be immediate and that you may have to fend for yourself using the tools at hand.