First Aid Kits

[88bmwjeff]

Thought I'd revive this thread a bit to get some comments on current first aid kits. And availability. My brief search indicated some kits were out of stock.

 

[skibum69]

Not the smallest kit but pretty complete for most issues.

That tape should probably be replaced. It pays to go through your kit every once in awhile to check for stuff out of date.

 

[dravnx]

Good thread to keep alive. I added a couple of Izzy bandages, trauma scissors, a SAM splint and a tourniquet to my first aid kit. Broken femurs are not uncommon in motorcycle accidents and a broken femur can sever the carotid artery. I may not be able to diagnose this injury or any other major trauma requiring the use of a tourniquet but if someone else can, I'm glad I have the means to save someone's life.

 

[brownie0486]

I carry a fairly well supplied SAR kit on the motor at all times. More importantly, I've got WFR certification with NASAR [ 80 hours ] when a member of the local SAR team.

 

[skibum69]

Yes, having first aid training is definitely a good thing.

 

[kbasa]

I have the BMW factory first aid kit on the RT and for the Porsche, bought a factory first aid kit from them that includes a nice container that fits in either the glove box or the storage bin behind the seats and on top of the engine. (mid engined car)

So far, I haven't had opportunity to use either, fingers crossed it stays that way.

 

[88bmwjeff]

A lot of good info from everyone. Thanks. Anybody have a good suggestion where to buy replacement/refill items? Or, just buy a whole new first aid kit.

 

[omega man]

I usually have a number of them rolling in and out of service. It's good to keep them fresh.
Off the top of my head-

Name brand cloth band aids
Neosporin ointment
tweezers
space blanket
full size and or "lite" Kotex
triangle sling
"Quick Klot"
Ace bandage
toilet paper
alcohol swabs or wipes
Advil- anti inflammatory RX dose is 800mg
rubber gloves
a couple of zip-lock bags
if you don't carry tape....tape

These supplies have multiple uses.....Stop the bleeding......immobilize the injury......Keep the victim warm and slow down any shock.
Much of this will pack nicely in a plastic large sized peanut butter jar (which can be used as a cup).
OM

I have recently add a number of mil-spec tourniquets from https://reconmedical.com/ . I can still make one of my ever present bandanna but these from Recon are the latest in “stopping the flow”.
OM

Edit- looks like the Recon folks hit a snag with their version. This tourniquet seems to be the preferred- https://www.narescue.com/combat-application-tourniquet-c-a-t.html .

 

[skibum69]

Your likelihood of needing a tourniquet is pretty small.

 

[omega man]

Your likelihood of needing a tourniquet is pretty small.

Yours may not.

OM

 

[brownie0486]

Your likelihood of needing a tourniquet is pretty small.

Unless one has had the specific training in when and when not to apply one, how to apply one correctly, they should not attempt to use one. And as you mention, the likelihood of needing one is pretty small.

 

[kbasa]

A lot of good info from everyone. Thanks. Anybody have a good suggestion where to buy replacement/refill items? Or, just buy a whole new first aid kit.

The drug store probably has everything you need.

Also, this is highly instructive, including asking whether you want a life saving kit or maybe something lighter? https://www.instructables.com/Motorcycle-First-Aid-Kit/

Really solid and dense information in that one, but very useful.

 

[rich]

This is all very good information and I'm not sure how I missed the original posts. I profess to never giving a first aid kit on my bike a thought. Silly me, especially with all the dual-sport riding I've been doing. I'm going shopping.

 

[robbw]

https://mymedic.com/products/moto-medic-motorcycle-first-aid-kit Kinda pricey but pretty complete. I carry a bit more in mine, but I've been trained to do more.

 

[glenfiddich]

I carry two. One is for minor stuff: bandaids, aspirin, tweezers, etc. It goes in my luggage. The other, in plain site, is my Oh **** Kit. It holds just a few items I’d use for trauma: slings, bulk 4x4 gauze, roller gauze, etc.

When dealing with life threatening injuries I don’t want to fumble through a bunch of bandaids and packets of Motrin. As a former navy independent duty corpsman and later a PA, I’ve learned through practice that just a few items can handle just about any injury im likely to encounter so I don’t go overboard with what I carry.

As my supplies age out I bandage up my wife for practice to keep that muscle memory thing current

 

[henzilla]

Nice bump to refresh kit(s)!
I have some REI purchased kits, I take from bike to hike when out traveling. I added some stuff as others have after an event and needing something not in kit. Benadryl added for stings after a riding buddy had a bad reaction. Been using the Adventure brand, the kit is yellow to stand out and always in same spot. I do carry a small tweezers and bandaid, Neosporin in tank bag for my ever present ooops moments

https://www.rei.com/c/first-aid-kits

 

[ebell]

Good Thread.

I pack a kit that resembles what most posters are using. No tourniquet, just items that I know how to use/apply. A few years ago, I was gifted a nice pair of folding trauma shears made by Leatherman.
https://www.rei.com/product/862082/leatherman-raptor-medical-shears
My first aid kit comes with me when kayaking, so I keep everything in a small clear waterproof box. Rotating out items as necessary.

 

[basketcase]

Following.

 

[88bmwjeff]

So, I go to my local drug store, then an outdoor sports equipment store and all of the first aid kit expire by August 2022. I was hoping for a slightly longer shelf life. I guess I’ll have to try something online.

 

[88bmwjeff]

First of all, this by no means is a definitive list of first aid kits. There are too many companies and kits, but I thought I’d pass on what I’ve figured out from my searching. There are a lot of good kits out there providing a balance between size and contents. My two top choices (as I write this) are kits from Adventure Medical Kits (AMK) and My Medic. Both seem to have comprehensive kits, offer refill/supplies separately and get good reviews.

AMK makes a wide variety of kits and sizes primarily for hiking, backpacking and cycling; as such, these kits would probably need some additions to cover road accidents. AMK’s kits range from ±$16 to ±205, and are sold through many dealers (e.g. Amazon, REI, Revzilla, etc.). My Medic makes a wide variety of kits that includes two first aid kits that are specific to motorcycling (Moto Medic). The Moto Medic kits are currently on sale at $158 and $203 (the reg price is $175 & $225) and appear to be only sold through their website.

Since getting replacements for the stuff that expires can be pricy at the drug store and not as compact, both companies sell refills. This is handy for the stuff that expires (e.g. topicals, medications, etc.). While My Medic sells the refills individually, AMK sells them in packages (e.g. a medications refill kit vs Advil separate from Tylenol, etc.).

I’m leaning more towards the Mountain Backpacker kit from AMK, which seems to have a good balance between size, storage, accessibility and contents. This kit is about $41, which would give me plenty $$ to supplement the kit.

Here are some links

AMK
https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits.html

My Medic – Moto Medic
https://mymedic.com/products/moto-medic-motorcycle-first-aid-kit

And for those of you with dogs, AMK makes first aid kits for dogs.
https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/adventure-dog.html