First Aid Kit

[Bradkap]

I want to buy or set up a first aid kit for my travels. Any suggestions ?

[Daniel Kalal]

I want to buy or set up a first aid kit for my travels. Any suggestions ?

The camping department of any sporting goods store will have quite a few pre-packed kits available in some pretty compact packs.  Those for bicycles already are pretty well setup for us.

Mainly, you're after road-rash skin repair--little Band-Aids aren't that helpful.  I start with the pre-mix pack and then add a few large pads and tape and a larger tube of antiseptic ointment.

[dunders]

I want to buy or set up a first aid kit for my travels. Any suggestions ?

As Daniel says. 

If the kit you buy doesn't have them, add scissors and tweezers. The kits often have antiseptic wipes, but never enough: I always add a few.

If you are away for any length of time, I'd pack some analgesics - non-drowsy type! - and of course you'll need to take any meds you are on.  Will you need anti-histamines?  I always carry an anti-insect bite pen - basically an ammonia solution - as certain insect bites give me hell, and anti-histamines don't touch 'em.

Paul

[toaster404]

I have a different philosophy.  I have a minimal trauma kit, a medium strength climbing rope for extractions.  And the usual stuff, up irrigation syringe, butterflies, etc.  I can put up with a minor thing, but more major trauma is crucial to stabilize.  I've run my own rescue once while trying to bleed out!

[Sasquatch Jim]

  To my ancestors, a first aid kit was a small container of corn likker to kill pain and gunpowder to cauterize a wound.  A needle and some gut thread to sew with.

[Demar]

I've bought 3 of these off Ebay. I like it because it has a good selection of items and is soft so I can stuff it into a small area.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300672753203?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[charlie b]

I like a couple of the old style compression bandages, large and med.  So rolls of tape and gauze for securing them or immobilizing a limb.  Anything to stop severe bleeding.  A small bottle of alcohol/betadine/hydrogen peroxide or whatever you choose for wound cleansing.

The rest is for minor stuff, bandaids and drugs.  Stomach, anti-histamine, aspirin, etc.

If you are allergic to things out doors get a couple of epi pens.

[injundave]

If you haven't already done so, go and do a decent first aid course which will tell you how to look after yourself and also, if first on the scene, what to do for others.

[Dogwalker]

In several EU countries the first aid kit is mandatory. It's homologated (DIN 13167 for motorcycles, DIN 13164 for cars). There are several makers, but the content is standard.
https://www.louis.de/en/artikel/motorcycle-first-aid-kit-moto112-din-13167/10002069
http://evaq8.co.uk/ULTIMATE-CAR-FIRST-AID-KIT-Complies-with-DIN-13164-Standard.html

[toaster404]

I like a couple of the old style compression bandages, large and med.  So rolls of tape and gauze for securing them or immobilizing a limb.  Anything to stop severe bleeding.  A small bottle of alcohol/betadine/hydrogen peroxide or whatever you choose for wound cleansing.

The rest is for minor stuff, bandaids and drugs.  Stomach, anti-histamine, aspirin, etc.

If you are allergic to things out doors get a couple of epi pens.

Charlie B is on target here.  The minor stuff can usually wait.  But if you're way out in nowhere with EMS 2 hours off, there's more to it than slapping on a band aid.  An irrigation syringe is also helpful to get as much crap out of a wound as feasible.  Can sometimes see and target the bleeder, and reduces infection possibilities.  I also have a magnifier, which is great for finding crap in eyes and determining exactly what penetrating object is causing issues in my finger! 

But education is the key.  Getting all bent out of shape over a bloody abrasion is wasted effort if you need to somehow address internal bleeding or loss of blood supply to a leg.  Getting someone nice and straight and pretty doesn't matter if you've torn their spinal cord in the process.