Posted by Wowee I have noticed a lot of mentioning of tourniquets, and wish to say to only use a tourniquet in an emergency situation. Before using a tourniquet first try using clotting gauze and applying pressure to the area. A tourniquet should be the last option that is used due to the fact that it cuts off circulation. A tourniquet is designed to cut off blood circulation, which can cause necrosis if left on too long. Taking one off or loosening should only be done by a medical professional.

Seconding this statement! While I do agree that a tourniquet or two is a good idea to bring, it is imperative that you understand how to use them properly, and the severity of injury that dictates the use of one.

These devices are meant to be used in very dire cases, such as loss or partial loss of a limb, massive blood loss, etc. They are not, in any way, a piece of kit you should hope to have to even use, nor will you have a use for otherwise.

Once again recommending that any urban explorer makes an effort to get first aid training of some kind! Some libraries will offer courses like them for free, sometimes community centers or community colleges too, they are invaluable!

Never in 30 years have I had a first aid kit with me. I carried bandages and alcohol wipes in my backpack. Just in case I got hurt or burned somewhere. Yeah, well, I'd get something from the drugstore for a burn. I've never called an ambulance. I always had some kind of pill for headaches and stomach aches. But now carry a fridge with me where I have lancets, syringes, needles, test strips, and insulin. There are also glucagon and sugar lollipops nearby. These are for the baby. I am constantly on the safe side, as I don't know what will happen next. I also bought a kit for myself (for adults) at 72hours.ca in advance. It's not that hard to carry. You can put it in the car (there is already a first aid kit in the car).

I rarely use the first aid kit, it is better to see a doctor. You can even go to special procedures, as it seems to me it is very effective. For example on laser body modeling, it helps a lot to maintain the correct body shape, for example if the diet does not help to lose weight properly and qualitatively, or the result is not as expected, then Coolsculpting in Toronto will help here, I recommend this procedure and do it here, because I've already had it and I was amazed with the result. Finally I got what I've been dreaming about for so long in the area of body correction.

I do carry a first-aid kit (in a stationary pouch, think the size of a small-medium notebook) that I throw in my backpack as you never know and I have a way to get out to places where medical attention isn't something to count on. General first aid courses are good...I really like the WFA(wilderness first aid) course I took and frankly is probably a lot more applicable for most people that urban first aid. (I'm not sure why I haven't seen this mentioned in the thread yet...although I could be blind)

Anyway, biggest thing like it's said is if you don't know how to use a tool there's no point in bringing it. Dedicated medical equipment exists and is tested and is probably a good idea to have a little with you as improvising in the field isn't ideal and drastically reduced efficacy. I've been lucky enough not to deal with anything serious other than mild cuts and the like.

I carry a first-aid kit attached to my molle backpack containing most of the things others have mentioned. It is bright red with a white cross; I do not disguise or camouflage it. In case someone is hurt that I don't witness but someone near them can see me, I want to be easily seen as having supplies and probably the skills to use them.

People have mentioned that it can arouse suspicion as why would I have a first-aid kit if I weren't doing something dangerous. To which, I say that people get hurt every day at any time. I've personally witnessed a stabbing outside a Subway just after sunrise, or cyclists get hit by cars. Things happen. As long as you tell people this with a straight face and a Scouts-esque "always be prepared" attitude, you'll be fine.

I'd highly recommend not just having it but knowing how to use it. Having a certain percentage of staff first-aid certified is required by workplace law in my area so you may be able to ask your boss to pay to send you off for a course. That being said, if someone does get hurt and you're around, your boss will expect you to act. In Québec, if you are first-aid certified and see someone in need, it is actually illegal to not act.

Posted by SaskStalker I carry a first-aid kit attached to my molle backpack containing most of the things others have mentioned. It is bright red with a white cross; I do not disguise or camouflage it. In case someone is hurt that I don't witness but someone near them can see me, I want to be easily seen as having supplies and probably the skills to use them. People have mentioned that it can arouse suspicion as why would I have a first-aid kit if I weren't doing something dangerous. To which, I say that people get hurt every day at any time. I've personally witnessed a stabbing outside a Subway just after sunrise, or cyclists get hit by cars. Things happen. As long as you tell people this with a straight face and a Scouts-esque "always be prepared" attitude, you'll be fine. I'd highly recommend not just having it but knowing how to use it. Having a certain percentage of staff first-aid certified is required by workplace law in my area so you may be able to ask your boss to pay to send you off for a course. That being said, if someone does get hurt and you're around, your boss will expect you to act. In Québec, if you are first-aid certified and see someone in need, it is actually illegal to not act.

Oh wow...that's very different then here in the states. Jumping in to help someone you don't know (and aren't under contract to help) is cautioned because of the absolute mess if you administer "trained" aid "incorrectly" you can be held to all sorts of liability issues.

I agree on the making your first aid kit recognizable. Just to add, I use a stationary bag because it's what I had on hand and the dividers are perfect for all the different little pieces I have. I need to sew on a cross or something though for others.

Is your first aid kit on the outside of your bag? Stateside, people don't tend to bat an eye with first aid kits unless you're in urban centers, or its absolutely massive.

I used to keep much larger first aid kits, but now I have a small basic kit with stuff I frequently have used. It's just a small plastic box that is about the size of a wallet.

• Different sizes of band-aids
  
• medical paper tape
  
• super-glue
  
• a bleed-cease gauze packet
  
• a tampon
  
• alcohol prep pad
  
• ibuprofen in a blister pack
  
• diphenhydramine in a blister pack

Although not part of the first aid kit, I also carry After-bite (or actually the knock off one I was able to find here), and alcohol in a small squirt bottle.

While I've never carried a first aid kit while actually exploring, it couldn't hurt to keep one in your car. I should actually get one for my car, now that I think about it.

Posted by notNeon Jumping in to help someone you don't know (and aren't under contract to help) is cautioned because of the absolute mess if you administer "trained" aid "incorrectly" you can be held to all sorts of liability issues.

If you aren't trained in it, don't do it. I'm trained to stop bleeding, splint, CPR/AED, and administer naloxone. These are all things you can learn in a weekend course. I'm not swapping kidneys on a street corner.

Canada (among other countries) has "good samaritan" laws that pretty well protect you as long as any reasonable person would believe you were acting in good faith. I can't find the resources for it right now, but you may be able to Google them for your country/state. Don't quote me on this because I'm not a lawyer, but the three points I do remember are:

• if someone needs first-aid, ask consent if they can give it. If they are unconscious or something, you have "implied consent".
  
• if someone is overdosing from opiods, you can administer naloxone/narcan and are legally protected from any adverse reactions they may have.
  
• You can feed the homeless without needing to worry, provided it isn't obviously harmful (visibly molded over) or maliciously adulterated (you added chemicals or razor blades as some sort of sick joke). If they choke or have an allergic reaction, help them if you can but you meant well.
  

Posted by notNeon Is your first aid kit on the outside of your bag?

Yes. A large velcro pad is strapped to my bag, and the kit attaches to it. When the kit is velcroed on, there's a single strap with a buckle holding it in place as well, so that an errant tree branch doesn't steal it from me.

click to view

Always scrub your EXIF data, kids.
I am in the process of embroidering "Ouch Pouch" into it, as well as adding straps to the naloxone kit so I can strap it to the front.

Posted by SaskStalker If you aren't trained in it, don't do it. I'm trained to stop bleeding, splint, CPR/AED, and administer naloxone. These are all things you can learn in a weekend course. I'm not swapping kidneys on a street corner.

No you're correct, same with the good Samaritan laws here. With that said I was referring to some edge cases. Although, after taking another peek at the laws, I forgot how varied and messy the state ones can be so ymmv. Funnily enough I carry naloxone too.