Pharmacy Drugs for backpack hunting.

[Trademark]

Hi Guys,

Reseaching and planning to undertake my first backpack/camp hunt next year and i was thinking of drug additions for first aid and wonder if guys add similar drugs to their packs.

Was planning to add

imodium for gastro

Antibiotic such as amoxil or similar broad spectrum antibiotic

Panadiene forte for pain.

I have bad ankles from basketball and i have done the ligaments in them before just walking along so iam always cautious if i did this kilometres from someone in the bush i would struggle without some for of pain relief especially once the adrenalin wears off.

Antibiotic for possible bacterial infections and illness, if some how slip and landed with my leg on a broadhead or worse and unable to walk and the developed an infection in the wound.

Imodium to help bind you up in the case of gastro.

Plus any other script medication im on plus a weeks worth extra.

Is there any other drugs i should pack that im not thinking of??
If it is a script drug it doesnt matter they are simple to get aslong as it is an authority.

Just thinking of worst case scenarios

thanks

[Thwack!]

I don't carry much more than that you have already described. A mate carries Morphine - he thinks BIGGER than I do :D. - but in an extreme emergency I spose its good to know he's got it, heaven forbid it is required.

Depending on where you are going and your experience/training with highly specialized medicines, perhaps an EPIRB might be just as useful as a vast arsenal of specialized drugs.

[Trademark]

I don't carry much more than that you have already described. My hunting partner carries Morphine - he thinks BIGGER than I do :D. - but its good to know he's got it, heaven forbid it is required.

Depending on where you are going and your experience/training with highly specialized medicines, perhaps an EPIRB might be just as useful as a vast arsenal of specialized drugs.


Yep EPIRB is on the cards.
Was just covering myself in the event i cant be reach for a few days or so.

[timbo]

Asprin is always handy to have you can use it for pain relief, an anti-inflamatory, as a paste for bites.

Thwack you must have a good hunting buddy if he gets to carry morphine in the field.

How long are you planning on being in the field for?

Cheers Tim

[Trademark]

Asprin is always handy to have you can use it for pain relief, an anti-inflamatory, as a paste for bites.

Thwack you must have a good hunting buddy if he gets to carry morphine in the field.

How long are you planning on being in the field for?

Cheers Tim

6-7 days is the plan would like to go to 10 days but that all depends on the wife:rolleyes:

I was thinking of asprin but for another reason but thought im being abit crazy here.
In the case of possible heart attack chewing a few asprin may thin the blood enough and give you time for medical help to arrive or you will drop dead anyway.
lt will be one of the two:P.

I could get morphine if needed but it the legal issues in carrying it around.

[jamie]

I have always packed Panadiene forte and panadol for pain relief. I almost always get plantar faceitis (spelling) when on a long hunting trip so ALWAYS take some Mobic tablets (anti inflammatorys).
I have just started to put a couple of glucose tablets in the kit as well
Never thought to pack Imodium.

I may be wrong but is'int Asprin bad to use on sprains and swelling because it thins the blood.

To plug a punture wound I nicked a couple of the wifes tampons. If she asks you what they are for don't tell her like I did or you'll never get to go hunting.

Jamie.

[Clemo]

Hmmm?

Bottle of Rum, Packet of tobacco and yes the Panadiene forte is a must for any hunt, has kept me truckin on a few occasions. Mostly the morning after the Rum and tobacco.:P

[Trademark]

I have always packed Panadiene forte and panadol for pain relief. I almost always get plantar faceitis (spelling) when on a long hunting trip so ALWAYS take some Mobic tablets (anti inflammatorys).
I have just started to put a couple of glucose tablets in the kit as well
Never thought to pack Imodium.

I may be wrong but is'int Asprin bad to use on sprains and swelling because it thins the blood.

To plug a punture wound I nicked a couple of the wifes tampons. If she asks you what they are for don't tell her like I did or you'll never get to go hunting.

Jamie.

yes i wouldnt use asprin for them circumstances,especially the way i do my ankles,end up on cruches for 6 weeks every bloody time.

Imodium only use if it gastro bug and makes sure it doesnt have blood or is black in the stools.More serious problem going on and need urgent medical attention.
A lovely topic talking about crap but i learnt this the hard way when younger with a similar incident that turned serious pretty quick.

[Lindsay]

Sounds like you've got it covered, I always carry Voltaren Rapid (anti inflamatory) available under the counter at the chemist and panadiene forte. Condy's crystals make a great antiseptic and weigh next to nothing.
Good luck
Lindsay

[Al Kidner]

Be very, very carefull with Morphine. If given to someone when it's not needed you'll do far more worse then the injury itself. I hope you mate knows how & what it's used for Thwack?


AK.

[fallowhunter]

In my case, after drinking the bottle of rum and eating food with preservatives, I would be looking for the mylanta tablets.

[ENGLISH]

I have the same trouble with my ankles,just take it slow and place your feet carefullyi use my longbow as a walking stick when decending hills and rough ground to take the weight off each testing step .
cheers
mark.

[brucester]

I've got a mate that swears by superglue for bad cuts, apparently that what it was orginally designed for.

[woody]

I would consider treking poles, ( fancy hiking walking sticks) to look after your ankles, and a water filter to treat your drinking and cooking water.

Why worry about treating a stomach bug when it would be a lot more pleasant not to pick one up in the first place.

Trekking poles take about 20% of the load off your ankles/legs and give extra stability over rough country.

[Nomad]

yep superglue is the way to go. and yes, it was orriginaly designed for that purpose too. also, if you run out of panadol, (depending on your area) find a willow tree (any kind) and peel off some of the bark. get your knife blade and scrape the pulpy softer white bark from the inside and chew on that. 2-3 blobs will do. it was the first known paracetamol (spelling??), and basicaly panadol in its natural form. the outer bark contains more but is a little harder to chew :)

all the best, Jake

[Muddy999]

You could boil the harder bark and drink it as well. Boiled raspberry leaves helps with the trots, as well as mouth wounds. Mashed it can act as an antiseptic.

Have a look for a product called quickclot, they make all different styles of it including a sports model. It is getting some sweet reviews from guys in the sand pit. From the web site; http://www.z-medica.com/quikclot/hemostat_quikclot.asp

QuikClot® hemostatic agent is a molecular sieve, sifting molecules by size. When QuikClot® comes into contact with blood in and around a wound, it rapidly takes in the smaller water molecules from the blood. The larger platelet and clotting factor molecules remain in the wound in a highly concentrated form. This promotes extremely rapid natural clotting and prevents severe blood loss. Additionally, the nano-engineered particles provide key surface chemistry, rapidly enhancing the body's natural coagulation process. The process represents a new approach to hemostasis, which typically involves adding clotting factors rather than extracting elements to halt bleeding.

There is also a product called the Israeli bandage, which is being used O/S; http://www.kitbag.com.au/prod995.htm

This is the ideal solution for emergency treatment when every second counts. Combat proven system is used for staunching of blood flow from traumatic hemorrhagic wounds in emergency situations. This bandage consolidates many first-aid devices, such as primary dressing, pressure applicators, secondary dressing and foolproof closure appartus to secure bandage in place- all within one unit. FCP02- 6 inch width dressing.

The tampon idea is one that has been used by cops for years, they are just the right size for a medium calibre entry and exit wound and will swell to fill larger ones. Without any crude comments, carrying a few pads, they make good wound dressings as well because they do not stick, I have used them before on lacerations. (No doubt someone will make something of that...)

Another thing to consider is some cling wrap... keeps the moisture in burns and the crap out in the bush. This is a short term thing though.

Trekking poles are also the goods, I use them regularly out in the bush.

[special]

yep superglue is the way to go. and yes, it was orriginaly designed for that purpose too. also, if you run out of panadol, (depending on your area) find a willow tree (any kind) and peel off some of the bark. get your knife blade and scrape the pulpy softer white bark from the inside and chew on that. 2-3 blobs will do. it was the first known paracetamol (spelling??), and basicaly panadol in its natural form. the outer bark contains more but is a little harder to chew :)

all the best, Jake

Actually mate the White Willow also known as the Pussy Willow is the natural form of Aspirin...not panadol or paracetemol...and is just as harmful to people allergic to aspirin as the pharmecutical form...so if you cant use aspirin DONT use willow;)...and i carry Endone..the pharmecutical version of Morphine...but NEVER hand it around..apart from being a controlled substance it also has very heavy and sometimes threatening effect on first time users....never share medication!

[dazza]

yep superglue is the way to go. and yes, it was orriginaly designed for that purpose too. also, if you run out of panadol, (depending on your area) find a willow tree (any kind) and peel off some of the bark. get your knife blade and scrape the pulpy softer white bark from the inside and chew on that. 2-3 blobs will do. it was the first known paracetamol (spelling??), and basicaly panadol in its natural form. the outer bark contains more but is a little harder to chew :)

all the best, Jake

1 small blob for children under 12

[DylanK]

Without any crude comments, carrying a few pads, they make good wound dressings as well because they do not stick, I have used them before on lacerations. (No doubt someone will make something of that...)




I know first hand how usefull pads can be. Its a bit weird duct taping them to ur hand, but u get used to it. Dont stick and soak all moisture up well...thats wat there designed for.

Also i like to take strong pure alcohol around 60%. Kills most bacteria and good to hav a shot at night or early morning wen its cold.

[jindydiver]

yep superglue is the way to go. and yes, it was orriginaly designed for that purpose too. also, if you run out of panadol, (depending on your area) find a willow tree (any kind) and peel off some of the bark. get your knife blade and scrape the pulpy softer white bark from the inside and chew on that. 2-3 blobs will do. it was the first known paracetamol (spelling??), and basicaly panadol in its natural form. the outer bark contains more but is a little harder to chew :)

all the best, Jake

Not panadol, asprin. The stuff is called salicylic acid. IIRC you can also get it from boiling the roots of bracken.

[Al Kidner]

Quickclot is a wonderful thing for sure but I'd strongly advise you to use the newer stuff that is in a bag, not the older gear that was just a pour on. And if you plan to use quickclot on your mate he wont be a mate for very long as the heat that comes out of the stuff is enough to cause full thickness burns.

It's only to be used in stopping major bleeding (the major cause of deaths within Iraq) along with direct pressure and a tourniqet.

There is a big difference between battlefield first aid and that in the civi world.


AK.

[Muddy999]

I believe that there is a sports version now. I have seen the results of a boar getting hold of someones calf and opening it up and would guess that it would have been serious enough to use. Not to mention some serious puncture wounds from falls. Anywho... just another option, though I bow in deference to experience hard earnt.

[special]

This is getting scary...i might just hunt in the hospital grounds in future:rolleyes:

[Muddy999]

There are plenty of bunnies in my local hospital grounds... I blame the morpheine for starting it LOL.

Anyway, I guess it just boils down to HOW pepared you want to be. I do a bit of SAR (search and rescue) where I am because of the geography of the area and you get some nasty injuries, which coupled with remoteness and weather can case some issues.

The bare minimum that I carry in the truck is a snakebite kit, which includes plenty of elastic bandages. I also carry wound dressings, triangle bandages saline solution in vials, some betadine and disinfectant, band aids to keep wounds clean, medical tape and some Ibuprofen. That will pretty much see you through all but specialist type incidents. On longer runs where I am out for days, then I worry about carrying things like Imodium and heavier stuff.

I also carry a Laedel mask, which is one of those mouth to mouth masks which also have a one way block valve to stop them puking back at you. Cost next to nothing and also do not take up much space or weigh much. Your mate might not have Hep... but whats to say the guy you just find doesn't. Also dental floss, it is strong, does not stick to things immediately because it is waxed and can be used to bind splints and I have heard of people in a pinch using it as suture. Again does not weigh and can also be used for repairs to kit that does not have massive loads on. You should also consider some high calorie emergency foods as a back up. Hot chocolate is good for treating people with exposure to cold, either luke warm or hot it can help sustain them.

When I get to a scene if able and the person is stable, I always check for the following;
-ID. Name, address and contacts for a next of kin so if needed we can get in touch with them and see if there is any special medical needs like diabetics, anaphilaxis etc.
- Medical alert braclets or tags. Again easy to see spots like wrist or neck. It is even better when they have all of it on a card or stamped on a tag they wear.
- Medication they a carrying like epi pens, steroid (asthma and renal patients), heart meds like angine.

If you are heading out for an extended period... I also carry a space blanket, they can be used or warmth, shelter and also stretched out they make a fantastic signal blanket for aerial searches or if someone is glassing from a height when waved. A signal mirror or whistle is also a good bit of kit that weighs nothing, some of the screamer type whistles have to be heard to be believed. Just letting someone know where you are and when you should be back is also one of the best bits of kits you can have. Leave the details with them, also a possible Co ord, most searches happen in a grid or spiral fashion and a starting point in the centre makes it easier and quicker. Not everyone can afford an EPIRB... but if you can... get one of the new digital ones as the older radio models are being phased out in the next 12 months. We get a lot of calls for assistance from people tripping EPIRBS and there have been plenty of instances where it has saved lives.

Sorry for the length of this but these are basics people should have, whic makes the life of emergency personnel easier and is not heavy stuff like schedule drugs or quick clot.

[Al Kidner]

Yep thats a good list you have put up Muddy and some fine tips as well. Quickclot is good ****, but it just has alot of things you need to take into account when usen it. The big one is don't ever get it near your eyes....you wont have any left! I have some that I've bought home and I'll only use it in the event of hitting a major bleed, and even at that a last option.

ak.

[TOWER*2007]

I have always packed Panadiene forte and panadol for pain relief. I almost always get plantar faceitis (spelling) when on a long hunting trip so ALWAYS take some Mobic tablets (anti inflammatorys).
I have just started to put a couple of glucose tablets in the kit as well
Never thought to pack Imodium.

I may be wrong but is'int Asprin bad to use on sprains and swelling because it thins the blood.

To plug a punture wound I nicked a couple of the wifes tampons. If she asks you what they are for don't tell her like I did or you'll never get to go hunting.

Jamie.


haha funny, i used a chicks pad once when i cut the bottom of my foot and they do stop the bleeding. I stuck it to the top of my thong and kept walking.

[Big Bill]

I know people will think I'm a woose but does anyone ever consider carrying Bepanthem?

[hutcho]

I know people will think I'm a woose but does anyone ever consider carrying Bepanthem?

the best anti chafing cream around. works a treat, I use it if I am suffering after long mountain bike rides.

So Big Bill, I don't reckon your a woose.

[Muddy999]

Good to put on after getting a tatt too.

[GutterClown]

Yep EPIRB is on the cards.
Was just covering myself in the event i cant be reach for a few days or so.

you seen that GPS\EPIRB type system called SPOT ?

[garret]

I know people will think I'm a woose but does anyone ever consider carrying Bepanthem?


i carry it all the time, great for quite a few different uses and last a good while too

i also carry one of the small packs of maxi pads, have had to use them a couple of times on mates doing stupid things, you get wierd looks at first but they are glad you have em when you need em, and they come as sterile which is a bonus

my kit usually contains

bepanthen
sanitary pads
voltaren 100mg supository (but thats cause i suffer from kidney stones occasionally and there is no pain like it)
imodium
ibuprofen (hepls with inflamation and joint pain too)
superglue
usual collection of bandages and sticking plasters
signal mirror
couple of space blankets
4 diferent ways of fire lighting (and learn how to make it from stuff you can find in the bush, it may just save your life one day)
small army issue signal flares (shot from a pencil like handle)
couple of good pairs of scissors
couple of good knives
medical grade acohol (dont need much)

and some other stuff too

apart from the knives this all fits into a pretty small area, usually in a water proof sack in the rucksack

one thing i will mention is dont keep all your fire lighting equipment in one place (i.e. backpack) cause if you loose it you are stuffed, i have waterproof matches in the backpack with a tub of kindling, lighter in my pocket, magnesium fire stick on a cord around my neck and some old rubber innertube as this stuff burns even if it is soaked

that way if you do happen to lose one piece of kit all is not totally lost

[special]

Bepanthen..sanitary pads..suppositories...sounds like a sex party:o:o:o...the old Bepanthen is great for tattoo's;)

[garret]

..the old Bepanthen is great for tattoo's;)

thats why i had it in the first place, not my tattoo (i dont have any) but that was its origional purpose

[IRONFIST]

I agree with AK. If something does go wrong in the field you are better off being in pain than sedated, or worse off, a respiratory arrest and DEAD. I think the KISS treatment should apply to first aid kits, this is not MASH.

[gecko]

Here's a good one, you know when ever someone gets a blood nose on the footy field and the trainer just shoves their fingers up their nose and it's all fixed.. I have it on very good authority (i.e. from a trainer) that it's because the fingers been dipped in RECTANOL or good old hemeriod cream first... They stick it on just about any thing that bleeds on the footy field. Id buy a new tube, but Great stuff to keep about to use to clot any bleeding... Another good one that works (and recommended by Dr. Carl) is for the runs... Plain old cordial, but red is best or the more "synthetic" the better, so none of that stuff claiming to have any real fruit in it is any good... Dr. Carl reckoned the Australian Army did the tests and Red cordial kills 9 out of the 11 bugs that cause Gardenia (sp?)... About a cap full is enough, straight up is best... Just try it out on your kids next time they get the squits... It works and they don’t mind it too much either.

[PSEPete]

This is just getting better and better.
But seriously there are some great ideas there guys. But one has to ask....how much is to much?

[Moondyne]

Basic pain relief and anti inflammatories can come in handy, but as previously stated, your no good to yourself if your "too" out of it.
My first mishap in the field was when i was alone.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn103/optiow20/phone006.jpg

This was the result of a rock of only about 50kg,, I stepped onto it while descending and it dislodged, I ended up on the downhill side of the rock with it slamming my foot between another rock.
I had no coms and only 1 person had a rough idea where i was. It was a 7k walk back to the car with the last 1.5 being a steep climb.
I now do things a lot differently,, I take a mate ;)

[jasonfish]

Bepanthen..sanitary pads..suppositories...sounds like a sex party:o:o:o...the old Bepanthen is great for tattoo's;)

The new thought is that Bepanthen is not to good for tats as it has an aticeptic affect & draws the ink out... (sorry to side track the thread)

[wtp omen]

I have a couple panadiene forte tablets left from last time i broke my collarbone, and a few tramadol tablets that i swapped my mate for a scotch can ;) (she gets tramadol for period pain)
But I've been wondering, how do I get more for the first aid kit? I mean, the stuff is prescription only, I take it they can't just sell it to me over the counter to go in my first aid kit...


Anyway, I think that another handy thing to carry is some paracord. The stuff generally has 7 strands that you can pull from the outer sheath if you need some extra thread.
I swapped my boot laces for some 550lb paracord, so if I'm in a pinch that gives me 17-18m of nylon thread and can still use the outher sheaths for laces. (laces are 1.3m long).
You can also wrap knife handles etc. with it, and it doesn't take up much weight or space in your pack to take a few metres of it anyway.

Not sure if it's been mentioned or not, but iodine or chlorine water purification tablets are handy too, you never know when you will have no choice but to drink questionable water.

Super glue is handy, stings a bit but it works well, I know it's been mentioned but it's good for all sorts of things.

And, of course, DUCT TAPE!!! Either carry a roll of the stuff or just wrap some around a few things in your pack; knife sheath, etc.

Oh, and as has been mentioned already, bike inner tubes! I like to cut them into bands, like rubber bands. That way you can use them as rubber bands, it's easy to just slip a handful over something like your knife sheath, etc. And they burn well (as said already).



As stated in someone's signature here (don't know who, sorry) "Luck favours those most prepared" ...or something along those lines.

This might be handy too, http://www.equipped.com/fm21-76.htm US army survival manual, I know it's combat oriented but you might just learn a thing or two.
If anyone finds a good survival manual intended for hunting/outdoors, post a link. It might just save a life ;)


-Edit- Just dug these up, might be of some use. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/ http://www.survivetheoutdoors.com/
I'm sure you could have found those with google, but what the hell.
And I know this is a topic on drugs, sorry but i though some survival info can't hurt.

[Luke]

Nice post mate :)

[Let_it_fly_straight]

This might be handy too, http://www.equipped.com/fm21-76.htm US army survival manual, I know it's combat oriented but you might just learn a thing or two.
If anyone finds a good survival manual intended for hunting/outdoors, post a link. It might just save a life ;).


I personally have the pocket version(it's tiny, about the size of a pack of smokes) of 'Lofty' Wiseman's SAS survival guide...it stays with my kit at all times and its got tonnes of info on shelter building, general survival, hunting and fishing etc...well worth the price...i think Angus & Robertson sell them fairly cheap(under $20)