Looking for a new medical kit

[Corey]

My main one is an old REI backpacking one I have had since the early 90s, time to retire it.

I have a home made one which consists of just band-aids, band-aid scissors (from my parents probably circa 1965 or older, but in perfect shape), some insect bite stuff.

I need a new kit, and I have had my eye on the Adventure Medical Kits.
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/

The one that looks like it will fill my need is the Mountain Weekender.
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/...der&product=87



Good video too.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv7mwyf8t1U"]YouTube - Mountain Series by Adventure Medical Kits[/ame]

I am trained in first aid and CPR via Boeing, and I have my card.
We get free training on this stuff at work which is nice, and then get recertified when it is time again.

The description for this kit is:


* 72 Hour Home Emergency Kit
* Backcountry Trips
* Camping
* Hiking / Backpacking
* RV / Car / Camper

I would fall in the latter category.
Does this sound like a good kit for the money?
Retail is $60.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Weekender-Kit/dp/B000G7YIL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1284574507&sr=8-1"]Amazon has it for $45 right now[/ame].

[Hltoppr]

I've been very pleased with AMK. I have the Fundamentals, Comprehensive, and Mountain Medic II kits. With only small additions, mostly to meet some WEMT level protocols, they've been great kits.

-H-

[Corey]

Thanks, I just ordered that one.
I also saw the blood clot packs there, but did not order one yet.
They had two sizes, and I need to read up on them more first.

Should have the kit Friday.
Going to be like Christmas Friday, the medical kit and the new silverware both come.

[Corey]

The kit came yesterday, very nice.
Everything inside is indeed labeled for the type of situation you might run across.

I briefly read the included book as outlined in the video above while in bed yesternight.
The book alone is a valuable resource.

It is a nice kit, but not much room in it to add more stuff to it.
The only things I really want to add is a blood clotting pack, and some [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Benadryl-Extra-Strength-Anti-Itch-Cream/dp/B0019RIRJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1284849911&sr=1-1"]Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Cream[/ame].
I have used the cream on insect bites, and it goes to work immediately.

I feel the kit was worth the $45 from Amazon.
There were two left when I ordered mine, now there are 13 more in stock.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Weekender-Kit/product-reviews/B000G7YIL4/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1& sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending"]The reviews are pretty good on it[/ame].

[TACODOC]

I highly recommend the AMK line for those wanting an off the shelf solution ( I build my personal kits from scratch though).

Well thought out and lightweight.

.02

[Flounder]

I've had a relationship with AMK for our local mountain bike business for a few years. Great people and very well thought out products. My suggestion would be to purchase one of their more comprehensive kits, but go into it knowing you'll probably have to customize it a tad for your needs and abilities as an impromptu medic.

Another thing I'd point out - many of these kits are designed to treat a single injury maybe once or twice. Say you get a gnarly gash on your shin. Most kits will have supplies to treat that injury for a day or two, but not beyond. So, you can usually treat one bad burn, one bad cut, etc.

Another thing worth pointing out is the lifespan of a good kit. Many of the supplies in most kits don't live beyond a couple years. Usually, it's about 25% of the value of a kit that will need to be replaced after a couple years.

[TACODOC]

Great points!

[XJBANKER]

I ordered one of these kits for the Jeep and trailer today. Have health care flex spending that I need to use by the end of the year and First Aid kits are covered. Excited to see how it is put together. I got the comprehensive kit.

[Corey]

The book alone that comes with the kit is worth the $$$.
Very compact book that stores in the kit, and chock full of back country/wilderness first aid tips.

[Ludedude]

I have a variety of the AMK kits, one in each bag, a larger one in the truck. They're pretty well though out and though I've added various bits to each over time, they have most of what you need. The book that comes with most of them is a nice extra.
I carry separate severe trauma kits (think gunshots, loss of limbs) which include hemostatic agents etc. If you're going to carry hemostatics, please get some training in their proper use. Most Red Cross type classes won't go near them or tourniquets etc.