First aid kits for riding
Someone posted on Sport-Touring.net about what first aid kits people use on their bikes.
Since I am the most OCD person on earth as far as being prepared goes, I feel like I have a pretty darned comprehensive supply that doesn't take up much room. Here goes:
In the Givi tailbag at all times:
Aerostich Sportrider's Kit
Comprehensive Guide
Infectious Control Bag
4X4 or 3X3 or 2X2 Gauze (8)
Bandage Scissors
Non-Adherent Sterile Dressing (2)
Splinter Picker Forceps
Surgical Scrub Brush
8 X 10 and 5 X 9 Trauma Pads
Providone Iodine Solution (1oz)
Comforming Gause Bandage 2" or 3" (2)
Butterfly Closure Strips
Elastic Bandage w/Velcro 2" or 3"
Tincture of Benzoin (2)
Adhesive Tape (1/2" or 1") 10 Yards
Double Antibiotic Ointment (3)
Strip and Knuckle Bandages (10)
Antiseptic Towelettes
Cotton Tipped Applicators (2)
Moleskin
Motrin (4)
Molefoam
Antihistamine (2)
Nitrile Examination Gloves
Sting Relief Pads (3)
Antimicrobial Hand Wipes
Saftey Pins (3)
Accident Report & Pencil
I've also added a two person survival blanket.
On the XT225 at all times:
The above, enclosed in a waterproof first aid bag since it's velcro'ed to the luggage rack.
In my tankbag at all times:
One of those travel first aid kits from the drug store (basically: cough drops, allergy tablets, handiwipes, bandaids, neosporin).
Extra bottle of ibuprofen, eye drops, chap stick, stick of sunscreen.
Adventure Medical Kit's Pocket Survival Pak:* Spark-Lite™ Firestarter - current U.S. military issue, waterproof, useable one-handed, over 1000 sparkings in tests
* 4 Spark-Lite™ Tinder-Quik™ - current U.S. military issue, waterproof, wax impregnated cotton tinder in zip-top plastic bag, each burns 2-3 minutes
* Fox-40® Rescue Howler™ Survival Whistle - designed exclusively for this kit, triple frequency, exceeds U.S. Coast Guard and SOLAS specifications, bright yellow with dual mode lanyard hole
* Rescue Flash™ Signal Mirror, 2 x 3 inches (5 x 7.6 cm) Lexan™ polycarbonate with mil-spec style retro-reflective aiming aid for one-handed use, instructions on back, protective cover to prevent scratches while stored in the kit, lanyard hole.
* 20mm Survival Compass - liquid damped with groove to accept an improvised lanyard ring
* Duct Tape - 26 inches x 2 inches (66 x 5 cm), rolled around plastic mandrel, repairs, first aid, the ultimate repair and improvisation component, uses limited only by your imagination
* Stainless Steel Utility Wire - 6 ft. of .020 inch (1.83 m x 0.5 mm) mil-spec grade, stronger than brass, won't get brittle in frigid cold, multiple uses
* Braided Nylon Cord - 10 ft. (3 m) 150+ lb. (68+ kg) test, won't unravel, shelter building, repairs and much more
* #69 Black Nylon Thread - 50 ft. (15.2 m), 10.5 lb. (4.8 kg) test, repairs, fishing line, light duty lashing and much more
* Fishing Kit - 4 x medium Fish Hooks, 2 x Split Shot and 1 x Snap Swivel, in a clear plastic vial with cap.
* Heavy Duty Sewing Needle - will penetrate heavy materials, easy to grip, large eye for easy threading
* 4 Safety Pins - repairs, secure items to prevent loss and much more
* Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil - 3 sq. ft. (0.9 sq. m), make container to boil water, reflect fire heat and much more
* #2 Pencil and Waterproof Notepaper - 2 pieces 2.125 x 3.667 inches (5.4 x 9.3 cm), leave notes, memory aid, keep log
* #22 Scalpel Blade - stainless steel, in sealed foil packaging, more functional than a single-edged razor blade
* Kit Specific Illustrated Survival Instructions - authored by Doug Ritter, 33 illustrations, on waterproof paper, detailed, easy to understand, practical information
* Fresnel Lens Magnifier - 2 x 3 inches (5 x 7.6 cm), in protective sleeve, read small type in survival instructions if glasses lost, start fire using sun
It sounds like a whole lot of stuff, but the Sportsrider's Kit is only 6.5"×4.5"×2.25" and the Personal Survival Pak is even smaller at 4"x3.25".
I also really recommend Backpacker Magazine's Wilderness 911 book. It's not excessive for anyone who rides more than an hour or two away from a metropolitan area -- even on paved roads. It's always a good idea to know how to make a split with available materials, or what to do with an unconscious riding buddy when you're miles from a town.
Labels: Safety tips
