First Aid Kit

**Lotz-A-Landies** · 30th June 2010, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by 87County

on reading through this thread the only mention of an epi-pen was by craig e

do the experts consider it advisable for one to be carried in a remote-area first aid kit ?

If someone has a documented severe allergy and has the Epi-Pen prescribed by an allergist, then absolutely one should be carried.

The problem with Epi-Pens and first aid kits is that the pens are expensive and only have a short shelf life of a few months.

If adrenaline is carried a 5 pack of adrenaline (epinepherine in US pharmacopea) ampoules, a needle with syringe and someone trained to use them is more cost effective with a longer shelf life.

**VladTepes** · 30th June 2010, 01:04 PM

Ok with ONE word (a name) I shall now sort out the stayers from the johnny-come-latelys

"Antaine".

**Lotz-A-Landies** · 30th June 2010, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by VladTepes

Ok with ONE word (a name) I shall now sort out the stayers from the johnny-come-latelys
"Antaine".

Que?

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**njz** · 30th June 2010, 02:03 PM

How about a few packs of Steri-Strips?
They hardly take up any space and they are the one of the most consumed items in my kit.

**Bundalene** · 30th June 2010, 05:21 PM

I would like to thank everyone for their input. This is a personal first aid kit, for ourselves and we are unaware of any allergies we have to cater for.

I ommitted to add Steri strips to the list as we carry 2 small packs of these.

We added the following:

Voltaren anti-inflammatory
Burn cream / gel
Burn wound cover sheets
Kwell tablets for sea sickness.

We also carry an important item overlooked by all - Vinegar for treatment against stingers or Box Jellyfish

Jellyfish | Australian Venom Research Unit

Erich

**CraigE** · 30th June 2010, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

If someone has a documented severe allergy and has the Epi-Pen prescribed by an allergist, then absolutely one should be carried.

The problem with Epi-Pens and first aid kits is that the pens are expensive and only have a short shelf life of a few months.

If adrenaline is carried a 5 pack of adrenaline (epinepherine in US pharmacopea) ampoules, a needle with syringe and someone trained to use them is more cost effective with a longer shelf life.

I only carry one because I get close to or expired ones for nothing. I have spoken to several doctors who say while the strength does diminish slightly it is absolutely better for someone with my training to have one on board and far better than nothing at all.
Most people who have a known allergy should be carrying one, but I have seen attacks in people that did not know they had an allergy.
But to buy they are about $120 without a script, so not cost effective for most people to have and they only have a 12 month shelf life. I keep expired ones for an additional 6 months.
If you use an epi pen make sure you know how to or you will stab yourself in the hand or thumb.

Adrenalin has a better shelf life, but as it is a schedule 8 drug most people would not be able to get it or carry it. If you are not conversant with giving IM injections, stay away.

**CraigE** · 30th June 2010, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by Bundalene

I would like to thank everyone for their input. This is a personal first aid kit, for ourselves and we are unaware of any allergies we have to cater for.

I ommitted to add Steri strips to the list as we carry 2 small packs of these.

We added the following:

Voltaren anti-inflammatory
Burn cream / get
Burn wound cover sheets
Kwell tablets for sea sickness.

We also carry an important item overlooked by all - Vinegar for treatment against stingers or Box Jellyfish

Jellyfish | Australian Venom Research Unit

Erich

Erich,
Good additions, while I carry kewells and vinegar when up north I dont regard it as part of my first aid kit, but is a good addition.
You really only have to use 1 item out of your first aid kit in a life saving scenario and it has more than paid for itself. Even if it makes someone comfortable it is worth while.
All up to replace our first aid kits would be around $1500.

**CraigE** · 30th June 2010, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by VladTepes

Ok with ONE word (a name) I shall now sort out the stayers from the johnny-come-latelys

"Antaine".

Never heard of it and my Mimms and Mosby's software and other books do not mention it. Are you sure you have the spelling correct? Is it available in Australia?
The only place I have ever heard that is as a Name usually associated with a vampire.

**Lotz-A-Landies** · 30th June 2010, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by CraigE

-
Adrenalin has a better shelf life, but as it is a schedule 8 drug most people would not be able to get it or carry it. If you are not conversant with giving IM injections, stay away.

Actually, according to MIMS-Online "Adrenaline Hydrochloride Injection 1:10,000" is unscheduled. i.e. not schedule 8 (Dangerous Drugs/Drugs of Addiction) while 1:1,000 is Schedule 3 (Schedule 3 Pharmacist Only Medicine). So yes you can acquire it by going to your local pharmacy and being trained in it's use, (when, where, how).

Many snake and spider bites cause an allergic reaction, requiring adrenaline. If a person was bitten in a remote area and their breathing was laboured, the emergency services usually RFDS doctor may instruct you to give adrenaline if you have it. Having it available may be the difference between life and death.

Once again this will depend upon how remote you are from professional help.

But it would mostly be an unnecessary inclusion.

Addit: I refer to the TGA poisions schedule http://www.tga.gov.au/ndpsc/index.htm

**CraigE** · 30th June 2010, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Actually, according to MIMS-Online "Adrenaline Hydrochloride Injection 1:10,000" is unscheduled. i.e. not schedule 8 (Dangerous Drugs/Drugs of Addiction) while 1:1,000 is Schedule 3 (Schedule 3 Pharmacist Only Medicine). So yes you can acquire it by going to your local pharmacy and being trained in it's use, (when, where, how).

Many snake and spider bites cause an allergic reaction, requiring adrenaline. If a person was bitten in a remote area and their breathing was laboured, the emergency services usually RFDS doctor may instruct you to give adrenaline if you have it. Having it available may be the difference between life and death.

Once again this will depend upon how remote you are from professional help.

But it would mostly be an unnecessary inclusion.

Thanks. Interesting as every time I have bought it for mine sites it has come up as an S8 and a requirement that it is kept under lock and key as required under the poison permit by the supplier.
Will have to look into it a bit more if that is the case and ask suppliers why they sell it to us as a S8.

Absolutely right, does make sense as you can buy an epipen. Never had the inclination to actually check or question the schedule for adrenaline. Will ask at the chemist and see what they say. Still not something I would leave unsecured.
4 ADRENALINE except:
(a) when included in Schedule 3; or
(b) in preparations containing 0.02 per cent or less of adrenaline.
3 ADRENALINE in preparations containing 1 per cent or less of adrenaline except in preparations
containing 0.02 per cent or less of adrenaline.
Handy link http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/resourc...list_alpha.pdf
NSW but should be the same Australia wide.

However is required to be on your poisons permit in WA.
http://www.health.wa.gov.au/poisons/...ation_Form.pdf

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