Medical Kit

[incapete]

We were going through Ian's first aid kit and discussing the inclusion of things like pain killers, other drugs, needles/syringes etc that as an EFR (or similar) you could not actually use on an injured person but might be useful to have onhand for someone else with suitable training and experience to use.

Overkill or a useful just-in-case?


On the original list I'd also add an anti diarrhoea product like immodium and some rehydration powder like Diaralyte. Not because I have any particular problem in that department but I've been surprised how often I've given them to others.

[DanTam1]

Just wanted to say many thanks Ian, truely a brill course Tuesday and Wednesday. I think the knowledge of O2 administration and basic first aid is invaluable, and has added to my introductions list at parties,

"Hi, I'm Dan, I know basic first aid, can I help you!!"

There was me thinking I could use the line ... I know kung-fu.

Many, thanks again.

Everyone had texted me saying they had a good time. Next time, I'll make sure the cats don't try to jump in your first-aid kit.

[Pioneer 10]

Originally Posted by nigelH

The biggest worry would be what do I do with a suspected heart attack. I carry nitroglycerin for me but do you give it to somebody else?

To all concerned, unless you are a doctor or paramedic the only medicine you may offer (that is, not prescribe!) to a patient in a suspected heart attack, is Aspirin, for them to crush in their mouth and swallow. Do not under any circustances give YOUR medication to anyone else. Anyone with a pre-existing history of cardiac problems will be carrying their own medication, you may assist them to take it but should never offer your own. You have no idea of their medical history and could make their situation worse, even kill them.
The same is true of adminstering O2 , this may only be admistered to fellow divers or near drowning victims, no-one else!
Hope this helps.

[cave_troll]

if you come across a non-diver having a heart attack and you have O2, you shouldn't get in trouble giving it to them.
the only exceptions are
1) are they on fire? (put them out first)
2) are the suffering from paraquat posining? (they'll probably die anyway)
3) COPD and hypoxic drive. (talk to many aneathatists and they'll tell you its probably ***t and anyway these people won't be more than 10m from their hospital bed)

O - Oxygen
M - Morphine (proably not practical for most 1st aiders)
A - Asprin - chew 1 tab even if they're on a daily 75 mg tab already
N - Nitrates - GTN, help then to take their own unless they've already taken several doses and it hasn't helped.

[airpusher]

Originally Posted by cave_troll

if you come across a non-diver having a heart attack and you have O2, you shouldn't get in trouble giving it to them.
the only exceptions are
1) are they on fire? (put them out first)
Or you could just help them along......

2) are the suffering from paraquat posining? (they'll probably die anywaY
If there hypoxic they still need oxygen

3) COPD and hypoxic drive. (talk to many aneathatists and they'll tell you its probably ***t and anyway these people won't be more than 10m from their hospital bed)
Again if there hypoxic they will still need oxygen, you can always take it away.

O - Oxygen
M - Morphine (proably not practical for most 1st aiders)
A - Asprin - chew 1 tab (300mg) even if they're on a daily 75 mg tab already
N - Nitrates - GTN, help then to take their own unless they've already taken several doses and it hasn't helped.

Lee

[airpusher]

.

[Pioneer 10]

Chatting to my local friendly Paramedic, (my girlfriend), quote "Oxygen is contra-indicated in Paraquat poisoning"! This means it should never be administered to the above victim.

Also, I appreciate the good intentions of having/carrying syringes, drugs etc for use by professionals to use , but in reality a professional will never take a syringe or drugs from a third party to administer to a casualty. They will have no knowledge of the conditions of the instruments, or the legitimacy (viability) of the drugs in your possession. Their liveliehood and licence to practise can be withdrawn if they are found to have used "alien" equipment not provided by their own profession with all the stringent controls they had in place re; the storing of prescribed drugs etc.

As to the administration of O2 to third parties. Remember your course notes: they should have noted that you should only give O2 (and indeed any First Aid) within the confines/limits of your own training. You will (most likely) NOT open yourself up to prosecution (civil or public) if you stick within this warning given to you at the time of your training.

[cave_troll]

Originally Posted by Pioneer 10

Chatting to my local friendly Paramedic, (my girlfriend), quote "Oxygen is contra-indicated in Paraquat poisoning"! This means it should never be administered to the above victim.

Indeed. it will speed the reaction and kill them a little quicker. But they'll die anyway without it.

[bythesea]

Originally Posted by nigelH

I carry nitroglycerin for me but do you give it to somebody else?

Not unless you are qualified to administer drugs. Be careful with anadin etc to esp if a bend is suspected or someone is bleeding, this advice was given to me on a recent trip to a diving medical facility as it thins the blood and can stop clotting from occuring and may lead to bubbles flowing around the body with greater ease

[Pioneer 10]

Originally Posted by cave_troll

Indeed. it will speed the reaction and kill them a little quicker. But they'll die anyway without it.

Taking this a little lighter, so you shouldn't give O2 unless you wish to open yourself to "Assisting a Suicide" prosecution.