Replies

That's good advice. That's basically what I did. I looked at the kinds of things I have needed in the past (whether I had them or not), the kinds of things I would feel comfortable/capable of using, and the kinds of typical situations I might be in. My kit is roughly 18x12x24 - a medium-large duffel bag.

Basically, I'm prepared for things like:

Cuts and scrapes - minor, clean and band-aid, some larger gauze pads and tape, butterfly closures, steri-strips, up to major with Israeli bandage/CAT and clotting compound.
Slivers - with tweezers, magnifying glass, lights
Aches & pains and bites with advil, tylenol, anti-itch, lidocaine patches, burn ointment, antibiotic ointment, etc.
Sprains and minor breaks with wraps, cold packs etc.
Airway problems with a mouth-to-mouth mask - thinking about getting an intubation kit but I'd need real training for that...
Significant torso trauma (eg. gunshot or stabbing) with Hyfin seals, clotting impregnated packing (with x-ray markers)
Various "tools" like gloves, thermometer, lights, trauma scissors, fingertip O2 sat sensor, etc.
Notepad, pen, and watch - because one of the best things you can do for first responders is be able to give them a timeline of what you found, what you did, and when

I'm probably forgetting a few things, and I have enough quantity of these items to treat several patients - eg. a multiple injury car accident. What I may talk myself into is a tracheotomy kit, chest drain kit, the aforementioned intubation kit, stethescope & BP cuff, maybe IV and blood expanders, but those have a short shelf life. Oh, now I remember what's next on my list - smoke grenades to use as signaling and wind indicators for flight for life landing zones. I've already got ear and eye protection to act as landing guide...

Yes, I like to be prepared. That duffel is in my car 24x7. Yes, I've used many of the things in there except some of the serious trauma gear. Did I mention my mother was an ER nurse and impressed upon me the need to be able to take care of business? Also I have unfortunately watched someone die, someone I helped treat after a serious vehicle accident and he died on the scene with EMTs working on him. S***, just typing that still brings a tear to my eye.