When Mike and I were younger and without back and knee injuries we used to hike through some really incredible places just to wet a line. I remember one trip that where a first aid kit would have been of great benefit to all of us. We were hicking up to the top if a mountain that was the birth place for a popular river in our local area. On the way up we traveled along a creek that was fed by the resevoir at the top. It was cluttered with large rocks and at times we found ourselves having to go from rock to rock to be able to continue. It was a hot summer afternoon and the cool water was a great releif to the heat. What I didn’t realise was that the next time I would jump from rock to rock that my shoes were now slippery from cooling off in the creek. I lost my footing and came down shin first right on the edge of one of those large and might I add sharp rocks.
The fall scared me more than the collision with the rock but as I regained my balance it was obvious that some damage had been done. I was now sporting a gapping whole in my shin that was showing more than just a bit of skin. It was still early in the day and not wanting to spoil the day for everyone we made due with the best that we had at the time. We were not equiped with a first aid kit but managed to use a little self aid buddy training to get the bleeding to stop by applying pressure and tearing a strip from a t-shirt to protect it from as much as possible. It made it possible to go on with the day and enjoy the incredible sights that nature had to offer.
When we finally got down the mountain and to an emergancy room it was stitched up and we were counselled on how important it was to have a first aid kit available. Had we been prepared and had a first aid kit we would have been able to butterfly the wound together and probably avoid stitches all together as well as the emergency room. The scare that remains is a constant reminder that first aid kits are always a good thing to have handy.
Every angler should carry a First Aid Kit with them when fishing from shore or from a boat. You never know what the day may hold for you. It is better to be prepared than to have an accident and not have the proper first aid supplies to care for the injury.
A well stocked First Aid Kit could be the difference between a sore thumb and a trip to the hospital emergancy room if you happen to get hooked while fishing. Your kit should work well with what you are doing. If you are fishing from shore and have little space to carry additional items you would want your kit to be a bit smaller and more compact than what you might be able to carry in your boat or vehicle. It should also be easily accessable as well as waterproof.
A well stocked First Aid Kit should contain the following items:
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1 – roll 1" cloth tape
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4 – 4" x 4", or 3" x 3" general gauze pads
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2 – non-stick gauze pads
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1 – 8" x 7" combine (bulk) dressing
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8 – band-aid bandages
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2 – 3" or 4" stretch roller gauze
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2 – triangular bandages
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1 – 4" ace wrap
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1 – Sam Splint or wire splint
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4 – pr vinyl exam gloves
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1 – CPR pocket mask w/ 1 way valve or shield
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5 – povodine iodine packets
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1 – trauma scissors
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1 – splinter tweezers
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1 – thermometer
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1 – blanket pin
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2 – safety pins
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1 – 20-30′ duct tape
Although some of the items above may be too much for you to take with you if you are hiking or shore fishing you can cut the amount down but make sure you carry a little bit of everything on the list. You may also want to bring along a pair of new wire cutters or dykes when out fishing. If you happen to have a run in with a hook you will have the ability to snip the barb.
One last thing to remember is that if you take any type of medications and carry them on you, that you let your companions know where you keep it at all times. Be safe and pack your first aid kit today.
Laurie Cork
laurie@ultimatebass.com
