First aid

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First aid for all outdoor activities

Anyone who enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors knows that there isn't always a doctor nearby. For this reason, it's important to be prepared with the appropriate equipment.

The use of a set should be practiced

Before embarking on an outdoor activity with such a complete set, you should practice. This will give you confidence in handling the contents. If the set really does need to be used, the helper doesn't have to think long about it, but rather knows how to do it. This also makes it easy to familiarize yourself with the contents so that you know what all the tools and aids are for.
Our sets are designed to be easy to use and do not require a long introduction. However, you should still take a close look at the contents, as this is the only way the helper knows what he will find in the set, where it is stored and how he can help.
There are different first aid kits for different purposes. Before setting off on an outdoor activity, you should consider what kind of set you need to be prepared for many eventualities. The light and small packaging makes it easy to take with you, so the kits do not represent heavy luggage and can be carried in a backpack or bag.

Choosing the right first aid kit

There are various first aid kits available for emergency situations, which you can choose from depending on your needs and activity. When camping, for example, it is sufficient to have a first aid kit with plasters and dressings for various minor wounds, as campsites are usually relatively central, meaning that a doctor or hospital can be reached in a shorter time. Camping also allows you to be mobile.
During tough outdoor activities, it is essential to carry a surgical kit, emergency blankets and sterile towels to compensate for this lack of mobility.
Survival kits are indispensable when hiking far from civilization and during military exercises. They contain everything that is needed for first aid for wounds. A long expedition or march should not be undertaken without such a survival kit. If an accident does occur, a person's life can depend on the group having the right equipment for first aid. ASMC offers various first aid kits and survival kits that meet different needs. It is important that the kit is adapted to the type and duration of the expedition and that you carry enough material for care.

There are various DIN standards that regulate the contents of a kit or first aid bag. The most important are DIN 13157, 13164 and 13169.

Expert tip: How do you treat wounds without industrial tools?

You can also disinfect wounds with spirit or tea tree oil, for example. In a really extreme emergency, you can also use ash - not hot, of course. However, we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of this tip. It is best to visit your GP before embarking on a major undertaking and clarify any open questions such as these.

In any case, you should have compresses and sterile bandages with you; there is no way around them and they are indispensable if you are out in nature for a long time.

Further important and good tips for first aid in nature can also be found on Wikipedia.

Questions: First Aid

What should be considered when disinfecting wounds?

The first and most important point is that you should always rinse wounds carefully, of course only with clean water, preferably drinking water that you have brought with you. However, in an emergency, you can also use water from a stream. After that, you can really disinfect the wound with alcohol, ideally with over 70% alcohol content, if you don't have anything else to hand (wound disinfectant spray or similar). But you have to be prepared for a decent burning sensation.
There are also practical, individually rationed "alcohol swabs" that are designed for just such cases and are ready to use immediately. Urine, which can also be classified as sterile, is also an alternative. Water is still considered better because it contains fewer other ingredients than urine.
Also important:
You should not use disinfectants on larger wounds or open fractures!
What you should definitely avoid:
Aftershave is usually perfumed and should never be used for disinfection due to the risk of blood poisoning.

How do you stitch wounds correctly?

According to popular opinion, this should not be done by laypeople, as the risk of further injuries and/or blood poisoning/infections is far too high. Another difficulty is that you can usually only see the wound from an unfavorable angle or not at all.
Side note:
Histoacryl, a medical tissue adhesive, is unfortunately not suitable for outdoor activities if you want to avoid stitching a large wound, because this product requires refrigerated storage.

How often should you change wound dressings/bandages?

It is recommended to change daily if possible.

What do you do if you feel unsure about your care?

Of course, refreshing the first aid course that is required when getting your driver's license is not a bad idea. However, there are also special outdoor first aid courses that really recreate and practice the situations that might arise.