In reply to ACollins:
I know the OP asked about first aid kit specifically, but I'm going to mention a few other things. And I'm more in mind Scottish mutipitch climbing, and all-season hillwalking than roadside cragging here.
If you have a proper accident, probably the trauma is either in the "not going to kill you" or the "dead whatever you do" camp. Various things might help in the borderline cases, but I wouldn't put a high priority on them. If you have been immobilised, I would say priorities are:
- Shelter. A group shelter is a lifesaver, things like blizzard bags are also worth considering, especially if alone. I would normally take these over a first aid kit (though usually I take both)
- Warmth. Make sure that, combined with the above, you have enough clothes not to start suffering from hypothermia. Most people probably carry these without thinking of them as emergency kit.
- Food. Again, to stave off hypothermia. Some people like to have emergency rations, I just make sure that my lunch is bigger than it needs to be.
- Phone. Signal is slowly creeping into the remote places, and getting MRT out with the maximum possible daylight left is well worth it. I hate the distraction so it's always off, preserves battery that way too. Consider registering for the 999 text service, it's designed to help the deaf, but hillwalkers and climbers are also registering. Be aware that it's not really set up with MRT in mind and they may not know how the system works, so start your emergency text with "police->mountain rescue" or similar, so they know who to forward it to.
- A PLB is probably worth considering. I don't have one though.
- Pen and paper (or use the back of the map). If you want to send someone to find a phone signal, writing down some details is useful, grid references are particularly hard to memorise. Recording the times, and any changes in the casualty's condition may help the MRT.
- Only after all that would I say a first aid kit is really useful for an immobilising injury. Bandages and gauze might be useful, though they're going to come after direct pressure in controlling bleeding. Splints aren't worth much in this case, you don't need them until MRT arrives.
If you're not immobilised, then splinting an arm or something could make walking out or moving to a safer place to await rescue practical. Gaffer tape is good but doesn't stick to wet jackets as well as people expect it to. Vet tape is also supposed to be quite good. SAM splints are great, but I'm not sure they are worth the bulk and weight.
The only absolutely critical thing to put in a first aid kit is medication for people who need it. Epi-pens for people with severe allergies, inhalers for asthmatics, clotting agents for haemophilia etc.
Beyond that, I do carry some things aimed at making it possible to continue after a minor injury, or making things generally more comfortable.
So what do I actually carry in my first aid kit?
- 1 wound dressing
- 1 crepe bandage
- a few gauzes and melolins
- gaffer tape
- needle and thread (for kit not people, especially on multiday trips)
- 1 compeed
- plasters (cuts and rain make for blood everywhere otherwise)
- painkillers
- A pair of disposable nitrile gloves, because they don't weigh anything
- A resuscitation face shield, the type that folds down to the size of a £2 coin, and weighs about 5g
- A pencil
- A tick remover
Several organisations do reminder cards, covering incident management and first aid. These are probably great for people who've never had to deal with an incident before. It's easy to overlook just how stressful it can be.
Post edited at 15:03