First Aid kit on your bike?

[HillSlugger]

After my friend crashed while taking me out on my first road ride I decided that I should be carrying a first aid kit. My problem has been in finding a saddle bag that will carry the kit in addition to my tubes and tools without rubbing on the tire. So, I don't carry the aid kit because I don't know where to carry it.

[KnottedYet]

MDHillslug - what about one of these large Ortleib saddlebags? Unless you have an un-sprung Brooks saddle, you should have no problem with the bag fitting. And the large is NICE and HUGE! (someday I want one, and I have a SPRUNG Brooks saddle) http://www.wallbike.com/ortlieb/saddlebags.html

Queen - I don't get the breathing tube thing on those masks, it looks like it'd make the patient gag cuz it looks long. Or is that just the angle of the photo? And can you use it on a child? Thanks for telling me about Galls, they've easily got the best prices on lots of stuff. (and another dumb question: if it's a one-way valve, how does the patient exhale? Do you have to let go of the mask?)

[HillSlugger]

MDHillslug - what about one of these large Ortleib saddlebags? Unless you have an un-sprung Brooks saddle, you should have no problem with the bag fitting. And the large is NICE and HUGE! (someday I want one, and I have a SPRUNG Brooks saddle) http://www.wallbike.com/ortlieb/saddlebags.html

Would it mount to a non-Brooks (Terry) saddle? Do they post the dimensions anywhere?

Mine is a Cannondale where you can unzip and drop the bottom for additional room. The first time I tried this I sagged as I rode and started dragging on the tire. I haven't tried it on my road bike.

[KnottedYet]

It will fit better on a non-Brooks saddle. The only Brooks saddle it will fit (with adaptor straps) is a Brooks with springs.

I can't find dimensions on the site, just capacities. You can call Bill or Diane at Wallingford and ask them to measure one for you, they are really nice folks.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My personal thinking is that any wound small enough for a bandaid probably doesn't really need one. It's the big wounds I worry about.
I do always carry a large bandana would can be useful for many things in emergencies. I also carry a 10" long bungie cord in my saddle bag- it can be used in a pinch to secure things onto my bike and also as a tourniquet if needed.

[snapdragen]

My personal thinking is that any wound small enough for a bandaid probably doesn't really need one. It's the big wounds I worry about.

That's why I like the Crash Pack
Antiseptic Ointment; 4x3 non-adhering wound dressing (2); 3x3 general use surgical sponges (2); 6” stretch net burn gauze (2); 4x2 bandages (2); 1X3 bandages (2); Butterfly cut closures (2); Betadine antiseptic pads (2); Antiseptic towelettes (2); Advil Pain Relief Tablets (2); Road Rash Treatment guide; and all are conveniently tucked away in our waterproof 6”x8” Mylar bag.

I probably had better check it, make sure nothing is expired. The Advil probably needs to be replaced.

[SouthernBelle]

For longer or cold weather rides, rather than carry a bigger saddle bag, I add on a bar bag. Would probably be a good choice to carry a first aid kit.

[KnottedYet]

That crash pack is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for! With that and a cpr mask/gloves I'd feel like I had a decent first aid kit for the bike. (that and my cell phone)

Thanks, Snap!

[Melody]

With one way valve cpr masks, the patient can breathe around the mask once you let up off of it. The valve is one way to prevent any air/vomit/spray from getting into the mouth of the responder.

I do always carry a large bandana would can be useful for many things in emergencies.

Bandanas are awesome. You can use them as a triangle bandage, a sling, or to hold a split in place.

I also carry a 10" long bungie cord in my saddle bag- it can be used in a pinch to secure things onto my bike and also as a tourniquet if needed.

The one thing I caution about when using anything like a tourniquet is that if you do use a tourniquet note that you are predetermining that the limb in question is a loss and that the limb will probably be amputated.

The problem with tourniquets is that all blood supply to that limb is cut off and muscle/cells/etc begin to become oxygen starved. Not soon afterwards, cells begin to die. If you can stop the bleeding without applying a tourniquet (using extreme point pressure, for instance in the event of a femoral artery bleed) then you should do so. That said, if it's a question of losing a limb versus a life...

Mel

[Pax]

...

Queen - I don't get the breathing tube thing on those masks, it looks like it'd make the patient gag cuz it looks long. Or is that just the angle of the photo? And can you use it on a child? Thanks for telling me about Galls, they've easily got the best prices on lots of stuff. (and another dumb question: if it's a one-way valve, how does the patient exhale? Do you have to let go of the mask?)

It just looks long in the pic, in reality it's only about 1.5 to 2 inches long. As far as the patient exhaling, it's not an airtight seal and the plastic has some rigidity so air escapes around the mask as soon as the mouth pressure is off.

[KnottedYet]

Thanks! I'm ordering a bunch of them.