1st aid kits on bikes are so useful!

[OakLeaf]

Ow! Heal up fast!

I don't bother with a "first aid kit." If I (or a riding buddy) gets hurt, it's either bruises, cuts and scrapes that can wait until I get home, or it's something that I'm going to need help from an EMT or at best a ride home. My only exception is my Mylar blanket - even if it's a mechanical and not an injury at all at the outset, hypothermia can set in fast when you're sweaty and dressed for exertion rather than standing around. In the short term, if I should need to slow profuse bleeding before the squad gets there, I can always use my jersey to put pressure and/or my spare tube as a tourniquet. CPR doesn't take any equipment, especially if you're doing it hands-only as it's mostly taught nowadays. I can't think of anything else that a few minutes would make that much difference.

If I did back country touring I'd carry sutures, splints, tourniquet, styptic, antibiotic ointment and ice packs, and get training in how to use them. And a SPOT beacon as well. I do know people who've needed that stuff. But I don't ride *that* far from civilization.


(If it makes you feel any better, I'm still healing a deep gouge in my leg from a couple of weeks ago when I was planting my garden and knelt on my hand cultivator. D'oh!!)

[Crankin]

I agree with Oak. Really, my first aid kit is nothing more than a couple of band aids in a zip lock, a tube of Neosporin, and a spritz from my water bottle! These 3 things alone have helped people on my rides, as well as myself.

[Helene2013]

If it was just a tiny scrape, I would not worry about it.

There was no way yesterday I could have kept going (still had over an hour to home) without quite a few plasters or something more than neo and water. It was not a case of calling the ambulance either....and it would have been a waste of time waiting for them, etc. And I did not need the attention of people passing by... hihi But the blood coming out of the 2 bigger cuts needed to be wrapped properly as the dripping was a good flow, not a slow "leak". Especially as we rode in some dirt. I could not risk having dust/dirt inside, especially the big hole left by one the teeth on cog.

I'm more the type of person to carry more than less too. So yep... I've added a bit more things to each of our 4 bags so no matter what is needed, we are covered! hihi

It does not take a lot of room in a bag as everything is in small packets and fits into a snack size ziplock, except for the tube of self-stick roll that I flatten up to make it fit. My own bag is all done and it takes no room at all. It would have been great yesterday if I had that tape. Just this, the polysporin and small square gauze would have been easier and faster to use than opening 6 plasters, etc.

You have not seen my 1st aid kit for home/motorhome! Ishhhhh It has all the possible pills, liquids (allergies, vomiting, tick tool, name it!) for the pets as well as us humans. Ridiculous... but I like to be ready for almost anything. Hate to be caught off guard. Maybe that is why I rarely panick under such emergencies as I have all I need on-hand before heading to hospital, vet, etc. I think if I could carry all on this on a bike I would. hahaha

[rebeccaC]

Hoping it heals quickly and without any complications!!! Maybe get a small bike cog tattoo over the scar.

I have a small REI first aid kit in a nylon case. It has strip, knuckle and fingertip bandages, butterfly closures, a gauze roll, pads and medical tape, antiseptic towelettes and antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen tablets, bandage scissors and a splinter removal tool that also is good for removing small embedded things in a tire. I think it cost me around $10 on sale. Thankfully i haven't needed to use any of it.

eta....they seem to still have it but it's $13.50 now. in my front bag it takes up 2 inches of space on its edge.

[Helene2013]

I will order something from rei for tiny packs. Better than a tube of polysporin. I'll check at our drugstores to see if they have some boxes of items and I could get enough for the 4 bikes.

My calf is so much better tonight. I am able to remove the gauze/taping to let it dry some. But still need to keep the steri strip there for that one hole.

I must have good system to hesl so quickly.

Here's a pic of after bath. Its the calf but sideways...sorry if pic is flipped. Don't know how to flip on tablet.



Just looking at pic on internet and it looks worst than in real life.

[Helene2013]

I was able to remove the steri stip yesterday. But it is very fragile and it still bleed just a tiny bit so a plaster is back on that only hole. I don't see any infection (yippee) so far but all but 2 of the holes are sore when I press on them. It will take time to heal and it will certainly leave a scar. Not the end of the world...If I go missing one day, they will be looking for a right leg with such scars from a road bike. haha

I wonder when I could start applying Vitamin E on it to help the scar feel/seem less visible.

Anyway, I did order that cog chain protector today from Taiwan. So expect to see it home in a month. Of course I ordered something pinkish to match my wheels. Worth the 14$US if it is going to save my legs from more tattooing. haha

[ny biker]

I should get that first aid kit from REI. Currently I just keep some band-aids in a zip-loc bag.

Helene, I'm glad it's healing and that it is not as bad as it looks in the photo.