Wilderness first aid classes are better for anyone who will be any distance from normal EMS response. They can be found through Google or local outdoors stores and clubs.
OTC Benadryl is good. Epinephrine (Epi-pen) is a prescription item, which is not an issue if you (and your doctor)
know you have a bee sting (or other anaphylatic) allergies. Otherwise you may have to convince a doc why you need it.
Other over-the-counter meds I carry are:
Analgesics: (pain pills)
Aspirin: 1 a day keeps the heart attack or stroke away if no allergy, bleeding, ulcers or other reason. 2 every 4 hrs. for fever or minor pain. (Don't use aspirin in kids without medical advice
Ibuprofen: Basically the same effects as aspirin though not usually given for the blood thinning effect. Better pain relief, fever control and antiinflammatory effect than aspirin. Somewhat less stomach upset but still causes that.
Tylenol: (acetaminophen) Only good for fever and minor pain.
Anti-histamines: (for allergies, itch, nausea and sea-sickness)
Benadryl for anything that itches or sneezes, e.g. hay fever, allergies. 25-50 mg. every 4 hrs.
Meclizine 12.5-25 mg. (Dramamine II): motion sickness
Decongestants:
Afrin spray: For nasal congestion.
Pseudoephedrine (30-60 mg. every 4-6 hrs) for nasal congestion
(I also carry "Contac" for severe cold/allergy symptoms.)
Gastrointestinal Medications:
Rolaids or Tums (Liquid are more effective, but tablets are easier to carry.)
Acid neutralizers: Zantac or Pepcid or generic equals
Dulcolax: For constipation
Imodium AD: (Loperamide)For diarrhea.
Skin Meds:
Antiinflamatory:2 1/2% cortisone cream
Antibiotic ointment:Bacitracin, polysporin,
Antifungal: Lotrimin or clotrimazole
Note: I only cary a few of these each...not the whole package. from 24 Ibuprofen to 2 Contac. 4-10 of everything else.
Hans Erdman, WEMT
Backcountry Trail Patrol-MN
www.trailpatrol.orgThis message was edited by Trailpatrol on 3-15-06 @ 7:31 AM
