View Full Version : sub-survival kit design
I have recently been thinking about survival kit design, in no small part due to a book called Build the Perfect Survival Kit (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0873499670/002-6126969-6042437?v=glance&n=283155)
I am trying to put together a pack of things small and flat enough to fit in a shirt/trouser/coat pocket and not interfere with daily life. It is all very well having a lot of wonderful items in a tobacco tin but I'll only have it with me when I'm put and about. The idea of this is that it is a kit with enough basics to be useful in a survival situation and also on a regular basis when more run of the mill things go wrong.
I was wondering if people had any suggestions as to suitable items.
The only rules I have so far are that it will fit into a flat(ish) space about 3-4 inches square so that it doesn't take up any more space than a wallet. Also, to ensure it is something which can just be carried in any situation there will be no blades in it.
Currently I am thinking of the following items on a sort of trial list:
Tin Foil
Tea Bag
Sugar Sachet
Asprin
Thread/Cord
Elastic Bands
Book of Matches
Plasters
Cotton Wool
Electricians Tape
Gaffer Tape
Safety/Nappy Pins
Wire
Paper
Pencil
Any advice or comment would be welcome and I'll try to mock up a trial version and post it here to help clarify what I'm trying to do. I'm also wondering about if I will have one and treat it like a wallet (i.e. it goes in trouser pocket first thing and stays there all day) or if I will build a few and put them in coat or bag pockets. Originally it was going to be non metallic to be aircraft friendly but that has gone out the window this week.
Graham_S
14-08-2006, 23:20
that looks similar to the ritter psk
RovingArcher
14-08-2006, 23:35
Everything pictured, except for the bottle of iodine pills, fits into an Altoids tin and I wrap duct tape around the seam where the tin closes to help keep water out.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d9/RovingArcher/Gear/beckerkit003.jpg
Kit contents:
1gal. freezer grade ziploc bag
30' spiderwire 12# fishing line
ibuprofen and Benedryl capsules
Plaster
hand wipe
all weather tinder
strike anywhere matches
Victorinox SAK
BSA Hotspark
cheap LED light
Ink pen refill
Sewing needle
trick candles (wind proof)
15' 3# leader line
20' SS wire
safety pins
paperclip
fishing flies, hook and split shot weights
2' x 1' HD Aluminum foil (not shown)
Altoids tin (not shown) 3/4" x 3 3/4" x 2 1/4"
10' duct tape (not shown)
http://www.farrahs.co.uk/gifs/123_64.gif
The harrogate toffee tin is a decent size and pretty flat. (No 1, that is)
I carry a fishing lure box with a few compartments in it:
matches & striker
dressings (a length of fabric dressing that can be cut to size)
Anadin
Anti emetics
rennies
Needles thread, buttons, safety pin
ear plugs
button compass
craft knife blade
cotton wool with vaseline.
I reckon it'll get added to as time goes by.
Ogri the trog
15-08-2006, 00:03
Sam,
I think your idea is great, especially the "no blade" idea.
Its easy to come up with negative things to say so I'll try not to go on too long.
The tea bag and sugar satchet - they are single use items and once the are used, they're gone - though the sugar can argueably be used in resusitating a hypoglycemic patient ( may be hyper, I can never quite remember). If you need a drink that badly then water will always be your best option. Some method of water purification might help - could double as an antiseptic wash if needed.
Elastic bands can loose their elasticity, I'd go for more thread and learn some knots to keep things tight.
Electricians/ gaffer tape and plasters - save the room and carry one type of tape that will cover all three uses.
Cotton wool is bulky unless restrained, why not use a tampon, similar stuff and can be fluffed up when needed or kept tight and tidy when not.
Paper matches in my experience absorb moisture from the air quicker than wooden ones - I'd go for lifeboat matches and possibly a small candle - maybe a few of the comedy birthday candles that relight themselves after being blown out.
I'm going to follow this with a view to packing my possibles pouch - see the whats in your thread by JDLenton :cool:
ATB
Ogri the trog
that looks similar to the ritter psk
Agreed, so much thought has gone into the Ritter kit, why not just capitalise on his R&D?
http://www.equipped.com/psp/index.htm
use a flu powder as your hot drink -no milk and a pain killer as well-ask anyone who smokes matchs are useless on a windy day get a lighter-tape some para cord round both ends and wrap fishing line inbetweed (clippers work best) and tape it up so you can still use/fill up the lighter best thing i can say about planes is have a whistle and fire steel on your keys file an old key so it will work the steel- any wire in a tin will look like a bomb!!in a x ray..karl
Spikey DaPikey
15-08-2006, 00:54
I was told the other day, that firesteels were on the 'Banned' list, for carrying onto a plane. This was before the new guidelines as well :o
I was told the other day, that firesteels were on the 'Banned' list, for carrying onto a plane. This was before the new guidelines as well :ogess that's job f***ed for" lost" kind of crack then.my dads a wagon driver "if it's got a engine it can fail- boats float with out one planes don't "
Nice set up.I think I would add a space blanket and probably replace the fishing line with a wire saw, after all you won't need food unless you need to survive for more than 2 weeks. Warmth, water and first aid are the main concerns.
I think the tea is a good idea as it will help you to sit down and organize your thoughts. In winter it might be suplemented/replaced by hot chocolate powder and in summer with a boullion cube or gatorade powder.
Harmen
anthonyyy
15-08-2006, 09:56
One thing, which I think is missing in a lot of survival kits, is a radio receiver. Imagine being stuck in the aftermath of a major natural or politician made disaster and not knowing what is going on.
Even if you are just a wee bit lost in the hills, knowing the weather forecast will help you decide whether or not you must find shelter for the night.
I was travelling a couple of days after 9/11 and thanks to my radio know what was going on. I kept meeting people who hadn’t a clue what the chaos in airports was about.
A medium wave radio is fine for domestic use (FM uses more battery power) For near Europe LW is good. Further afield SW.
outdoorstevo
15-08-2006, 13:32
One thing, which I think is missing in a lot of survival kits, is a radio receiver. Imagine being stuck in the aftermath of a major natural or politician made disaster and not knowing what is going on.
Even if you are just a wee bit lost in the hills, knowing the weather forecast will help you decide whether or not you must find shelter for the night.
I was travelling a couple of days after 9/11 and thanks to my radio know what was going on. I kept meeting people who hadn’t a clue what the chaos in airports was about.
A medium wave radio is fine for domestic use (FM uses more battery power) For near Europe LW is good. Further afield SW.
Interesting idea. These people have a wind-up AM/FM radio with torch
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dynamo-Mini-Eco-Radio_W0QQitemZ190010312086QQi hZ009QQcategoryZ39993QQssPageN ameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It says "waterproof coating", but god knows what that means. Certainly it would be a good thing if it's waterproof, but I imagine that's wishful thinking.
I haven't seen a wind-up radio with SW though.
Spikey DaPikey
15-08-2006, 13:39
Interesting idea. These people have a wind-up AM/FM radio with torch
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dynamo-Mini-Eco-Radio_W0QQitemZ190010312086QQi hZ009QQcategoryZ39993QQssPageN ameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It says "waterproof coating", but god knows what that means. Certainly it would be a good thing if it's waterproof, but I imagine that's wishful thinking.
I haven't seen a wind-up radio with SW though.
they do them, but they seem abit bulky !!
http://www.popcorn-uk.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5 933
- though the sugar can argueably be used in resusitating a hypoglycemic patient ( may be hyper, I can never quite remember).
Slightly off topic but I think that it doesn't matter what type of diabetes the patient has. If it's one sort, it'll make no difference; if it's the other siort it could save a life. So, in that case, it's always worth putting a small amount of sugar under the tongue of an unconscious patient.
I would really appreciate it if anyone with medical experience out there could verify this :confused: . If it's true, what with the increase in diabetes amongst the population, a small amount of sugar could be a really good idea for the sub-survival kit.
woodwalker
15-08-2006, 14:39
in terms of the radio, you can get credit card sized ones such as here (http://www.solware.co.uk/gadgets-toys/slim-gym-radio.shtml) I am not sure what they quality of this particular one is (as I don't own one) but it could be a thought for a slim survival kit.
woodwalker
A medium sized plastic bag or binliner can be useful to keep your upper core dry and warm.
A bit extreme I suppose if you`re catching the bus to work everyday though !
The Diabetes angle was one reason why I was including the sugar whilst the tea bag was inspired by the brewing tea (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=9951) sticky on this forum.
I probably should reduce the tape/plasters etc. but a doctor friend of mine was always making a fuss about how unsterile lots of things are.
The bin liner will depend on how small I can fold it up and if the quality of one I can fit in my pocket would be high enough. I have memories of wearing binbag overcoats over a waterproof when watching racing as a kid! Also as I've got wool coats this would be a useful thing in a downpour.
I must say that the ritter kit is evidently a really good one but I'm designing something for the day I get lost in a new town or take the wrong short cut as much as anything. I really don't need food related items as i'm not going to starve before something like dehydration or hypothermia would become an issue.
I'm probably going to stick with paper matches as I keep them in sealed plastic bag anyway and don't want something bulky that I'm going to sit on accidently!
I'd like to add that this is literally the absolute basics that must be comfortable and light enough for carrying everywhere. When I'm out and about I've got a possibles bag which is a lot better equipped It's just not suitable for all occasions :rolleyes:
Version 1 pictures will come soon!
bambodoggy
15-08-2006, 23:02
Interesting idea. These people have a wind-up AM/FM radio with torch
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dynamo-Mini-Eco-Radio_W0QQitemZ190010312086QQi hZ009QQcategoryZ39993QQssPageN ameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It says "waterproof coating", but god knows what that means. Certainly it would be a good thing if it's waterproof, but I imagine that's wishful thinking.
I haven't seen a wind-up radio with SW though.
I've got this exact radio....I only paid a tenner for it in a "gadget shop" in Uxbridge though! lol
Blinding bit of kit....bit heavy but then it's a torch too lol
It works really well, picks up signals easily and works well on the windup as well as the batteries. It lives in the door pocket of my truck.
I use it mainly when I go down to breacon to run round the hills with my hound and it's great for a little quiet tunes in the basha in the evening (it tends to just be me and the dog) although I got it to check weather forecasts for the next day which it does equally well at too lol. :D
As for it's waterproofness....I wouldn't want to take it swimming but I've had it outside my basha in breacon drizel for hours on end and it's still running strong.
Even at that double price on ebay it's still a smashing bit of kit albeit not really very bushcrafty! :lmao:
Hope that's of interest to some of you,
Bam. :D
The tea bag and sugar satchet - they are single use items and once the are used, they're gone
Having re-read the thread and Stewart's article, I'm not sure that removing the teabag and sugar is a good idea. Isn't is totally missing the point of what Stewart was trying to say? This is, of course, assuming that you agree with Stewart's ideas.
I think I understand what you mean about dual-use of items, use-once-then-throw-away issues, etc. But sugar has a number of uses (as you said yourself) and - I scraping the barrel here - can't you use a teabag twice or even use it for treating sunburn? I think that tannin is good for burnt skin but I could be getting myself mixed up here. How about for filtering small amounts of liquid? If teabags are flammable, could you use it for tinder? Could you carry sugar and a small amount of iodine crystals (water purification, wound cleaning) for firelighting. Hmmm...or is that potassium permanganate I'm thinking of?
For the size and weight of a teabag and packet of sugar, it could even be worth keeping purely for the psychlogical effects - the great British brew!
What do you reckon?
Slightly off topic but I think that it doesn't matter what type of diabetes the patient has. If it's one sort, it'll make no difference; if it's the other siort it could save a life. So, in that case, it's always worth putting a small amount of sugar under the tongue of an unconscious patient.
I would really appreciate it if anyone with medical experience out there could verify this :confused: . If it's true, what with the increase in diabetes amongst the population, a small amount of sugar could be a really good idea for the sub-survival kit.
This is confirmed by my St John First Aid book and is what was taught on my First Aid at Work course.
Hyperglycaemia is too much sugar in the blood and "little harm" is done by giving sugar, hypoglycaemia is too little sugar in the blood and will be corrected by giving sugar.
One of the points that was raised on my course is that known diabetics often carry glucose tablets for this and so the presence of these can be an indicator for the discoverer.
It is important to stress though that no food or drink should be given to an unconcious casualty, the priority is to get them to hospital.
Does anyone include a rescue beacon or strobe light in their kit? I was under the impression that being found and then rescued is the ultimate result to any survival situation. PLB's are not that expensive and rescue strobe lights are small enough to be carried in your pocket.
Beer Monster
17-08-2006, 09:45
Does anyone include a rescue beacon or strobe light in their kit? I was under the impression that being found and then rescued is the ultimate result to any survival situation. PLB's are not that expensive and rescue strobe lights are small enough to be carried in your pocket.
PLB as they say takes the search out of search and rescue, however, aren’t they prohibitively expensive at the moment? I thought they were £600 plus? I'm currently looking for a good strobe light so if anyone has any good recommendations it would be much appreciated (there seem to be so many different types out there!).
It is important to stress though that no food or drink should be given to an unconcious casualty, the priority is to get them to hospital.
Good - it's not just me, then with the sugar thing. I thought I might have dreamt it!
I think the idea is that, rather than the casualty 'eat' the sugar, a very small amount is placed under the tongue, where it will dissolve.
As I mentioned, I would be interested if there are any doctors/nurses/med techs out there who can fill us in on this.
Pocket Strobe (http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4s.tam?xax=18471&M5COPY%2Ectx=7594&M5%2Ectx=3391&M2%5FDESC%2Ectx=Flashlights%2C %20Headlamps%2C%20Lights&level3%2Ectx=results%2Etam&query%2Ectx=pocket%20strobe&backto=%2Fagcatalog%2Fresults% 2Etam)
Firefly Plus (http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/level4s.tam?xax=3069&M5COPY%2Ectx=7090&M5%2Ectx=3088&M2%5FDESC%2Ectx=Survival%20Sig nals%2C%20Personal%20Location% 20Beacons%2C%20Strobe%20Lights %2C%20Whistles&level3%2Ectx=results%2Etam&query%2Ectx=firefly%20plus&backto=%2Fagcatalog%2Fresults% 2Etam)
C-Light (http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_square.jsp?PROD UCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444258461 0&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=25343743 02160931&bmUID=1155829775051)
This is the smallest but a PDF page
Adventure Lights (http://www.adventurelights.com/rec/docs/Adventure%20Lights%20-%20Guardian%20eng_0406.pdf)
That should settle the strobes!
Heres a site that may be of use for PLB sales. http://www.mcmurdo.co.uk One solution could be a GPS and mobile phone. provided you have a signal tou can direct any SAR assets to your location. Strobe lights are generally under a tenner. They probably wont fit into your survival tin, but will fit into a small pouch or day sack.
I've used glucose powder (in a ward situation) prior to getting iv access for fluids for a diabetic having a hypo. It's very soluble and quickly taken up. It was placed under the toungue or along the gums IIRC. Some people with diabetes will carry glucose sweets/tablets with them.
Freds Dad
19-08-2006, 12:23
I made up one a few years back to amuse my Scouts. i've just dug it out to see what i put in it. I remember that some of them giggled a lot at some of the contents. Here is what I put in it.
For a start the 'bacci' tin is a cooking untensil
An opinal no.3 knife
Flint and steel
2 isoproponal wipes ( use for cleaning and fire lighting)
Small fishing kit containing 4lb line (about 20m), a number of AAA split shot and various hooks from size 16 to 6 (small fish are easier to catch), a few float rubbers.
Small sewing kit with strong thread and a selection of needles (can be used on clothing or flesh)
A small button compass
A wire saw with cord loops at the ends
Plasters
Steristrips
Imodeum tablets
Pain killers (co-codamol)
Water purification tablets
A few metres of string
2 tampons ( embarrasses the girls)
2 condoms ( embarrasses the boys and girls) for water collection.
A small thin mirror (glued to inside of lid)
Wrap the tin in thin strips of duct tape to keep it all in and stop you pilfering it when you don't really need to.
My name and address is painted on the lid so if the tin doesn't work they'll know who to return it and the attached skelington to for disposal.
longshot
21-08-2006, 02:24
Slightly off topic but I think that it doesn't matter what type of diabetes the patient has. If it's one sort, it'll make no difference; if it's the other siort it could save a life. So, in that case, it's always worth putting a small amount of sugar under the tongue of an unconscious patient.
I would really appreciate it if anyone with medical experience out there could verify this :confused: . If it's true, what with the increase in diabetes amongst the population, a small amount of sugar could be a really good idea for the sub-survival kit.
rule of thumb when in doubt give sugar.
Hypo glycemic is when the person really needs sugar trust me on that one i dealt with sudden drops of blood sugar in my daily life and my wife is diabetic as well.
dean
crazydave
26-08-2006, 18:10
PLB as they say takes the search out of search and rescue, however, aren’t they prohibitively expensive at the moment? I thought they were £600 plus? I'm currently looking for a good strobe light so if anyone has any good recommendations it would be much appreciated (there seem to be so many different types out there!).
I have two - one from tandy which is a neat little unit and works off of a c cell battery and one military one I never gave back - the mil one works as and infra red one too so if you get lost in the brecons us might be able to get a lift back with them they are a bit costly for a hope I never use it ppiece of kit which is why I got the tandy one - it was a tenner I think is water proof and has a velcro stap along with a magnet to fix on a car roof.
I did wonder whether I should have kept a sabre but the batteries are hard to get.
Improvise wise several rescues have been acheived due to the use of camera flashes.
ebay as ever has all sorts :)
i've found that the most useful items in an everyday pocket kit are the compass for navigating round strange towns, and sewing kit/ small safety pins. especially useful when a young lady in the office has a had a skirt split or zip failure incident :D :rolleyes:
don't over look the humble oxo/boullion cube for a drink. rob coffee and sugar sachets from every hotel room you visit :cool:
in addition to the sit down have a brew philosophy, no reason why a confirmed smoker shouldn't have a clingfilm wrapped cigarette or two in a pocket kit.
my own mini mini kit is built into a K&M match safe which hangs round my neck 24/7, yes i even sleep with it on. my wife detests it!
i usually remember to remove it before plane flights from the uk, but it has been through several flights returning to the uk after a holiday. it's never been detected by metal detectors at airports, including seven detectors in one day at an airport in dubai when i had to remove both my watch and belt & buckle. that's a not a recommendation, just an observation.
ron hood has some interesting ideas if you manage to see a copy of his survival kit video.
cheers, and.
Hunter Gatherer
04-09-2006, 02:23
Slightly off topic but I think that it doesn't matter what type of diabetes the patient has. If it's one sort, it'll make no difference; if it's the other siort it could save a life. So, in that case, it's always worth putting a small amount of sugar under the tongue of an unconscious patient.
I would really appreciate it if anyone with medical experience out there could verify this :confused: . If it's true, what with the increase in diabetes amongst the population, a small amount of sugar could be a really good idea for the sub-survival kit.
I am a 50 year old diabetic(type 2) thats the 'type' that is in epidemic proportions in the industrialized west(might be a connection there,industrialized everything = increased in diabetes)...anyway suger would be of no help to a type 2 diabetic, and if a diabetic is unconcious it is likely that he/she has been without their meds for long enough to slip into diabetic coma. IMMEDIATE medical attention required within hours!
Now if you are looking to carry suger for any other purpose(ie emergency suppliment, energy,etc) why not carry a small amount of chocolate. You get similar amounts of sugar, but also as an energy bonus lots of fat(long term slow energy release) and caffiene...all good for an energy boost/head clearer.
Just my 2 pence worth.
A.
Not that Taz
04-09-2006, 10:22
Important (but again slightly off topic) Note!!
Another quick thought...
Given that for a diabetic there is Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia (one being too little sugar and one being too much), just randomly stuffing sugar into them could well end up exacerbating the whole thing!
If you've got a diabetic and they have a serious problem and collapse - get them to seriously qualified medical help first and foremost!
Taz
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/infocentre/inform/hypostop.htm
Note: I am NOT medically trained, always seek professional advice etc. etc.
Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) is a consequence of the treatment
for diabetes and not of diabetes itself.
Anyone treated with insulin or sulphonylurea tablets is at risk from
hypoglycaemia, regardless of whether they have Type 1 or Type 2 (or
any other kind) of diabetes.
People with Type 1 diabetes have no insulin of their own and rely on
injected insulin to stay healthy; people with Type 2 diabetes may be
on insulin depending on how long they have had the condition
(they may use other tablets that do not cause hypos, or may not need
to take any medication for their condition).
Most hypos are heralded by early warning symptoms which alert the
person that their blood glucose levels are dropping. This can
usually be remedied by them taking something sugary - glucose tablets
are ideal.
Some people do not have these warning symptoms, or if they are
unable to take something sugary then the glucose levels will fall
further and the person may become unconscious.
Glucogel (the new name for Hypostop) is an edible gel that can be
taken by a conscious patient:
http://www.glucogel.co.uk/information.asp?INFOID=2
Glucogel should not be given to people who are unconscious because
of the risk of choking.
If the person is unconscious, and they have GlucaGen (glucagon) in
their kit then this can be given as an injection into the muscles.
This link takes you to the patient information leaflet for GlucaGen
(the leaflet would usually be within the packaging) and it contains
advice on how to prepare the glucagon hormone for injection.
http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/displaydoc.asp?documentid=4257
You'd really only do this if you knew what you were doing though.
Hyperglycaemia is a direct consequence of diabetes; raised blood
glucose levels can cause long term damage and complications.
It becomes a critical problem only in the absence of any insulin
when glucose levels become high and the body turns to its reserves
of fat and muscle for fuel. This can seriously muck up the body's
biochemistry leading to 'diabetic ketoacidosis' (DKA). This is a
medical emergency and needs urgent treatment in hospital or similar.
DKA is very preventable - as long as insulin is available, and
typically would take a day or so to become very serious - but it
is very serious when it happens.
Hypos are technically preventable, but can sneak up unawares and
can happen in a very short space of time - usually they are less
serious and only rarely have a problematic recovery.
The rate at which insulin is absorbed into the bloodstream from the
injection site also varies with temperature. Also the machinery used
to measure blood glucose levels appears to be vaguely altitude-
sensitive so in some situations it can be a bit tricky.
I think that's about right, but I bet I'll suddenly think of something and
pop back and edit it :)
Jo
waylander
05-10-2006, 19:43
I am type 2 diabetic as are my parents (there on insulin I'm diet controlled). If in dowt give sugar as that is the most likell reason of unconciousness, allthough too much sugar is worse in terms of a comma it is usually whjat is needed. Bearing that in mind when I was first diagnosed I was told that mine probably wouldnt go to low it was more likely to go high. In the end it has to be your decision.
Just some things iv'e thought of :
£1 coin, you never know
Silk hankerchief ( water filtration, alf garnet hat, torneque, gas mask for smoke in fire )
Small bag of chia seeds
collapsable small metal cup usually found with hip flasks
Night light candle stowed inside cup
Half a pencil ( the ones that write on glass ) for help messages
Big strong type paperclip ( lockpicking, clothes fastener )
Satchet of diahrolite
Can you make fire from the radio battery and some fuse wire? :D , if so then some fuse wire.
Slightly off topic but I think that it doesn't matter what type of diabetes the patient has. If it's one sort, it'll make no difference; if it's the other siort it could save a life. So, in that case, it's always worth putting a small amount of sugar under the tongue of an unconscious patient.
I would really appreciate it if anyone with medical experience out there could verify this :confused: . If it's true, what with the increase in diabetes amongst the population, a small amount of sugar could be a really good idea for the sub-survival kit.
Hypo... = low
Hyper... = high
eg... hypothermic, hypotensive, hypoglycemic etc.
A normal blood sugar is tightly controlled by your own body to around 5 to 6 mmol/l
Hypoglycemia is the dangerous one, if blood sugar in a diabetic drops down to around 2 mmol/l you quickly loose conciousness. If the pt isnt given sugar somehow, they will pass into a coma and could easily/will die. It's a fairly rapid onset condition, usually with some warning signs, shakes etc.
Hyperglycemia isnt so dangerous in the short term. Many diabetics have high blood sugars, especially if they cant keep off the chocolate and beer. Some are walking around with blood sugars of 30 mmol/l - the short term effects are not immediately life threatening, but the long term effects are. Loss of the extremities, particularly the feet is common, as is vision problems or even blindness. DKA is a bad state, but it's not common and not sudden onset.
So, if you find someone in a sudden onset diabetic coma, it'll be a hypo and the correct treatment will be to give them sugar under the tongue, or check them to see if they have a hypostop jab or something.
Glucogel should not be given to people who are unconscious because
of the risk of choking.
That's reasonable if you are in a hospital or if help is soon at hand, but you have to remember that if the patient doesnt get some sugar in their blood soon, they will lapse into a coma and end up brain-damaged or dead.
You have to assess the situation.
drstrange
07-10-2006, 16:28
http://www.farrahs.co.uk/gifs/123_64.gif
The harrogate toffee tin is a decent size and pretty flat. (No 1, that is)
.
The Harrogate toffee tin is ok, but I'm not sure I like the shade of blue that is on the tin, or is it a reflection from the material on which the various toffee tins are arranged (please clarify).
Also, before I buy a tin to convert, are the toffees filling-extractors, or are they like the soft version of 'Werthers originals' (my preference but they don't do them in tins, nice adverts tho).
Also, do you not think that portioned toffee is a bit gimmicky? I think that the unbroken toffee slab of old is better, they came with a little hammer that could be re-purposed as a possible bushcraft tool.
Anyway, there are obviously lots of issues regarding the toffee tin which need to be addresed before it is a no-braner candidate as survival tin.
Hypo... = low
Hyper... = high
eg... hypothermic, hypotensive, hypoglycemic etc.
A normal blood sugar is tightly controlled by your own body to around 5 to 6 mmol/l
Hypoglycemia is the dangerous one, if blood sugar in a diabetic drops down to around 2 mmol/l you quickly loose consciousness. If the pt isn't given sugar somehow, they will pass into a coma and could easily/will die. It's a fairly rapid onset condition, usually with some warning signs, shakes etc.
Hyperglycemia isnt so dangerous in the short term. Many diabetics have high blood sugars, especially if they cant keep off the chocolate and beer. Some are walking around with blood sugars of 30 mmol/l - the short term effects are not immediately life threatening, but the long term effects are. Loss of the extremities, particularly the feet is common, as is vision problems or even blindness. DKA is a bad state, but it's not common and not sudden onset.
So, if you find someone in a sudden onset diabetic coma, it'll be a hypo and the correct treatment will be to give them sugar under the tongue, or check them to see if they have a hypostop jab or something.
I once removed the socks of a diabetic day patient, and some toes were in one of them (the poor person did not bath or change clothes often)
I would give sugar under the tongue or between the cheeks and the teeth (side of mouth) and get help ASAP, but that's just me, not firm advice
I once removed the socks of a diabetic day patient, and some toes were in one of them (the poor person did not bath or change clothes often)
I would give sugar under the tongue or between the cheeks and the teeth (side of mouth) and get help ASAP, but that's just me, not firm advice
Jesus! What sort of care do they get at home
I've finally settled on a sub survival kit which I can have with me in virtually any situation which gives me a lot better chance should anything unforseen happent than having nothing would.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/sam_acw/000_0103.jpg
The contents are as follows
In the wallet
Sheet of tin foil (cooking and signalling)
fresnel plastic magnifier
Sachet of medicine for stomach problems
sheet of plaster
bits of paper (receipts) as tinder
Money
Safety pin
On the key ring are these items
BSA scout fire steel and striker
LED flash light (thanks to the BCUK magazine)
stainless steel vial of cotton wool
stainless steel vial of painkillers and anti-histamines (I have hay fever)
What do you think - bearing in mind the ideas I outlined at the beginning of this thread all those months ago?
I'm thinking of adding a plaited keyring of cordage to it but I'm pretty happy now.
OzaawaaMigiziNini
26-01-2007, 04:11
I have recently been thinking about survival kit design, in no small part due to a book called Build the Perfect Survival Kit (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0873499670/002-6126969-6042437?v=glance&n=283155)
I am trying to put together a pack of things small and flat enough to fit in a shirt/trouser/coat pocket and not interfere with daily life. It is all very well having a lot of wonderful items in a tobacco tin but I'll only have it with me when I'm put and about. The idea of this is that it is a kit with enough basics to be useful in a survival situation and also on a regular basis when more run of the mill things go wrong.
I was wondering if people had any suggestions as to suitable items.
The only rules I have so far are that it will fit into a flat(ish) space about 3-4 inches square so that it doesn't take up any more space than a wallet. Also, to ensure it is something which can just be carried in any situation there will be no blades in it.
Currently I am thinking of the following items on a sort of trial list:
Tin Foil
Tea Bag
Sugar Sachet
Asprin
Thread/Cord
Elastic Bands
Book of Matches
Plasters
Cotton Wool
Electricians Tape
Gaffer Tape
Safety/Nappy Pins
Wire
Paper
Pencil
Any advice or comment would be welcome and I'll try to mock up a trial version and post it here to help clarify what I'm trying to do. I'm also wondering about if I will have one and treat it like a wallet (i.e. it goes in trouser pocket first thing and stays there all day) or if I will build a few and put them in coat or bag pockets. Originally it was going to be non metallic to be aircraft friendly but that has gone out the window this week.
See if you can get to your local Pharmacy and get a small plastic vile of Potassium Permanganate (sp?). It's a need-be for any survival kit because;
-Put into a wooden or bone dent, with some sugar. Take a wooden stick or bone and crush in a downward, twisting motion. Flames will erupt (this has been used in some bombs made by terrorists, expect to be put onto a list that is surveiled by police!).
-One crystal will purify a litre of water.
-Throw a handful onto snow and you will have a bright, purple stain that can be seen for miles. Spread it on the open snow of a frozen lake, and a bush plane should be able to spot you.
-It's used primarily as a first aid, antiseptic. A mighty powerful one at that!
I put this PSK together about 25 years ago, never need it it in anger , but have found bits useful and would not havew normally had them with me.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/chopper692006/Survivalkit.jpg
I also put a fire kit together, this has been very useful in the past.
Both of these are in 50g tobacco tins.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/chopper692006/Firstartingtin.jpg
And I could'nt resist adding fire starting bits to my MOD knife sheath, this came in very handy during fire starting lessons with the kids.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/chopper692006/MODeverythingout.jpg
I found his on a website which might help.
Its an organised set of 5 different kits ranging from an everyday pocket kit to a 72hr grab and go bag.
Go to www.outdoors-magazine.com
>Survival
>All kitted out.
It is a very comprehensive write up which is well worh looking at.