Pt 4: "Level 2" First Aid Kit Review by Nutnfancy

[@Rothbardy]

Agreed. Nutnfancy is doing us a hell of a favor by sharing his experiences and expertise. Thanks Nutnfancy! :)

[@latex653]

i like how you label your your items, so you know where everything is

[@surfnfx]

I am a ex Canadian Military Medic. I once put back together a fellow soldiers leg back together with safety pins. I was out of sutures. It saved his life. But boy did he cures me while I did it. I had no pain killer with me...i was out of them. You are right. You do what you have to do!

[@MultiDookey]

hey i am a lifeguard and love your videos and thought that i could just give you an idea to subtract an item from your kit and that is the cpr shield. when in the situation of administering cpr you could use almost any piece of cloth as a simple face shield and could possibly get a better seal around their mouth as well. just an idea. thanks for the vids keep on! your good at them.

[@Brhine82]

Watching all these today in prep for making my own kit

[@chattfiremike]

I have used EMT shears to cut out windshields on exstrications. There great when there sharp! awesome video Nutn

[@Jimthemedic]

Everytime I get a new pair of EMT shears, I put the hinge between a vice to tighten it up. This way the shears cut better and last longer without bending. Really enjoy the vids!!

[@Pragswarsh]

Thank you Nutn! Another great video series!!

[@DSketti]

Awesome video series, you gave me some great ideas for my kit. Just one suggestion; instead of putting the activation date of an item you should put its actual expiration date (if applicable). It's nice to have various meds/etc in your kit but if the the item is expired/very old it may be useless/non-functioning, in some cases, and just taking up valuable kit space. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us via these educational videos!

[@PhotographiDeJames]

Thank You very much for sharing your knowledge. I found your review the most helpful for setting up my kit. :-)

[@StopSocialismUSA]

I like the pen light. It works great for close up wound search and it has attachable ear, eye, nose and throat examiner.

[@Tommmmas]

Hello Mr.Nutnfancy, I have a suggestion for your sutures. You can practice sewing a wound on a orange or a lemon. Just make a shallow cut on a orange and try to suture the laceration. So give it a shot. P.S. I love all of your videos and philosophy on all of your topics. Thank you for all of your dedicated time to youtube.

[@cbrusharmy]

Hey, those triangle bandages make great pressure dressings in a rush too. They're pretty versatile if you want to go light.

[@DJFrostbyte]

Very good point as well. Tylenol is generally the gold standard for humans, dogs, pregnant women etc. It is a no brainer. If someone is on coumadin, ibuprofen COULD pose a problem. Realistically speaking though, if someone is on a blood thinner, a couple ibuprofen is NOT going to hurt them and if it would, I would imagine that they would KNOW that and refuse the ibuprofen. Remember we're talking emergency first aid here.

[@Yadoc387]

omg man this series in insane in length lol... and i'm still interested, thanks for all the info. i'm starting to think maybe i should take some classes and get some first aid/cpr/first responder training.

[@SkydiveHake]

on average, i learn one new word in each video by nutnfancy. and of course the pou and techniques that are covered. keep it up

[@cpmower]

Dude, I love your sense of humor...lol Great video again, bro.

[@crazyirishmedic9535]

Should have two triangular bandages, If you need to put a broken arm in a sling during a prehospital setting you want to swathe it too. A swathe is where you wrap the second bandage around the first one and the upper body to immobilize it. Google it for pictures, but every EMS provider is taught to sling and swathe the arm.

[@cat5dookie1]

The hemostats are good in conjunction with the sutures. When suturing a wound, you would sinch down on the needle and use that to stitch it together so your hands dont touch the wound.

[@DJFrostbyte]

Nutn, I'm a registered nurse and I have to say I'm impressed with your knowledge. You very obviously do your research prior to making these kits and prior to making these vids. I have a crazy first aid kit that weighs 6lbs but it includes epinephrine and some other emergency meds as well as lidocaine and various syringes and needles for injection as well as IV start kits with IV solution for fluid/blood replacement. I think I will make a video! Contact me if you need supplies.... =o)

[@quik876]

The Advil and Aleve helps out extremely well, especially in the gelcap/liquid form. goes quick to the pain to lessen it. plus it's a little easier on the stomach and as far as chemical wise in contrast to Tylenol which if taken too much can affect the Liver, so if you have to give the pain reliever to them for an exended period of time then it'll be safer for the injured person until they can be Tx'd to better medical treatment.

[@jettjones6113]

You can get very high quality EMT scissors at scuba diving shops for decent prices. Usually made to withstand years of diving in oceans.

[@GrinderMagee]

Wouldn't wanna use the thermometer in your kit Nutn! The First Aid vids are great! thanks.

[@SpecialOpsM4]

Good series! I agree with everything but the scissors. Not advocating medical sheers or anything but Ive had bad experiences with the "standard type" scissors like you have in your kit. The actual blades on the standard type scissors are ok but Ive had them separate on me so the scissors became useless but the biggest problem Ive come across (you might not encounter this since your using them for a medical application) is under force (not a lot) the cheezy plastic handle breaks. Just a thought!

[@StopSocialismUSA]

I love how hard core u are

[@blackdogkayaks]

Fiskars also makes a take-apart shears, part #9474, which are also available with a blunt tip. A lot of EMT's use them after they break the stamped EMT shears.

[@VallicMagnus]

watched all the first aid videos they were extreamly helpful, but i just couldnt get over that song so catchy lol

[@evanses8412]

Hey Nutn, just an idea for you, I carry poultry scissors in my "level 2" kit as well as a pair of fiskars. They just seem to do a little better job getting through thicker things (belts, leather boots etc.) Great video, Bro. Keep up the good work.

[@Stumpworthy]

If you have a person with diabetes in your group, Its a very good idea to have a form of fast acting sugar (glucose). if you are hiking or under pressure it is sometimes very difficult to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar. of course, everybody has some food bars, but say for instance, a diabetic loses consciousness, glucose tablets, or glucose gel can be absorbed by placing it under the tounge

[@usmmroberts]

just a word of caution if you dont already know "krazy" glue brand is a no no for closing wounds. It has type of acid in it that can case other medical problems on the local wound. "loctite" brand is what i use in my kits, its also what surgeons use its just under a different brand name. Again thanks for all the vids, i base my tactical purchases on you. FMFmedic

[@TheHeartOfTheLion]

@nutnfancy ohh yhea! I feel stupid now LOL! ... Thanks alot Veri. yall rock! ... I learn so much from your videos.

[@psykpyrate]

2 dehydration options as well, I use powdered gatoraid and chicken bullion cubes. Both are cheap, lightweight, small and easy to prepare.

[@dangermandave67]

Loving this video series. Did anyone mention that salt is also very useful for treating gum infections? They can be a real pain when you are in a remote area - has happened to me several times. Not strictly First Aid, but still an important medical treatment because gum infections can damage the heart (really!). Rinsing your mouth with a warm salt solution a few times per day clears these infections up very quickly. Salt is good stuff to have.

[@kcozxothernem2705]

1. I'm surprised you don't have benedryl tabs. I always have 'em because a lot of my friends have allergies (I am fortunately spared). Same with breathe-right strips. They're actually in my individual (level 1) kit because it comes up so often. 2. Neosporin/triple antibiotic is just as the name says, an antibiotic (topical). I noticed in your level 1 you didn't have the falcon tube dated. Do you cycle that gel often to keep it within expiration as you have recommended for other antibiotics? 3. Speaking of those transport tubes, did you buy them sterile and open the bag just prior to filling or did you have them autoclaved? I suppose it wouldn't matter for the peroxide or the betadine, but it might be relevant for other things you might put in those kinds of tubes (like the hydrogel).

[@bigmlt3]

Hey maybe I overlooked it, but do you carry med gloves with your kits? Also the hand and toe warmers make GREAT additions to those kits! They are thin and lightweight and help fight off hypothermia. I love that kit though, you have SOOO many capabilities with that thing!! And my streamlight stylus has a problem cutting on too, but mine is in the switch! Thanks for sharing man, be safe out there!!!!

[@Rilaren]

I've had the sewing/home use scissor handles break on me under hard use, may be worth trying to find an alternative with a more durable handle than plastic.

[@Wabaanimkii]

Once I get my remora I shall begin putting my level one kit together. I hae lots if space for things to carry abd since I'm type one diabetic I always have to have my supples on me. Therefore I should have a level one for safe measures. Along with other things such as a multi tool and snacks

[@RCFlyBoy314]

I know the video is old, but Leatherman makes some EMT scissors. Now, I have not seen any reviews on it, but its for one a Leatherman, and it looks to be very good quality blades and build. I think they're going for 60 dollars US or more....

[@RCFlyBoy314]

That would be the best review of it.... ever.

[@mag0024]

Leatherman Raptor - Trauma shears on steroids!! I have purchased the Raptor because of this review. And I´m glad I did. It´s awesome! If you guys like nutnfancy you will probably also enjoy SnareMan ´s channel.

[@SnareMan]

Thanks for the kind thoughts!

[@functionfirst7355]

They're pretty expensive, though. North American rescue make a good pair of conventional trauma shears that are relatively cheap, and very good quality. We use them in our CLS bags in the Marine Corps.

[@offramp100]

Re Scissors: Keep in mind that EMT shears as you show are designed as a "single use" (disposable) item. For durability / quality but with the same features (except for the serrated lower blade) you can use a "Lister" style bandage scissor, available in various sizes at many medical supply outlets

[@chowly]

I love those scissors but I actually was just using a similar pair today and snapped the plastic handle with a pretty average cutting job. I'd like to find a similar pair with a stronger style handle though.

[@miller4546]

in my medical roll, i keep emt scissors and a pair of nail nippers in my kit, 4.5 and 6.5 inch, straight s/b dressing scissors. and a pair of curves met. ones as well.

[@prplestiky]

Thank you for the great info and all of your hard work Nutn. It is truly appreciated. I do have a question though, when he is mentioning having antibiotics in a WROL scenario and keeping them "fresh"..... I was under the impression all non-topical antibiotics are prescription only in the US. If this is the case how would one get ahold of antibiotics to have (just in case), let alone keep them replaced and within the effective date. Could anyone shed some light on this for me? Thank you :)

[@mikeepeck]

Both of my knees are jacked up as well. ACL's gone in both. I can walk without any pain but I have to be real careful of my footing. It kind of stinks but I'm not willing to go through the pain, expense and time (~6 months per knee) to have corrective surgery. I actualy had a surgeon advise me not to have it done since it would be major surgery and said if I can get away with not doing it, I shouldn't.

[@toxicnos1]

I have a suggestion use stirile surgical blades dont know were to get them my dad got them. Also were do you get nesporin single use plz respond.

[@kwakman99]

Another plus for the Advils or Ibuprofen is that it's also a mild anti-inflammatory. So great for those sprained ankles and such over Tylenol or Aspirin. Also to clarify, the biggest difference between medical grade and store bought super glue is the type alcohol used (butyl-esters vs. methyl) why..to lessen skin reactions and that's it. Both are equally usable as a surface SKIN adhesive, just NOT recommended for deep tissue and they are equally sterile too because of the alcohols in them.

[@n0us3rn4m3s4v41l4bl3]

I agree with you on the pain relievers. I like ibuprofen instead of tylenol 3 (recovering from sinus surgery, also wisdom teeth). Narcotics just make you high. I never been really really hurt (gun shot wound, crushed a limb or something where I'd be going into shock) but basic pain relievers are fine for most injuries, even if they are severe.

[@Vampyreq]

Woo, I was about to comment on having a lightsource until I saw the penlight. Anyway, the superglue, those are normal off the shelves superglue right? If applied, how do we get rid of it?

[@mkzxcvbnm]

hi, can you do a list of the fit in your level 2 kit, looks good.

[@tabre]

You shouldn't take sewing scissors in your first aid kit. What are ya? Ridiculous? Lol Great series man. I've never had a first aid kit and watching your story of first aid, l1 first aid kit, and l2 first aid kit videos have inspired me to make first aid kits for myself and my family. Keep doing what you do man!

[@handcuffs6]

I'v seen Army quality emt scissors at Army supplus stores. They may be a little heavy but they definatly made it quicker and safer to get a shirt or pants off

[@romansten9]

the CPR shield is good for "rescue breathing" If you need to actually do CPR, just do the compressions. Stopping to give breaths will only reduce the thoracic pressure built up in the chest (and reduce perfusion pressure in the brain, etc) So just pump that chest hard and fast, and the air will go in and out by itself! (no need to get chunks spewed in your mouth!)

[@jordanr2062]

Dr Bones and Nurse Amy has an AWESOME video on expiration dates! He is a Registered surgeon and Amy is a real nurse... I believe he has said if they are CAPSULES (tylenol, advil etc etc) the efficacy of the med will decrease after the expiration date...

[@josephkuser]

+nutnfancy also try putting some benzoin tincture around the blister and letting it dry before placing the mole skin. Should stay on for you then

[@HulkJr100]

in guided hikes now i belive they give you gatorade when someone passes out apparently it works better than water and a salt cube but is still effective

[@geepcj2a]

My fisksrs have always cut great, but I have had a handle snap off under medium stress. Then its a real chore using them.

[@Timisso1337]

you are right about the "high powered" narcotic drugs. Most of the time I think I would rather just take the pain and still be able to speak coherently.

[@jjdoe1900]

Use sodium naproxen instead of ibuprofen because it is not only more effective but is the least likely over the counter NSAID to cause a CVA or cardiac event. Ibuprofen is the most likely to lead to a CVA and/or a cardiac event. Also keep your prescription drugs in there original bottle from the pharmacy because you could be charged with a drug charge if they are not in the original prescribed bottle. thanks for posting your vids!!

[@Toolness1]

+john doe Maybe it is just me, but naproxen is absolutely worthless to me until I've taken it for about a week straight. Then it'll work for about a month, then stop working until I take a couple months off. This is my experience from chronic back and musculoskeletal issues since I was young. Ibuprofen works without having to build it up in my system. Either way, your point is valid, but the naproxen might not help at all depending on the person.

[@jjdoe1900]

+Ian Rupert the anti inflammatory benefits of naproxen take a little time to be realized, while the anelgesic effects are rather rapid.

[@Jrsydevil7]

Hey, just to let ya know they make EMT shears similar to those medical shears. I've got like 2 pairs of them and they work great.

[@hogue3666]

Nice job with the single edge razor blade in the kit. I keep two in my wallet with the cardboard still attached. People laugh at me, but I know I've got an edge when I need one.

[@stosman54]

Thought the scar on your hand was interesting, cause I have an identical match. I too liked watching the stiches but prior to that I got to see a tendon and bone. I also have to agree with some of the other comments about the prescription meds, get rid of them. They could cause some severe legal problems.

[@romeoneverdies]

i agree! problem is variation in medication and also here in canada it needs to be prescribed! (i know cant beleive it !) anti-alergies is a good alternative as most asthma is allergenic

[@wetypants]

my dad has a pair of these shears very niv=ce high quality and they work really well he got them from the military so i would maybe try those

[@unexpectedTrajectory]

Superglue was actually invented as an instant stitch for use in the field, that's why it bonds instantly to skin. There may be theoretical health issues w/ getting superglue in the blood stream, but it beats an open wound sometimes.

[@luci734]

What would be the best way to treat a big ass laceration out in the back-county? Would it be wise to have something like QUIK CLOT SPORT in your Kit?

[@williamjanus3100]

Leather an sherars are my favorite.

[@skizzlep]

Maybe some non-coated aspirin. For cardiac issues.

[@aru05001]

Have you considered having a bent needle? maby two diffrent ones? akes sowing through people easyer.

[@sportzpt]

i, too, carry sutures. i also have two different sizes of sterile surgical staplers-regular and wide-and some staple removers. its quicker and requires less dexterity if youre freaked out at the time or if youre one hand down...unless you know how to stich one handed and can do it under stress. cant use 'em to for layered closing, though :( and i mention this not to Nutn. i think he could stitch regardless the stress.

[@OOTurok]

One thing I've learned about super glue (cyanoacrylate)... is it too has an expiration. The glue will solidify after about a year of storage, even if it's never opened. Happens to me all the time. I'll buy some super glue, end up not needing it for a year or more, open the package for the 1st time, puncture the tube for the 1st time, & it's solid. It's the one type of glue I never store.

[@quik876]

in regards to the Krazy Glue/Loctite glue for skin closure. You could find a "medical grade" type of skin closure: like Mastisol. good for size/weight/space issues, downside is it could get expensive as cost can run $134 per box (metromedicalonlinedotcom). or a cheaper alt. with the It Stays 2oz roll on btl (drugstoresupplydotcom), downside is the size/weight/space issues that it poses being a 2oz. btl. Also depends on availability via being a non Med. Facility if they'll allow shipping to ya.

[@isaiahshamar]

For CPR i use the paramedic style ones with the one way valve. 99% more effective than mouth to mouth but 13.00

[@CPLBSS88]

Partly true, you dont need to leave it on the eye for very long. It is just to see if the pupple contracts giving you indication of concussion or some other brain trama. unless your looking for something in the eye then it should be ok.

[@rickstodge6709]

you could also use the salt for leeches if your in that type of area

[@bowley4]

"Tetracycline, is used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; acne; infections of skin, genital and urinary systems; and the infection that causes stomach ulcers" great add for your Pharm. section. i just bought some online, 100 pills for $45, i believe.

[@beyblayder]

check out the maritac emt combat shears, they look pretty high quality

[@nutnfancy]

@TheHeartOfTheLion Its there...its just hidin from ya. I just checked for it and it is there. -- Veri

[@caittscott]

They prescribe Percocet for a good reason, as it is less problematic post surgery than morphine (respiratory/bowel motility/addiction). I would advise caution with the Advil/ibuprofen, as they can worsen GI bleeding if you ever have ulcers, or take blood thinners of any kind. So I'd be careful who you give Advil to as well. Best bet for strangers is Tylenol.

[@rty778]

I've seen shears cut through Kevlar motorcycle knee pads. I'd like to see any kind of scissors do that.

[@roughneck10000]

Glad my wife is going to college to become a nurse.

[@f60w]

your vids are great I can agree with most of your views the only issue i have is all the money you give china mart. use local business man, keep America strong. just my feeling's. keep up the great work!

[@romeoneverdies]

st-hubert hands towel are a good addon (to wash your hands )

[@5thenickle]

VERY true... antabiotics and any liquid medicines... you DO have to adhere to your exp. date, but in a WROL situation... it could absoloutely mean the difference between life and a long horrible painful death, also remember... in WROL situations, as I'm sure you've thought of... you may or may not have to raid some pharmacy's or ER's for newer or more effective RX drugs, dont hesitate to stretch those laws IF it is a life or death situation... go all out

[@TheFullertonian]

Salt can also be used to cauterize wounds.

[@hibob841]

I agree that a quality light is essential for general tasks, but the disposable penlights are what you want for checking pupil reactivity, which is an important diagnostic if you're trained. You don't want a bright light to shine directly into someone's eye, it's irritating to your patient and makes it harder to see the pupil reacting. I carry a disposable penlight and a brighter, general-purpose light.

[@kwakman99]

@Pennsylvania1Airsoft - Any info on the brand or where to buy would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@SpiderJ1983]

I just wanted to point out that there is good info out there about the misinformation regarding antibiotics and expiration dates. It is really had to find right now, because the government took down the public postings of the study the military conducted on medication shelf life. There are a couple people that circulate it every now and then though. The bottom line is: None of the antibiotics used today become toxic over time, and while the meds do degrade with time it is pretty darned slowly.

[@madamadam158]

is percocet over the counter or do i have to have a perscription? beacous im thinking of adding it to my hip kit

[@Darkarch87]

With the salt packets, a physician told me that they won't work for rehydration due to the fact that it doesnt have the combination of sodium, potassium, and glucose - those 3 are needed to drive the mechanism in yuor body that rehydrates us with water.

[@Stumpworthy]

or for your kit, sugar packets, or those little honey packets (like a ketchup packet) never go bad, are not bulky, and are very easy to just squirt in the mouth if you find someone having a seizure

[@TheHeartOfTheLion]

I can't find part three !!!

[@Zigosity]

You lose a lot of salt when you're dehydrated, you want to replace it, so drinking salt water is a good idea. That's why drinks like gatorade, etc are usually very salty tasting.

[@gimepepe]

You can disinfect bandages and unused sanitary towels (cheap replacement) by putting it in the microwave for a minute or so (be aware fire risk!) it will kill most of the germs

[@CPLBSS88]

Dont confuse your medical shears with utility shears. the biggest mistake i see people making is using them for general utility. Save them for cutting clothes, bandages, ect. I use EMT shears on a fairly regular bases at work in the segregations unit. I agree that they tend to suck over time but the first few times they are ok. overall i agree with Nutn. O and good liuck sharpening EMT shears.

[@miller4546]

no, it does not sting, it only cleans and disinfects, free radicals that cause infection. thus cleaning with iodine is used in surgery prep

[@flskywarn]

I haven't seen anything as far as BSI like masks or gloves. You REALLY need gloves. Rule one for Emts is BSI/scene safety and size up

[@DJFrostbyte]

Can I just say though that as far as tablets and expiration date, you are correct! Tablets really do NOT expire and they definitely never become dangerous. They MAY lose potency over time but that is all. However those advil liquid caps... not sure. Those may be in an oil based solution that can become rancid over time. Just throwing that out there. For long term storage, stick with hard tablets, not capsules or soft gels.

[@ablethanegray]

Does anyone know if you can overlap edges of tegaderm to increase coverage area? Im thinking it would be okay, but looking for a second opinion.

[@j8lee]

Hey NutnFancy, You may want to look at Harris Telecom cable scissors, they are small but very sharp and powerful cutters USAF46250

[@SuperRip7]

"Thank you McDonalds". Extremely funny.

[@cobra792k]

Not sure why the EMT shears you got were bad, however if you order the Shears from Moore Medical, they are guaranteed to cut a penny or your money back. To the Individual who said they were Disposable, I don't know about you, but I don't pay $6 or more on a "Disposable" item (PS we used to run an Ambulance Service)! As for the chrome scissors you were showing, they were made for cutting Bandages only. However, there is nothing wrong with using sewing scissors, as long as they are sterile.