what's in your first aid kit?

johnalison;2792590 There are several "Co-xxxxol" drugs which are a combination of a codeine-like drug and paracetemol. Dihydrocodeine has been around for a long time and is supposed to be a bit stronger than codeine but actually none of that group is very effective. I can remember taking dihydrocodeine 50 years ago for toothache and that all it did was make me feel woosy and nauseated and have never recommended it or its combination co-dydramol. Co-proxamol is a similar compound with a similar effect. .[/QUOTE said:
Codeine has differing effects in different individuals. For some people it is metabolised in such a way that it is as effective as opiates (morphine, pethidine etc), in others it has no effect at all. When I worked in the NHS we used a 'layering' effect with painkillers, starting with the basics i.e. paracetamol, and adding stronger painkillers as required while continuing with the basics. Paracetamol can be taken with ibuprofen and aspirin, but don't mix aspirin ibuprofen.

With regard to tourniquets the thinking must have changed very recently, I was teaching military medics up until five years ago. Tourniquets were issued to trained medics but not all soldiers as training is required to use one effectively.
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shaunksb said:
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I was taught not to use a tourniquet as it can cause more damage but to use a fist at the top of the arm or in the groin and elevate the limb.

I had to use this on someone who severed an artery in their arm and kept them alive for a quarter of an hour until the medics arrived.

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That's fine if you can guaruntee an ambulance will turn up. On any non-basic first aid course, you get the tourniquets out still.

Or better still, there's a trauma pack you can buy. It contains a powder that will stop an arterial bleed.

Also, a US product called burnjel is good, get the lidocaine version.
 
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