"Jon Bond" <
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news:<
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> "John Atkinson" <
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>
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> > "Jon Bond" <
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> news:<
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> >
> > long list snipped... and why not a bob trailer?
> >
> > being slightly old school and ever so slightly tongue in cheek, give me an example of an
> > accident where adequate first aid could not be performed simply with what you are wearing??
>
> I personally wouldn't want to wrap my muddy, nasty jersey around my arm when its bleeding
> profusely. Not to mention the very high risk of shock with a severe injury, which can quickly lead
> to hypothermia (especially if you were sweating and its windy), so I'd like to keep my clothing
> on, thanks. Especially with the minimal clothing you wear biking. Not to mention getting adequate
> compression of a deep wound or one that knicks an artery (and yes, I've heard of it happening. Or,
> for example, when you get a stick jammed into your side so deep it punctures your lung - I know
> somebody first hand that it's happened to).
>
> There's no way you can keep a gash that's deep enough to spread closed with just a thin coolmax
> jersey. And then get out of there. Its just not going to happen. A roll of gauze is tiny;
> Steristrips are tiny, A roll of medical tape is useful for more than just first aid, and a
> self-sticking compressive bandage is small too. I wouldn't bring them racing, but I've used my kit
> more than a few times on the trail, or back at my car when I didn't feel the need to bring it with
> me. If you're not a weight weenie, and you're already using a camelbak, why not fill up the extra
> space with a few things that could save your hide?
>
> Jon Bond
OK, steristrips and tape are good news, your waterproof/windproof and a bit of tape will save your
life with the sucking chest wound that is such a real possibility. Remember that where I ride you
carry a fair bit of clothing.
But I draw the line at the epi-pens and the drug cabinet unless you personally have a pre-existing
medical condition, you might as well carry a defib, you are much more likely to save a life.
There is a significant difference between first aid and medicine.
I work on the assumption that I am fit and healthy, my rides are invariably of a half day to one day
in length (and often shorter), they are not in complete wilderness areas and I have access to clean
and sterile conditions after the ride.
Most people's posts in this group would suggest that they are similar. Let's not confuse riding in
wilderness or lesser developed countries (or as a group leader with responsibility for the group)
with going for a spin on the bike. (My 'first aid kit' for these trips is definitely more of a
medical bag.)
And don't forget the cell-phone.
A last teaser, in what first aid situations can you apply a pair of arm warmers...
