Amado
Sahuarita, AZ
New Member
Joined: 05/19/2010
View Profile
 Offline
|
I am a heart patient who uses a blood thinner because I had a valve replaced in my heart. This isn't a big issue day to day, but a cut or scratch can be a major problem because my blood won't clot.
I have learned to keep a product called Quikclot on hand at home and in my truck, but I forgot to put some in the first aid kit in my motorhome. I was hooking up at an RV park and cut my hand. The bleeding was profuse and I couldn't get it stopped, soaking a couple of towels and bunch of gauze. Finally, we had to drive over 20 miles to get to a hospital where they ultimately got things under control.
I have spoken with friends who also use blood thinners and we all have occasional bleeding issue from bloody noses to spontaneous blood bubbles that burst. I wanted to post this for the travel folks since we are often far from medical help and to suggest that you keep some Quikclot gauze pads on hand, both at home and in your RV. Quikclot is the type of medicine cabinet product that you don't need very often, but, when you do need it, you need it badly. It is available at a lot of on-line sites as well as several camping retailers.
|
RRyall
SW PA
Senior Member
Joined: 08/14/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Good reminder. We had to deal with similar issues when DW was on them, but it never went south before getting control of the situation. We never know what will happen at anytime, and sometimes as luck would have it when you are the furthest away from civilization or least expect it, that is when the unexpected happens. Not panicking and having at least basic knowledge of first aid can never hurt in any type of medical situation, be it a cut as the OP suffered with extenuating circumstances, or even heart attack, stroke, or other serious medical problem. Even something as simple as a bee sting can become a medical emergency for some folks. At least first aid basics will enable you to do something helpful usually, as well as at least a small well-stocked first aid kit. Much as we all don't want to believe that it can happen to us or ours, the OP has raised a good point to consider now in the middle of the season for most of us.
|
VernM
Marion County, AR
Senior Member
Joined: 06/21/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Only thing better is have traveling companions who are an EMT/RN and a RN/Nurse educator. That was my luck on a recent week in New Mexico. They're my next-door neighbors.
VernM
GMC Conversion van/Wells Cargo MiniWagon trailer
Sent via HughesNet/SatMex5 Internet Portal
.jpg)
|
flgatorgirl
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Full Member
Joined: 12/09/2007
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
Quickclot is great stuff. We carry it in our RV and the emergency bag kept in the car as well as compression bandages. Quickclot is available at Gander Mountain.
2005 Monaco Windsor 40PDQ
|
md2lgyk
WV
Senior Member
Joined: 07/11/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Excellent topic. My wife has Factor V Leiden and is on Coumadin for life. Luckily she's never cut herself while we're camping, because this is something I'd never thought about.
"The great object is, that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun." - Patrick Henry
|
|
|
Tothill
BC
Senior Member
Joined: 06/15/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Thank you for the tip.
We do not currently have anyone on blood thinners in the family, but we do travel with a fairly well stocked first aid kit. I will add the Quick clot to it asap.
Just like the CPR mask it is not only for us, but anyone who may need it.
|
RCMAN46
NorthWest
Senior Member
Joined: 02/24/2008
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
I was able to find QuickClot at a small local pharmacy. The large chain types such as Walgreens do not carry it. The price was right. The 25 size was $10.85. A five pack of nosebleed was $13.13. Give the small guys a try.
|
spearfox
OKC
Full Member
Joined: 04/12/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
Prevention is also good. I work with my hands as a machinist, small cuts can happen. Hand cuts were/are? the number one injury. I have cut resistant gloves, cleaned up leftovers from work, that I use at home and with the rv. Once you pull into your site, put on the gloves and start the setup. Besides, when I am pulling out or putting up the 30A electric I never know if something "relieved" itself on the cord.
|
doug1193
Vancouver, WA
New Member
Joined: 03/06/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
If you decide to purchase the Quick clot be wary of the original formula which is in granular form. It works great for it's designed mission, for our troops overseas where life threatening bleeding occurs and definitive care is a long ways off. This formula hemostatic agent is thermogenic, it gives off heat, to the tune of over 160 degrees F.
If you do have a life threatening bleed, it is good to use, but many people become "tool dependent" and think that "If I cut myself I can just put this on it and all will be good." Don't forget the basics of First Aid. Direct pressure, elevation and if necessary professional medical attention. I have seen burn scars that were more extreme than the original laceration. Plus if you use this granular formula in a windy condition, be wary of getting of it in your eyes, the same burns can occur.
The gauze forumula or the "sponge" is your best bet to have with you. Also have plenty of regular 4x4, rolled gauzes as well as tape.
My background is a Tactical Medic with our local SWAT team, EMT-IV technician. Good luck to you all.
Doug
2004 F-350 PSD
2010 Tango 329BHDS
The Best wife, ever
Two Beautiful Daughters
Old loyal lab
All in the wet Pacific Northwest
St. Michael, protect the protectors
|
wiskeyVI
All Over
Senior Member
Joined: 03/30/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks for the info Doug.
06 Dodge 1T, CC, CRD
09 Grand Junction 335 5er
|
|
|
