Check Your FAK (First Aid Kit)

Steve,

Good reminder!

“Expiration” is a variable concept in the eyes of both the manufacturer and user. Some poorly-stored items can expire well before the maker’s date, some well after. Some stuff has a “use by” date that seems to be based more on marketing than Bad Stuff Happening(TM). And some items expire for the user without any manufacturer date.

Off the top of my head, here are a few more first aid kit items that should get checked at least yearly, based on my own experience:

– Tape – white “first aid” tape, Leukotape, duct tape, etc.
– Self-adherent wrap (e.g. Coban)
– Gloves – vinyl, nitrile, …
– Pen
– CPR mask
– Bandaids
– Larger self-adherent bandages
– Wound closure strips (e.g. Steristrips)
– Sterile guaze
– Cavit tooth repair
– Tincture of Benzoin
– Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, and similar
– Other over-the-counter pills
– Neosporin / antibiotic ointment
– Prescription meds

— Rex

I’ve had a similar experience with the Bics. Very frustrating.

For the Leukotape: try cutting small pieces, like you’d usually use, and put them onto a piece of mailing label printer paper (peel off a few mailing labels and cut to size). The Leukotape will peel right off when you need it. This keeps the bulk down of carrying a roll or part of a roll and also keeps it from sticking to itself.

Probably everyone already knows this, but if you open a bottle of iodine water purification tablets, they are believed to expire in less than a year.

And while you’re at it, check your spare tire to make sure it isn’t flat.  :-)

And while you’re at it, check your spare tire to make sure it isn’t flat. :-)

I’m so guilty of not doing this! Got to empty the trunk to get at it. I’m lazy. So far I’ve been lucky.

“check your spare tire to make sure it isn’t flat.”

Pats belly.  Nope, it’s not flat.