Why you should carry a first aid kit
This adult airway takes 5 minutes to learn how to use and is “almost” idiot proof. A $0.20 piece of plastic that can save a trauma victim with an obstructed airway. Beyond this, you’re talking advanced techniques that are unlikely to be available or used properly.
Do no harm is definitely a primary goal and no way am I recommending a layman try to utilize advanced airway techniques. The doctors are right in that even ALS guys can have trouble implementing.
On the other hand, a backcountry pilot should have basic first aid supplies aboard, particularly for remote and/or overnight excursions. If not for oneself then for passengers. A decently comprehensive kit weighs less than 16 oz. and can handle many issues. That weight equivalent of 1/6 gallon of avgas might be the difference between an enjoyable trip and a day or two of misery.
Example: Minor burns and lacerations (most common camping injuries) can often be handled on site, but if they aren’t handled properly those wounds can quickly become infected and then move from minor inconveniences to possible major concerns. Would you want to give up the last three days of a weeklong moose hunt you’d been waiting for all year because your buddy refused to properly clean, treat and bandage a first day 1” gash in his hand? (Just rub some dirt in it - it’ll be fine...)
Example 2: your passenger and fishing buddy becomes lethargic, confused and seems to have a case of the “umbles.” (Stumbles, grumbles, mumbles, tumbles, etc). You know they’re diabetic but don’t know what their medication/care regimen is; however, you know that no harm will be done by giving them sugar, so you grab the sugar source you keep in your first aid kit, administer, and 20 minutes later he’s taking care of himself. You’re now freed up for the task of flying home.
This adult airway takes 5 minutes to learn how to use and is “almost” idiot proof. A $0.20 piece of plastic that can save a trauma victim with an obstructed airway. Beyond this, you’re talking advanced techniques that are unlikely to be available or used properly.
Do no harm is definitely a primary goal and no way am I recommending a layman try to utilize advanced airway techniques. The doctors are right in that even ALS guys can have trouble implementing.
On the other hand, a backcountry pilot should have basic first aid supplies aboard, particularly for remote and/or overnight excursions. If not for oneself then for passengers. A decently comprehensive kit weighs less than 16 oz. and can handle many issues. That weight equivalent of 1/6 gallon of avgas might be the difference between an enjoyable trip and a day or two of misery.
Example: Minor burns and lacerations (most common camping injuries) can often be handled on site, but if they aren’t handled properly those wounds can quickly become infected and then move from minor inconveniences to possible major concerns. Would you want to give up the last three days of a weeklong moose hunt you’d been waiting for all year because your buddy refused to properly clean, treat and bandage a first day 1” gash in his hand? (Just rub some dirt in it - it’ll be fine...)
Example 2: your passenger and fishing buddy becomes lethargic, confused and seems to have a case of the “umbles.” (Stumbles, grumbles, mumbles, tumbles, etc). You know they’re diabetic but don’t know what their medication/care regimen is; however, you know that no harm will be done by giving them sugar, so you grab the sugar source you keep in your first aid kit, administer, and 20 minutes later he’s taking care of himself. You’re now freed up for the task of flying home.