Ideas for transporting meds/first aide supplies.

[woozle1275]

I'm the Nurse for a large marching band. I am required to have medications and first aid supplies on hand at all times. I also must carry a large binder of all contact info per child. I am looking for ideas on how to organize or carry all of this. I have tried rolling bags but the weight of everything drags on the ground. Getting desperate...any suggestions?

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Can you get an actual rolling cart and put your supplies in that?

[CampNurse1]

I would start with the question: What am I trying to accomplish? Am I just trying to provide first aid? Advanced care? Will I be providing medications for the band? Scheduled meds, or just OTC PRNs? How am I documenting my care? What kind of terrain, grass or asphalt? Some rollers do not work well on grass. Do I need splints, ambu-bags, or airways? Generally, less is more.

I went to band camp once as a parent. I hung out with the nurse a good bit. We saw mostly heat related cases, a headache or two, cramps, and a sprained ankle (recommended to go for an x-ray but the band director declined). Sometimes a band member would just be tired of marching and present to the nurse for this or that. I think a small go-bag would work pretty well for band camp. More supplies could be kept in the car.

When I was a teacher, I liked the folding crate with wheels and a telescoping handle for moving books and papers in and out of the building to my car. If you get one of these make sure it is the kind with a lid to keep things dry on rainy days. If you have to carry medications, a big fishing tackle box that can be locked is good. Never leave any kind of med unlocked.

Walmart or sporting goods stores are full of economical solutions.