Episode 140:What to Pack in your RV First Aid Kit

As millions of RVers are planning their summer adventures and making lists of what to bring to add to their fun, stocking first aid kits and doing some emergency preparation planning also needs to be on all our To-Do lists. This week, we talk to a top expert from the American Red Cross in emergency wilderness and camping first aid. This is a must-listen intervew so be sure and take the time to learn what you need to do to be ready for the unexpected. Also this week, lots of audience questions and comments, along with RV news, RV tips and a fascinating Off-the-Beaten-Path Report from the Burketts. Click the player below to Listen Now or scroll down through the show note details. When you see a time code hyperlink, you can click it to jump directly to that segment of the podcast. [spp-player] JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Jennifer One of the things we like the most about doing this podcast is hearing from you and receiving your tips. Sometimes, it’s about how to do things better while on the road, or maybe a helpful Do-It-Yourself Project. Or it could be a nifty product you came across that you want to share with the audience. [spp-timestamp time="7:06"] So it was today with a listener named Ed. Ed’s product is a Bem Multi Function Lantern EXO-900, a 300 lumen lantern with three different power levels. It has a blue tooth speaker and can even be used to recharge cell phones. He found his for $30 at his local Sams Club. On Amazon, it is $48. And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Dan asks about parking a Class B RV in regular parking lots, noting how Mike uses his as a second vehicle to run errands around town. Dan seeks more elaboration on the ease of parking.[spp-timestamp time="12:21"] Jeff asks about using an electric can opener or a toaster in a Class B RV and wants to know if they are worth the space.[spp-timestamp time="16:44"] Steve is a soon to be fulltime RVer and solo traveler and he wonders whether he needs a Class A or a Class B to work in from the road. [spp-timestamp time="18:58"] Sue winders whether she should get a dedicated Mi-Fi data card for on the road connectivity or use her iPhone as a hot spot. [spp-timestamp time="22:54"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK We had a nice voicemail from a listener named Ken, who heard our recent Traveling with Pets T about how Mike and I make a point to find off-leash dig parks for Bo while we’re traveling. Ken knew we were in Florida this week and offered this tip about a dog park he likes.[spp-timestamp time="27:56"] Thanks Ken. Next time we travel through the Punta Gorda area of Florida, we’ll be sure to check out the Hounds of Henry Park. But while I’m on the topic of dog parks, let’s talk about problems that can happen at any park, namely, over-aggressive dogs. That happened to us last night at a park we visited. There are times when as a pet owner, you need to either cut your visit short or not go in at all. Last night, there was a German Shepherd and a Great Dane in the park, along with many other dogs. The shepherd was extremely possessive of its owner and became very aggressive whenever anther dog came near. The Great Dane just got too excited as he chased and played with other dogs. He was too big – about 120 pounds – to roughhouse with any of the other dogs. For what he intended as a gently romp was way overpowering for other dogs. So, our advice when entering a dog park is to spend a minute or two assessing the other dogs. And when you are inside, don’t spend all your time visiting with other owners. Never let your dog out of your sight and be ready to intervene at any time. We want to stress that we very seldom encounter problems in a dog park. But that doesn’t mean we can relax our vigilance. This part of the podcast is brought to you by Dozers Dental Chews, an all natural and healthy treat your dog will love. Available direct through Amazon , Retailers and Pet Shops across the USA INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK Our guest n this episode is Dr. Jeffrey L. Pellegrino, PhD, MPH. Dr. Pellegrino is a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and professor and program director of Health Sciences at Aultman College in Canton, OH. One of his specialties is remote and wilderness first aid. [spp-timestamp time="35:15"] Here’s notes from his interview: RV Travel Safety Everyone wants to have a safe and enjoyable trip when they venture out in their RV. It’s important for travelers to take some steps ahead of time in order to help make this happen. Knowing when and how to provide first aid can be at your fingertips through the American Red Cross First Aid app (free). GET YOUR VEHICLE READY Have a mechanic check your tires, battery, brakes and fluid levels. Fill the vehicle’s gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help you see. Pack an emergency preparedness kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a battery operated or hand crank weather radio, blankets and non-flammable flares. Personalize your kit with extra medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, prescriptions), medical supplies, and items for your pet. Include a first aid kit in case an injury or accident occurs with: Non-latex, preferably Nitrile disposable gloves (to prevent body fluid contact) Assorted sizes of self-adhesive bandages- transparent, sterile dressing that is waterproof (known as transparent film dressing), sterile gauze and adhesive tape (to cover and protect open wounds) Wound gel or antibiotic ointment (to help promote healing/ prevent infection) A breathing barrier (to prevent disease transmission while giving rescue breaths) Other items to include: Low-dose (81mg) chewable Aspirin (for chest pain) Tweezers (to remove splinters or ticks) Instant cold compress (to control swelling) Scissors (to cut tape, cloth or bandages) Emergency blanket (to prevent heat loss and to treat for shock) PLAN AHEAD Map out your route and share your travel plans with a family member or friend. Pay attention to the weather forecast before you leave and throughout your trip. Download the American Red Cross Disaster Apps for free in your app store. The apps provide weather alerts, suggest safety actions, and other helpful tips to prepare. BOONDOCKING Water is help item, from preventing first aid emergencies to using it to help others Heat related illness Burns Cleaning wounds Gastro Intestinal health Fill up your tanks and keep a spare, also a backup plan to decontaminate water is recommended When help is delayed, the Red Cross has a first aid course that is recommended, Wilderness and Remote First Aid The Check Call Care Emergency Action Principles Resources that can be improvised Packing first aid kit with things that can’t be improvised. Low-dose (81mg) chewable Aspirin (for chest pain) Tweezers (to remove splinters or ticks) Instant cold compress (to control swelling) Scissors (to cut tape, cloth or bandages) DURING YOUR TRIP Obey traffic rules and avoid distractions like cell phones while driving. Drive in shifts so drivers are well rested. Heed all severe weather alerts and warnings. Pellegrino also recommends that people get trained in First Aid and CPR and learn how to use an AED. Training can give you the confidence and skills to act in an emergency until help arrives.The Red Cross has a variety of online and in-person courses available at redcross.org. A little preparation and planning can help make your journey one you’ll remember for years to come. Help and suggestions for handling emergencies, first aid kits and emergency supplies as well as training resources can be found at redcross.org . The Red Cross has one of the very best first aid apps available in their app store or at redcross.org/apps. The interview of the week is brought to you by http://sunshinestatervs.com/, where every new or used Roadtrek motorhome is delivered to the customer free, anywhere in the country RV NEWS OF THE WEEK: Three stories this week...[spp-timestamp time="55:08"] Camper demographics are changing fast – Read More Now you can search for Campspites and “Trails near Me” … Read More Washington couple's RV was stolen at a repair shop; found one and a half months later with nine people living in it. Read more This portion of the podcast is brought to you by Alde the only name in heat that you need to know for your RV TRAVELING TECH TIP: Time to Get Snapping! By Steve Van Dinter Verizon Wireless Steve Van Dinter Happy National Photography Month to you and your listeners! And guess what? With today’s mobile technology, there’s no better time to be an amateur or even pro photographer. Not only are our mobile devices taking better photos, but the tools we have to enhance and share them continue to improve as well. [spp-timestamp time="1:00:45"] For instance…if you have the latest Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ phone (https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/samsung/) you just HAVE to try out the selective focus feature. You choose it by swiping right when the camera is open.