Oh Crap (Trauma) Bag supplies

[Desolation]

Questions for the EM experts.

Many common medications/supplies that are found in first aid kits and trauma bags are extremely temperature sensitive. Something as simple and common as Neosporin for example has a storage temperature specification of 68°F to 77°F.
My questions are rather simple.
Living on the high desert ambient summer temperatures broach 100°F (and we have also seen winter lows down to -30°F). I have recorded interior compartment temperatures above 160°F, or more then double the upper recommended upper limit for Neosporin. How hot for how long can something as basic as normal saline be kept? Do you pay any attention to temperature? If so what do you carry, how do you maintain it, how often do you replace your supplies?

 

[teotwaki]

Questions for the EM experts.

Many common medications/supplies that are found in first aid kits and trauma bags are extremely temperature sensitive. Something as simple and common as Neosporin for example has a storage temperature specification of 68°F to 77°F.
My questions are rather simple.
Living on the high desert ambient summer temperatures broach 100°F (and we have also seen winter lows down to -30°F). I have recorded interior compartment temperatures above 160°F, or more then double the upper recommended upper limit for Neosporin. How hot for how long can something as basic as normal saline be kept? Do you pay any attention to temperature? If so what do you carry, how do you maintain it, how often do you replace your supplies?

You have a good point. I suspect that we'll have to be resigned to replacing such things more often. I doubt that Neosporin instantly goes bad when overheated but may last a few cycles.

Everything I found on line stated 59 to 86 degrees F. Folks in colder climates have similar issues on the low side of the temp limit.

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/neosporin-ointment.html
Proper storage of Neosporin Ointment:
Store Neosporin Ointment at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light.

 

[preacherman]

Great points. I have one I carry on all my mission trips and I went through it at the beginning of the summer. To my surprise much of the over the counter stuff (aspirin, tums, eye drops, cold and flu stuff etc) was waaaaaay out of date.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

Sorry for jumping in -

Good question. I don't worry too much if my first aid supplies are over-heated. I just replace them yearly. In addition to the OTC drugs going bad, pretty much anything with adhesive (tape, bandaids, Coban wrap) or elastic (ace bandages, Coban wrap) or liquids (alcohol, povidone wipes) will go bad too, so going through the kits twice a year is important. I usually do the vehicle clean out and inspection on Daylight Savings Time weekend, as a reminder - also recycle survival equipment, batteries, etc.

As a physician I can and usually do carry some prescription pharmaceuticals, these are both more sensitive (on occasion anyway) and a lot more expensive so I keep the bag that has them in a small 12vdc refrigerator in my vehicle. I have two batteries so I'm not too worried about letting it run, plus I drive at least an hour, pretty much every day to recharge.