GTN Spray in First Aid Kits

[anchorhold]

I am in the process putting together a first aid kit for situations where a wait of more than two hours is possible before to getting the patient to a hospital or into ASR/air ambulance? This could be following a ditching or forced landing into remote areas.

In the case that someone has chest pains or symptoms of a heart attack, is it worth carrying GTN spray. The guidance given below from Guys Hospital (UK).

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/cardiovascular/using-your-GTN-spray-to-treat-your-chest-pain-discomfort.pdf

Also following cold water immersion in the over fifties, is GTN spray worth carrying, again on the onset of chest pains?

I would be interesting to have the input of para medics, doctors or cardiologists on this one.

[Radgirl]

The kit contents depend on 3 factors:

1 the patients - age, type of pathology etc
2 the capability of the carer - doctor, paramedic, first aider
3 the capacity of the kit - size, weight etc

So I would carry a spray as a doctor running a rapid response unit attending medical emergencies and when I have an ECG for daignosis and a big car to carry it in

For aircrew after trauma I would use the space for other things - fluid resuscitation, airway management etc. I would not recommend first aiders give it to immersion victims.

You are welcome to PM me