Light Sources for the Medical Kit

In your medical kit(s), you're going to need light.  Murphy's Law dictates that your medical emergencies will not happen on a bright, sunny day with light reflecting into exactly what you need to see.  If you think you don't need to worry about additional lighting, I've got a bridge for sale.
For all items, you want LED options, if at all possible.  LEDs provide more light with far less energy draw.  Some headlamps and penlights are rechargeable with a USB.  Combine those with a BioLite Camp Stove with a USB recharger (we've actually tried this, and it works) or some kind of solar recharger, and you are set for your light needs.

• A penlight is used for pupil checks, exploring around a dressing without pulling the whole thing off, or cleaning out a wound.  Many penlights on the market, especially those marketed for outdoor adventure, are too powerful for pupil checks.  For your patients' comfort, try to have a lower intensity light as well.
• A headlamp allows for a high intensity, focused light while keeping both hands free.  No matter what you do, if you only have one source for light to examine a wound, your head is going to block that light.  Headlamps can be useful even on the brightest of days.
• A credit card magnifier is kept in the medical kit for magnifying slivers or other debris in wounds and is also helpful in reading pill bottles and other fine print.  Some of these also have a built-in light feature I find very helpful.
• A hand-powered flashlight makes a great back-up light source.
• Light sticks can be hung around an operating table, if need be.  Keep several in your emergency medical kits.
• Extra batteries and rechargers for every light you have.  

Good lighting is critical to being able to provide good medical care.  Make sure you have a variety of options to meet your needs.

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22 june 2021