Thank you so much for your question! Glad you're enjoying the book. So, when I clean up the game, I hope to address and streamline both of these aspects of the game. However, for the time being:
1) Yes, some confusion. Sorry. Simplify it thus: Items are non-combative. Oil, Picks, Light, ammo, etc. This of weapons and armor as Gear. Firing pistol or using blade, etc.
2) When using a specific Skill, roll 2d6 + the Skills Level. So if you have Healing at 2, roll 2d6 + 2. If you roll a Success, then heal 1 + 2 = 3 Health. In this same example, if you roll Complication, only heal the base 1 Health (excluding Skill Level) , then roll Ud, to test if you've lost materials (herbs, bandages, etc)
I hope this has helped. But if not, please don't hesitate to comment again! This first edition has a few things I need to address when I update the game in the future :)