You’ll never be sorry for carrying a basic First Aid kit with you on your outdoor adventures.
Kits are available ready-made, but they are expensive and often include something you’ll never need – and are missing something necessary.
Having the First Aid kit is vital, but training is essential and available locally.
You and your group of outdoor pals can sign up for training during the winter when we’re all looking for something to do. A refresher course may be appropriate because methods and procedures are always changing.
Basic First Aid covers most of the situations you’ll have to deal with. Nevertheless, a satellite phone is a good idea should a severe situation arise.
To assemble your own First Aid kit, start off with an appropriately-sized waterproof container such as Tupperware, a camera case or other O-ring equipped box. A water-proof bag or double Zip-Loc bags will also work in a soft container. Whatever container you use, mark it clearly as “FIRST AID” so others in your group can locate it if you are absent or hurt.
Your kit may be different from others because of allergies or special medical needs. Any daily use medication should be carried in a separate container with your own personal gear. All kits should include a small soft cover First-Aid manual.
Other items to include:
-liquid antiseptic;
-small tweezers for removing slivers;
-various sizes of good quality band-aids;
-1 or 2 tensor bandages and a sling;
-moleskin for blistered feet;
-gauze pads of various sizes;
-burn treatment kit;
-adhesive tape;
-Polysporin;
-eye wash;
-Motrin/Aspirin/Tylenol;
-antacids and Gravol;
-Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea;
-sore throat lozenges; and
-decongestant tablets.
In addition, there are a number of other items which can be carried separately rather than increasing the bulk of the First-Aid kit. These include:
-antiseptic moist towelettes for personal hygiene;
-rub-on cream for sore joints or muscles;
-corn-starch to prevent chafing;
-squeeze bottle hand cleaner (plunger-type will leak in your pack);
-bug-dope and after-bite medication;
-lip balm; and
-anti-itch cream.
I also have a smaller kit for sheep-hunting or any other minimal-weight outing.
For this I used two medium sized plastic peanut butter jars with screw-off lids. Into these tough, water-proof jars I put a minimal amount (enough for the length of a trip) of most of the above listed materials.
This has allowed me to keep the weight to a minimum while having enough of the various First Aid articles to get me through any situation that might arise.
Remember the scout motto: Be Prepared.
