How to Make an Outdoor First Aid Kit

The best first aid kits are made after carefully thinking through the climate and terrain you will be active in, the medical histories of the members of your party, and the specific activities planned.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• First Aid Kits
• Plastic Bags
• Evacuation Insurance
• Stuff Sacks
• Plastic bags

1. 

   Assemble several plastic resealable bags or stuff sacks to organize kit items by the following categories: blister kit, trauma, wound management, topical medications, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.

2. 

   Assemble at least the following items in your blister kit: adhesive bandages, gauze pads, athletic tape, moleskin, molefoam, second skin, benzoin tincture, duct tape and scissors.

3. 

   Consider the following items for your trauma kit: epinephrine syringe, latex gloves, micro-shield, airway, scissors, extractor, cravats, ace bandage, chemical cold packs, chemical heat packs, plastic resealable bags, trash bags, thermometer, rectal thermometer, signal mirror, extra lighter, wilderness first aid book.

4. 

   Assemble the following items for wound management: irrigation syringe, 10% povidone-iodine, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, athletic tape, adhesive bandages, butterfly bandages, rolled gauze, tweezers, and iodine tablets to disinfect water.

5. 

   Consider the following topical medications: hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, antibiotic ointment, antifungal creme, sunscreen and insect repellent.

6. Consider the following over-the-counter medications: aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines, decongestants, antacids, decongestant spray, diarrhea medication, oral rehydration salts or electrolytes, and medication for motion sickness.

7. Consult a doctor for prescribed antibiotics to treat the following infections: skin, urinary tract, gastro-intestinal, sinus, ear, eye, respiratory and soft tissue.

8. Consult a doctor for additional prescribed medications: pain killers, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid cremes, and altitude illness medications (acetazolamide or dexamethasone).

9. Think about the particulars of your outing that may require special medications or supplies: snake habitats, cold climates, hot climates, malaria regions, children in your party, or long expeditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Read all written instructions for use of prescription medications and possible complications, and store them with the medication.

• Consider buying a commercial first aid kid or consulting your physician for help in assembling your kit.

• Consider taking a wilderness first aid course before departing on a backcountry trip.

• Do not give medication to children or pregnant women before consulting a physician.

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.