Top 17 First Aid Kit essentials
A first aid kit is an essential part of any backcountry adventure, don't have one and you're gambling with disaster. Have one that is improperly stocked and you'll be very disappointed when you actually need to use it. Have a look at the list below and see if there is anything that you'd add as a "must have"?
1. Headlamp
If you can’t see, you can’t perform first aid no matter how well stocked your med kit is.
2. Coban Wrap
Coban is a water-resistant, self-adhesive, reusable elastic band which is the best bandage for the backcountry.
3. Irrigation Syringe
Pressure irrigation with clean water has proven to be the most important step to cleaning wounds in the field.
4. Tweezers
Whether you have an open wound or a splinter, you need a tool to remove debris from your skin.
5. Latex Gloves
For protection against communicable diseases while treating someone. They’re also tough to improvise in the field.
6. Lighter
Use it to start a fire, provide light, and even sterilize equipment.
7. Ace bandage
Use Coban for wound dressing, but stick with Ace for sprains and strains. It’s much more comfortable for basic athletic injuries.
8. Athletic tape
Without which your Ace bandage is useless.
Top 17 essentials for your First Aid Kit
9. Tylenol
It can treat general pain and alleviate light fever.
10. Benadryl
To treat mild allergic reactions.
11. Aspirin
Important if you’re adventuring with people with potential cardiac problems, It could be a lifesaver.
12. Advil
Your go-to anti-inflammatory pain reliever for most injuries and sore muscles.
13. Alcohol wipes
To sterilize medical tools (think tweezers and an irrigation syringe), not wounds.
14. Antibiotic ointment
Apply antibiotic ointment to dressings that wrap tissue wounds. The ointment prevents the bandage from sticking to skin, keeps the wound moist, and acts as a barrier against bacteria.
15. Gauze
For controlling bleeding and for dressing wounds (squares 3x3 or 4x4 inches) so you don’t have to pare them down in the field.
16. Moleskin
Don’t skimp on blister-prevention materials. Bring ample amounts of moleskin, as blister patches need to be reapplied daily to be effective.
17. Duct tape
The stuff has a million and one uses in the field. Get creative.
If you are in need of a personal backcountry first aid kit than have a look at the Backcountry Skiing Canada review of the Adventure Medical First Aid Kits here.
