There is no such thing as a perfect first aid kit. Each kit should be tailored for the specific trip, users, and activities you are planning. Purchasing a pre-made kit is a good start and often cheaper than building one from scratch. These kits have many of the key supplies required to manage injuries and provide a nice bag to keep everything tidy. I find the Adventure Medical kits to be some of the best to use as an initial base (especially the Weekender Kit).
You should assess exactly what supplies you anticipate needing based on the following criteria and risk factors.
Based on how you answer the above questions, you can add items to better anticipate potential problems or remove items to help save weight and bulk. Don't bring items that are beyond your scope of training, and remember that prevention is key.
The more you know the less you need.
Versatility and improvisation and the two keys to wilderness medicine. A common mistake is to overstuff a first aid kit with items that assist in the treatment of minor and/or uncommon injuries. Bring items that you cannot easily improvise (such as gloves) and that can cover a range of issues.
Training is key. As you learn more about wilderness medicine, you will become more comfortable with a smaller number of supplies. Seriously. I cannot recommend getting some level of advanced wilderness medical training enough.
These are supplies that are used to keep a person alive. Basic life support (BLS) differs from advanced life support (ALS) that EMTs and hospitals can provide with invasive treatments not available in most backcountry settings. These supplies should be the most readily accessible because they are used for treating issues that are very time dependant.
Used to create a seal and barrier for rescue breathing or to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Your most basic barrier protection. Some people are allergic to Latex which makes Nitrile the better choice.
For cutting off clothing, preparing gauze, and other issues that require strong cutting.
Excellent for providing a quick pressure bandage to a large wound.
A self-adherent dressing used in conjunction with maxi-pad for pressure bandages on severe wounds.
An essential item for clearing a suspected spinal injury and lancing blisters.
An all purpose splint for both unstable and stable injuries. Can be fashioned into a C-collar for spinal protection.
A detailed plan of at-home networks that provide protocols for evacuations and emergency contact numbers for the area.
A way to get help. It's usually better to try to self rescue if possible, but for high level evacuations having the ability to call in professional resources can be lifesaving.
For establishing a patient's medical history, vital records, and other pertinent information. A very useful way to document a medical issue.
For writing on your SOAP notes, pens often don't work in the rain.
Useful for reminders on specific treatments.
Metal, with a good point at the tip. For picking out rocks and splinters.
For safe disposal of soiled items.
For removal of small foreign object in the eyes, and can be used as a sterile applicator.
For cleaning and sterilizing.
20cc - 35cc allows for a good pressure stream to clean out and irrigate wounds. An excellent technique for removing dirt and bacteria from a wound.
For wraps, improvised dressings, and bandages.
For blister prevention or protection. (I prefer the thicker pads.)
Used to help close small wounds.
A clear, breathable wound dressing that is an excellent way to cover and monitor wounds over many days.
Allows dressing to adhere to the skin longer and more efficiently.
Easier method for keeping dressings on arms, legs, and hands. Can be cut apart to form a thick pad.
Also known as Telfa Pads. Good as a primary dressing for wounds.
Comes in separate pads. Works well as a light wound dressing and for wiping up blood during the cleaning process. Can also be used to scrub debris from abrasion wounds.
A mix of classic Band-Aids, including bandages for knuckles and fingers.
Used to sling a broken or dislocated arm, or can be cut in half and used as a cravat.
A clear gel padding used for minor burns, chafing, and blisters.
For wrapping dressings, splints, and applying compression and support for musculoskeletal injuries.
Helps prevent infection and keep wounds moist when needed.
Environmental issues include hypothermia, acute mountain sickness, sunburn, frostbite, dehydration, lightning, insect bites, and many others. Prevention and identification of these problems is of utmost importance, but there are some treatments available as well.
For checking body temperature in hypothermia, fever, and heat stroke patients.
A small emergency supply only -- individuals should be responsible for their own personal bottles.
Provides comfort to burn victims.
For diminishing allergy symptoms. Mandatory for patients presenting with anaphylactic shock.
Acute Mountain Sickness. Such as Diamox (Acetazolamide), and Ibuprofen can assist in prevention and reduction of AMS symptoms.
Accurate field diagnosis of medical issues range from challenging to impossible. Instead of trying to diagnose the problem, we focus on potentially severe it could become and determine if an evacuation is necessary based on that. Medical problems can include, diabetes, seizures, angina, gastrointestinal issues, and more.
Any prescription drugs taken specially by the individual. These are the responsibility of that person and CANNOT be administered to another individual.
Can be a lifesaver for early response to heart attack victims. Also good for headache relief and as a fever reducer. Do not give to children under the age of 12.
Drugs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen. Used for pain relief, fever reduction, and as anti-inflammatories.
Back ups for feminine hygiene, and for nosebleeds.
Protects the ears from water when infected or ruptured.
The previous pages are simply lists of possible items you may need for your next adventure. Each trip should have a unique, custom-made first aid kit built using the following method:
Create a laminated list of items in the kit and tuck it away with your SOAP notes and medical field guide. Keep your kit organized and color coded with small, labeled, zip-lock baggies. Make sure to do a good job restocking the kit after it is used. If a major situation arises, you need to know where your supplies are and how to use them.
The absolute best thing you can do to be prepared for a medical emergency in the outdoors is to increase your level of training. Not only will this give you practical skills, but it will also boost your confidence to act when a situation occurs.
The two main places to further your level of training are:
The course progression starts with Wilderness First Aid (WFA) which is a two day class for basic life support, trauma, environmental, and basic medical issues. Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) is a short step up. Many outdoor professionals have a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification which also addresses medical, and more in-depth life support issues. The highest level is Wilderness EMT (W-EMT), which is a combination of an EMT-Basic course and a WFR.
So remember, proper wilderness medicine is a three step process: prevention, advanced training, and an appropriately stocked first aid kit. I've set up an amazon store of wilderness medical supplies if you are looking for a place to start.
Visit the Amazon StoreIf you have any questions about first aid kits feel free to email me or send a tweet, I'd be happy to help!
