First Aid Kits
First aid kits are one of those things you never really want to use, but may be the most important item that you pack.
Never take a wilderness trip without a basic first-aid kit in your pack. Minor scrapes, cuts and bruises can happen anywhere and anytime. It pays to be prepared. Whether you are choosing a pre-made kit or building your own, make sure you have supplies that match your trip plans. |
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How to Choose a First-Aid Kit
So, what should you look for? First, think in terms of what's most likely. That means cuts, scrapes, blisters and insect bites. These require elastic strip bandages, a germ killing solution such as iodine, triple antibiotic ointment or hydrocortisone. For blisters, adhesive tape, gauze and blister specific products such as moleskin and 2nd Skin are excellent. For more serious injuries, a kit will contain sterile gauze, sterile dressings, butterfly closures and surgical tape. Triangular bandages can be used to hold a head dressing in place, or secure a splinted arm.
Typical first aid kit
A manual - Every first-aid kit should include a comprehensive, easy to follow first-aid manual that clearly explains how to handle basic problems.
1 aluminised foil rescue blanket
1 100mm heavy elasticized bandage
1 50mm gauze roller bandage
1 roll of sticking plaster (25mm)
4 sterile non-adhesive pads (50mm x 75mm)
2 triangular bandages
1 antiseptic solution or cream
1 blister kit
12 adhesive strip dressings (elastic cloth rather than plastic)
12 soluble painkilling tablets (aspirin)
12 strong painkilling tablets (paracetemol, codeine)
Other useful items include insect repellent, sunburn cream (UV 15+ or greater), safety pins, tweezers to remove splinters and scissors. Antacids can ward off an upset stomach, while cold medications can relieve a stuffy nose. Latex gloves protect you if you're handling bloody injuries, while a space blanket and matches help keep an injured person warm and comfortable. Also enclose a small notebook and pencil for recording pulse and respiration rate.
Decide if you want a pre-made first-aid kit, or to build your own.
Most beginning backpackers buy pre-made first-aid kits rather than build their own. Pre-made kits are dependable (the ingredients inside have been chosen by experts) and convenient (everything you'll need for basic trips should be inside). They also come in durable, water-resistant pouches that can be refilled and re-used.
Some questions to ask yourself
How long and hard will your trips be?
For long trips and difficult routes, you may also wish to include additional bandages, gauze pads, ace (sports) bandages, butterfly bandages.
How far will you be from medical assistance?
For trips that place you far from medical assistance or evacuation, consider adding things like basic splints, prescription medications.
How many people will be on the trip with you?
Make sure you carry enough supplies to cater for the whole groups needs. Each person could carry his or her own small personal first aid kit as well.
A fully stocked first-aid kit is useless unless you know how to use the supplies inside. Make sure you know basic wilderness first aid before you leave home. Enroll in a first-aid course before you start taking bushwalking trips (e.g. St. Johns or The Red Cross). Then be sure to update your skills from time to time so you don't forget the important procedures.