Having a first aid kit in you emergency pack is very important. In many emergency situations there is an increased risk of injury and even a small cut can become a big issue when untreated in the field.  Prior to any adventure the first task is to obtain first aid training.

You have two main options for setting up your first aid kit. The first is to purchase one that has been designed for outdoor activities and the second is to build one from scratch. Even if you purchase one you may need to do some customizing of the kit.   If you want to build one from scratch you can review the lists that most companies put with their pre built kits listed on the Internet.  In this post I will show what is in my kit which is based on the kit supplied from Bug Out Bagz. I will note any additions that I have made (Notes with *).

The first aid kits needs to be built to treat the following areas:

• Wound Care and Bleeding
• Blister and Burn Care
• CPR
• Dental Care
• Fractures and Sprains
• Medications
• Medical Information
• Other Items

Wound Care and Bleeding covers situations from small cuts and abrasions to major wounds such as open fractures.  To handle this range of injuries you will need a number of items.  For larger wounds you need to be able to control the bleeding and be able to close or contain the wound. Smaller cuts such an incision from a knife will need to be treated and closed.  Abrasions can vary from small to large and will require varied treatment. Listed below are the wound care items contained in my kit.

• *QUIKCLOT SPORT (25G) (Adventure Medical Kits)
• *2  Feminine Hygiene Maxi Pads (Very good for blood adsorption)
• 2 – 4×4 Sterile Dressings
• 2 – 3×3 Sterile Dressings
• 2 Conforming Gauze Bandages
• 3 Butterfly Closure Strips
• 6  Adhesive bandage (1″ x 3″)
•  3 Adhesive bandage (2″ x 3″)
• 1 Adhesive Tape (1″ x 10 yards)
• 3 Antiseptic Towelettes
• 3 Double Antibiotic Ointment
• 1 Wound Cleaning Syringe w/Catheter
• 2 Nitrile Examination Gloves

Blister and Burn Care is critical. If you  are having to hike out to get emergency assistance, blisters can become almost debilitating and should be treated at their initial onset. Burns also need to be created to help reduce their severity. If the burns are large enough they will exceed our ability to treat in the field and quick evacuation is the only option. The the burns are small and they have become an open wound they can be treated as such.

• *BLISTER MEDIC (Adventure Medical Kits)
• * 4 – Burn Care Ointment

CPR training is a very important supplement to your first aid training. In our current age with the risk of AIDS and other illness there is no desire to lock lips with someone you do not know. Enter the CPR mask. The mask allows for positive air slow with both a filter and a valve to prevent back flow.

• Laerdal CPR Mask

Dental Care can become a critical care issue. This kit does not take much room in your pack and provides the ability to care for lost fillings and a few other dental emergencies.

• Adventure Medical Kits Dental Medic Kit

Fractures and Sprains require immediate care in the field. If the injury is minor enough and well treated evacuation may be able to continue. Otherwise, the injury needs to be stabilized and rescue sought. The SAM splint is one of the most versatile tools for treating fracture and sever sprains and should be carried by everyone.

• 1 – Elastic Bandage with Velcro® (2″)
• 1 – Triangular Bandage
• 1 – SAM Splint
• * 2 – Sam Finger Splints

Medications (My wife is a physician so we carry some prescription medications) can be included in your kit and should include pain killers, antidiarrheal, and allergy medications. Pain killers can enable the injured party to continue with self rescue.

• *6 –  800 MG Tylenol
• *6 – Codeine
• *6 Antihistamine
• *6 antidiarrheal

Medical Information should include basic first aid instruction as well as any specific medical instructions for care of any specific medical needs one of the party might have. There should also be included paper and pen for taking notes one the injured person.

• Back country First Aid and Extended Care book
• *Pencil
• *Water Proof Paper

Other Items include tools needed to assist in administering first aid. Duct tape is included and can be used in many situations were a good tape is needed.

• 2 Sting Relief Pads
• 1 Folding Scissors
• 1 Splinter Picker Forceps
• 1 Mini Roll Duct Tape (2″ x 100″ roll)