Putting together your own outdoor first aid kit could be an ideal way to conserve money and customize your first aid kit to your own specifications. If you’ve got kids, it is a great method to teach them a bit about first aid too.
Be certain your kit is good to go for all outdoor emergencies with the following checklist.
Container
Begin with a heavy-duty container that is waterproof. I chose a plastic tub designed for craft storage. A small tackle box is another option. If money is a problem, try using a big Ziplock bag.
Bandages
You will need adhesive bandages in various shapes and dimensions. Special bandages made for blisters, knuckles and fingers are a smart addition as well. I have a bottle of liquid bandage too for treating hard to reach or hard to bandage areas. If you have little kids, you could add bandages which have their favorite cartoons on them. ACE bandages are important to include. It isn’t just helpful for sprains and strains, it can be used to apply pressure to a bleeding wound.
Gauze and Gauze Tape
May be employed to put pressure on a bleeding wound or for a temporary bandage in an emergency. I stocked six or ten gauze pads plus a roll of gauze in my first aid kit. Choose a size of first aid tape that you like. Select one which can be ripped off instead of cut.
Ointments, Salves and Wipes
Alcohol prepared pads or germ-killing wipes are necessary for cleansing wounds. You should also include an antibiotic ointment to protect a wound from infection. If you have kids who won’t let you put salves on them, get a spray antibiotic like Neosporin’s Neo to Go. My little girl will carry on like crazy if I try to apply triple antibiotic cream, but she’ll allow me to spray the wound with Neo to Go with no trouble at all. Anti-itch cream plus burn salve should also be included in your outdoor first aid kit.
Individual dose packets of pain reliever, antihistamines (Benadryl) and anti-diarrhea medicines are great selections to include. Include kid’s versions if you have children. Make certain to stay current with the expiration dates. If you have a deadly allergy and need an Epi-pen, it’s very smart to have a spare in your first aid kit. Also, diabetics must pack insulin, an injection needle, and liquid glucose.
Other Must-Haves
An instant cold pack is a great item for your trips first aid kit. It reduces swelling in case of an ankle or wrist sprain. An emergency blanket can warm you in case you get stuck out in the woods. Flashlights are great choices. Be certain to check the battery status prior to embarking and have a few extras with you. Don’t forget tweezers for taking out stingers.
If you are going to be hiking, you may wish to put in some water purification tablets. Although water in a creek or stream might seem harmless, it could contain dangerous germs. Water purification tablets will make the water all right for you drink.
Although the majority of the first aid treatment you do will be on a family member or a friend, there’s always a chance you may encounter a stranger who needs assistance. Keep throw-away gloves and a CPR mask with you for protection. If a family member is allergic to latex, use care when selecting gloves.
It is always nice to include a first aid guide. In the midst of a crisis, you might not be at your sharpest, mentally, so having a guidebook with written instructions can be crucial. You can generally get pocket guides by the first aid supplies in stores and you can also download and print guides form various websites.