How to make a first aid kit for hiking and camping - tips and tricks!
A basic level first aid kit is a necessity in the wilderness. From minor ailments to serious injuries, a first aid kit can help reduce the risk of infections or the severity of the injury. Based on their usage we have divided the items into 3 major categories:
Essential Tools
- Nitrile protective Gloves: To protect from coming in direct contact with fluids and blood
- Splinter grabber: To remove stings and splinters
- Safety pins: Multi-Purpose Item. Can be used to secure the loose ends of triangular bandage & repairing a rucksack
- Thermometer to measure body temperature
- Parachute Chord: A handy small item that can be used to lash a splint for a broken leg or used as a sling for a broken arm or collarbone.
- Scissors: Is used while dressing a wound.
- Owners guide: contains important information on the usage of first aid items.
Medications And Topical
- Pain relief medicine.
- Antihistamine medicine: helpful in preventing allergies
- Antiseptic wipes or Dettol with cotton: Helps to clean dirt or germs out of a wound
- Iodine ointment: Is used to keep the wound from getting infected after its cleaned
- Cold sore cream: Is used to apply on sore skin due to excessive cold exposure
- Pain relief spray: Is used over sprained muscles or joints for temporary effect.
- Electrolyte replacement powder: Is an Oral Rehydration Solution
- Burn cream: Is used to apply to burned skin
- Sunscreen: Is used to protect exposed skin from ultraviolet rays of the sun. Sun Protection Factor 40 and above is recommended.
- Soap: Is used for washing hands.
- Prescription medicines if you have any specific medical condition.
Bandages
- 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads: To cover the wounds of small size
- Sterile dressings: For dressing wounds
- Band-aids: To apply to small cuts and wounds
- Duct tape: Is a multipurpose item which can be used to fix bandage rolls and pads.
- Triangular bandage: Is used to form slings, support fractured limbs or hold dressings onto wounds.
- Elastic & Crepe bandage: Used to offer heat, insulation, and support on sprained muscles or joints.
Now that you know what to pack in the first aid kit, make sure you also learn the correct techniques of administering the same along with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). The more you know the better prepared you will be for outdoor emergencies. To find first aid classes in your area check out your local government hospital or the Indian red cross website at http://www.indianredcross.org. You can make your own kit or purchase one which is already preassembled. In any case get familiar with what you have at hand before you go out hiking or camping.
