Image Appendix 2 Image

CREATING FIRST-AID KITS

If you’re planning a wilderness trip, you may want to devise a first-aid kit for use in the event of an accident or illness. The tools and supplies can be customized for your needs—for example, a first-aid kit can be designed for self-aid or for group camp use. Requirements will differ depending on group size, trip length, remoteness of location, and your individual or group medical qualifications, but these should serve as a solid foundation from which to build.

SELF-AID KIT

Generally, we rely heavily on the Ten Cs as the basis for improvised self-aid supplemented by simple over-the-counter pain relievers and herbal medicines and medicinal salves. Thus, our recommended self-aid kit would include:

Image Cutting tools (knife, axe, saw)

Image Combustion devices (fire-starting tools)

Image Cover elements (clothing, tarps, tents)

Image Cordage (bank line and paracord)

Image Containers (32-ounce stainless steel bottle at minimum)

Image Compass (with mirror and built-in magnification lens)

Image Cargo tape (Gorilla Tape)

Image Candling device (headlamp with spare batteries)

Image Cloth (3' × 3' of cotton cloth)

Image Canvas needle (for equipment repairs)

Image Woodsman’s apothecary

Image Acetaminophen

Image Ibuprofen

Image Diphenhydramine (antihistamine)

Image Camp wax

Image Nitrile gloves

BUSHCRAFT TIP

If firearms will be involved in your trip, consider including a tactical first-aid kit:

Image Tourniquets

Image Chest seals

Image Duct tape

Image Nitrile gloves

Image Quick clot

Image Steri-Strips

Image Dermabond or Vetbond

BASE CAMP FIRST-AID KIT

This kit design is for the needs of multiple people within the same group. Trained responders may wish to substitute elements to better suit their needs according to their level of training.

Image Protect any sterile dressings within your kit from moisture by sealing them in 1-gallon freezer bags in groups of four.

Image Your kit should always be easily accessible and its location known by everyone in your group.

Image A designated person, typically the one with the most training, should be appointed medical person in charge.

Image Label all containers clearly and include instructions in case the medical person in charge is the one who becomes injured.

Image Splints can be improvised in the field from natural material or foam sleeping pads. So only include SAM splints if you have space or the desire to carry them.

BANDAGES AND DRESSINGS

Image 4" × 4" gauze pads

Image 2" × 2" gauze pads

Image 3" gauze roller bandage

Image Paper tape

Image Elastic roller bandage

Image Self-adhering bandage

Image Cravat

Image Adhesive bandages (various sizes)

Image Steri-Strips or butterfly bandages

Image Wound irrigation syringe

Image 11/2" athletic tape

Image 2nd Skin

Image Moleskin

OINTMENTS AND MEDICATIONS

Image Povidone iodine

Image Triple antibiotic cream

Image Cortizone cream

Image Aspirin

Image Ibuprofen

Image Acetaminophen

Image Diphenhydramine (antihistamine)

Image Hydration salts/Jell-O

TOOLS

Image Bandage scissors/EMT shears

Image Thermometer with hard case

Image Tweezers

Image Nitrile gloves

Image Sawyer Extractor

Image Notepad and pencil

Image Small multitool or Swiss Army knife

Image Emergency space blanket

Image Safety glasses and face shield

AIRWAY DEVICES

Image CPR mask

Image Nasopharyngeal airway

SIGNAL DEVICES

Image Signal mirror

Image Road flare

Image Headlamp and batteries