Hiking is a great way to spend an afternoon to enjoy your natural surroundings or, for the more avid hikers, a great vacation. And as hikingdude.com tells us, major injuries from hiking are rare, but, there are a whole bunch of smaller injuries and ailments that can make your day miserable.
Being ready to take care of those pesky injuries with an emergency kit will make your trips more enjoyable and may help someone else that was not prepared.
It’s important to inspect your kit before every outing to make sure the gear is clean and supplies are in good condition. Replace expired medications and be sure the kit is easily accessible and everyone in the group knows who has it.
The following is a list of items commonly agreed on as being essential for a first aid kit:
• Waterproof container – a strong Ziploc bag or plastic-lined kit bag. If it isn’t waterproof, it will be a mess.
•Nitrile exam gloves
• CPR face shield Bandages:
• Elastic roll bandage
• Adhesive tape
• Adhesive bandages, assorted sizes
• Butterfly bandages
• Gauze pads
• Triangular bandage
• New Skin in small plastic bottle for cuts, abrasions
• Moleskin and molefoam; blisters, irritation Consumable Items:
• Alcohol swabs
• Antiseptic ointment
• Chemical heat and cold packs
• Cotton swabs
• Dry-wash pads or wipes Other Gear:
• Mirror, small and unbreakable
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Bulb irrigating syringe Drugs:
• Antacid
• Antihistamine for allergic reactions, insomnia n Anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen for inflammation, pain
• Hydrocortisone cream (soothes allergic skin)
