Essential Guide to First-Aid Kits and Emergency Supplies
Arguably the most important of the 10 Essentials is a first-aid kit. Whether you are out on the trail, on a road trip, or at home, it’s important to have an easily accessible first-aid kit and key to being prepared for emergencies. First-aid kits are available in many different sizes and styles. They can be purchased at your local pharmacy, online or you can build your own to design it for your specific needs.
Where should you always have access to a first-aid kit?
- Your home should always have a kit.
- Your car should be equipped with a kit along with essential roadside emergency supplies.
- You should have a travel kit to take on trips.
- It’s ESSENTIAL you carry a kit with you on day hikes and backpacking trips.
- Boats and RVs should be equipped with a kit.
- Your place of employment should have a kit/cabinet and you should know where it is.
First-Aid Kits should be customized to your specific needs. Whether you build your own kit from scratch or buy one from the store your kit should be unique for your situation. Customize your kit to include any personal medications you may need, medical alert information, and emergency contact information. If you have pets, consider having a pet first-aid kit. It’s also important to make sure your kit is checked regularly to ensure you are replacing depleted or expired items.
Basic First Aid Supplies
Wound Dressings, Closures, Gauze, and Bandages:
- 25 adhesive bandages – various sizes and styles
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 1 each – 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 each butterfly closures
- 5 each – 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads
- 5 each – sterile absorbent gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
Infection Prevention:
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
- 5 triple antibiotic ointment packets or one small tube
- 5 antiseptic cleaning wipe packets
- 5 alcohol prep pads
- 2 pairs of disposable gloves
- 1 CPR kit or breathing barrier with a one-way valve
Pain Relief and Allergic Reactions:
- 5 medicated sting relief pads
- 5 packets of aspirin
- 5 packets of Ibuprofen
- 5 packets of Antihistamine
Other Essential Items:
- 1 emergency thermal blanket
- 1 instant cold compress
- Oral digital thermometer
- 2 triangular bandages or slings
- 2 safety pins
- Splint
- Tweezers
- Shears or blunt-end scissors
- Emergency whistle
- Emergency First Aid guide
Backpacking First Aid Supplies:
- First-aid kit items mentioned above
- Sam splint
- Aquatabs water purification tablets
- Sewing needle and dental floss for thread
- Anti-diarrheal tablets
- Rehydration salts
- Emergency fire starter
- Small multi-tool
- duct tape (wrapped around your water bottle a couple of times is sufficient)
- Moleskin/blister pads
- Antacid
- Burn cream/gel
- EpiPen
- Optional – Wilderness First Responder Book
Pet First Aid Supplies
A pet first-aid kit is important for injuries that happen while in the wilderness, in the event of a natural disaster or any time a pet is far away –out of reach of immediate access to veterinary help. Before you go you will want to research where the nearest veterinary emergency clinics are and save those contacts. Along with the phone number, clinic name, and address of your veterinarian.
Pet first aid items:
- 5 each – sterile absorbent gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- 5 each – Sterile Non-Adherent Dressing (2 x 3 inches)
- Trauma Pad 5″ x 9″
- Gauze Roll 2 inch
- Elastic Bandage Self Adhering (2 inches)
- Irrigation Syringe 10cc. with 18 Gauge Tip
- Triangular Bandage
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Sting Relief Pads
- Hydrogen Peroxide 3% 1 oz. (this is to induce vomiting -always check with a veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving it to your pet)
- Instant cold compress
- 2 pairs of disposable gloves
- Scissors with a blunt end
- Splinter Picker / Tick Remover Forceps / Tweezers
- Nail file
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- An oral syringe or turkey baster
- Liquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)
- Towels
- Small flashlight
- Alcohol wipes
- Styptic powder
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear gel
Highly recommended for backcountry:
- The Airlift or the Panza by Fido Pro Emergency Dog Rescue Sling
Resources:
You can purchase one from the Red Cross Store.
Conclusion
First aid, you never know when you may need it or administer it to someone else. Be prepared!
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