Basic First Aid Kit For Hikers

Whether going on a long backpacking trip or just a short day hike, a basic first aid kit is highly recommended. You may do 50 hikes and never need more than bug repellent, but there may come a time when your first aid kit may help someone who is sick or injured. It’s a good idea to store the kit in your pack or vehicle, so you won’t forget it. There are many lists in literature as well as on the web, so we will condense the information into a basic list of ten items. The list includes:

Triangular bandage – for slings, bandages, and splint tie-downs
Band-Aids – for small wounds
Sterile Gauze – a half dozen 4x4” for dressings
Ace bandage – support for sprains
Duct tape – for splinting, bandage
Moleskin – for blister prevention or treatment
Antiseptic wipes – to clean wounds
Antibiotic ointment – to prevent infection in wounds
Ibuprofen – anti-inflammatory
Aspirin – 300 mg crushed under tongue for heart attack symptoms

Note that the items on the list are for treatments; the list does not include tools that should be brought along that may assist in treatment application, such as a multi-tool containing scissors and tweezers. Nor does the list include basic nourishment such as water and food, which prevent dehydration, cramps, and low blood sugar. The first aid kit should be kept in a waterproof container.

First aid requires more than just having the proper materials, one also needs have the first aid material easily accessible, know how to use it, and know when application of first aid is indicated. It’s a good idea to carry a small simple pocket guide for treatment of common ailments. These are available at local sporting good stores. There are a number of first aid courses available in the Triple Cities. Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO), a company specializing in emergency medical training, presents an excellent Wilderness First Aid class for hikers/backpackers annually at Binghamton University. Ideally one should have knowledge of how to stabilize a potentially fractured limb or spinal injury, control bleeding, and manage burns as well as being able to recognize signs of dehydration, hypothermia/hyperthermia, fever, infection and shock. The first aid provider should also be aware of when to move an injured/ill person, and when outside help should be sought. With a little common sense one can improvise, using items like walking sticks as splints, a wet rag for cooling, or rolling up the hem of a sweatshirt to immobilize an arm injury in lieu of a sling.

Contents of a first aid kit are not cast in stone. The list should be altered as makes sense based upon conditions such as weather and terrain, or for hikers with special medical needs, like those requiring meds for allergies, cardiac or respiratory problems. Putting together a basic first aid kit requires less effort than preparing a good pot of homemade chicken soup. While both have medicinal value, the first aid kit is a heck of a lot easier to carry. So before you go on your next outing, take a few minutes and become prepared.

Contributed by Matt Rose
NYS / PA EMT-B OFFICER