Tips on Building a Basic First Aid Kit for Hiking

One of the things you should always include on a hike is a first aid kit, which is especially critical on an overnight hiking trip. Some items will be used often and should be changed regularly, such as moleskin for blisters, bandages, and aspirin. Others are rarely needed yet may be crucial in an emergency.

One big advantage of making your first aid kit is paying careful attention to the equipment. Gather as much health-related information on your selected destination as possible before departing on your trip, and consult your physician before taking any medicine. There should be a balance in building every person’s kit that matches individual or group demands based on your medical problems, the length and duration of the journey, and the environment you’ll be hiking into.

It is critical to select a first aid kit that is appropriately colored and well labeled. It should be waterproof or packaged in compact resealable waterproof bags and plastic bottles. It is also vital to remember that any first aid pack should be abrasion-resistant to prevent supplies from being destroyed on the road.

On a hike, the most common injuries include blisters, severe wounds, dehydration, heatstroke, fractured bones, sprained ankles, rashes, and allergic reactions. The first-aid package for minor cuts and scrapes requires a few necessities, various bandage options, and appropriate cleaning products for minor injuries. Antiseptic wipes, bandages, nonstick sterile pads, safety pins, and other items are among them.

For something a little extra, such as deep cuts or severe wounds. Wraps, splints, and wound dressings play a significant role. They will be used as wound dressings to prevent the wounds from infection or other items coming into contact with them.

For lengthy trips and overnight trips. More supplies will be required. Because the longer you hike, the more likely you are to injure yourself. Aside from the necessities, you should also include personal items. You may also add sunscreen, bug repellent, duct tape (which is highly useful for any and all repairs), and lip balm in your first aid bag.

Prescription drugs for problems particular to you or hikers in your group, for example. This lists items that are useful in particular circumstances. For people who have severe allergic responses, for example, an epinephrine pen, sting, and aspirin, which are generally used in the event of a heart attack, and antibiotics, should also be included.

Depending on the type of location you’re hiking in, there are a few other factors to consider. If you’re going on a trek in a tropical location where malaria or other mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent, bring anti-malarial medication as well as a tropical grade insect repellent. Consider carrying a powdered antiseptic and medicines for healing wounds in tropical regions. If you’re going somewhere with cold weather or high altitudes, pack a heat-reflective emergency blanket and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Finally, without your tools, your first aid kit is incomplete. From bandages to washing pads to rolled gauze. A headlamp, thermometer, blunt tip scissors, tweezers, since the scissors will be required to cut tapes and gauze, and precision tweezers for splinters should all be included in your pack. It should also have a stitching needle, multi-tool (pocket knife), medical gloves, a whistle, and a CPR mask.

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Originally published at https://robertbettgather.blogspot.com.