FIRST AID KIT
Don ' t just have a first aid kit, have a useful first aid kit. Make sure you have the supplies to deal with major injuries, and make sure you have the knowledge. You can purchase hiker first aid kits at outdoor stores or put together your own. Consider taking a first aid course from the Red Cross or the Mountaineers.
PREVENTION ITEMS:
• Hand sanitizer & biodegradable soap( use away from water sources) for sterilization and cleaning your hands before meals and after bathroom breaks.
• Lip balm & sunscreen to protect against sun burns.
• Moleskin or duct tape for hot spots on your feet. Stop and put on moleskin the moment you start to feel a hot spot on your feet.
• Lotion or sports balm will help with a variety of conditions including cracked skin and chafing.
• Latex gloves for sanitation when dealing with bodily fluids.
PILLS:
• Pain relievers to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Antidiarrheal pills for an upset stomach.
• Allergy medication for severe allergic reactions.
BANDAGES:
• Band-aids of a few different sizes for cuts.
• Butterfly bandages will help pull the skin together with deeper cuts.
• Gauze pads will help to cover larger scrapes.
• Medical tape, cohesive wrap, or duct tape can be used to hold bandages in place.
• Antibiotic ointment is important for keeping cuts clean and helping them to heal quickly.
EXTRAS:
• Safety pins are useful for a variety of situations, like fastening wrap around bandages and slings.
• Small tweezers will come in handy to remove ticks and splinters.
• Make sure to pack any personal medications as well.
This list might seem like a lot of items, but if you portion correctly and refill after your trips, a first aid kit like this will only weigh a few kilograms.
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Personalizing your first aid kit is a good thing, but always make sure that you ' re properly prepared with essential first aid equipment.