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Preparing a First Aid Kit
 — by Jeremy Henricks

Considering how essential a first-aid kit is to one's survival in certain situations, it's amazing to think that a lot of people don't include one when they travel. I've heard many people say that they don't know what to put in a first-aid kit. This is understandable when you think about the different types of bandages, creams, and other items that are available.

Well, we've made it easy for you by finding out what's needed to cover you from head to toe. We've included the necessary items to prevent infection, stop bleeding, repel insects, and provide life-saving treatment.

When preparing your first aid kit, carefully consider the following: the people traveling with you and their medical needs, the activities planned, and the terrain or climate where you'll be staying.

It's best to separate items by the following categories: trauma, blisters, wounds, topical medications, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications.

To help contain each kit, use several resealable plastic bags, or organize everything in Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers. For larger kits, consider using a tackle box.

Trauma Kit - include the following items in your trauma kit:

abdominal dressing, thermometer, CPR micro shield, small flashlight, latex gloves, airway kit, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol preps, adhesive tape, hydrocortisone, sterile water, scissors, extractor, triangular bandages, both hot and cold packs, antibiotic ointment, forceps, finger splint (wood or plastic), eye wash, Mylar survival blanket, resealable plastic bags, trash bags, lighter, first aid book, and epinephrine syringe.

Blister Kit - include the following items in your blister kit:

non-woven adhesive knit, antibiotic ointment, pressure pads, adhesive bandages, gauze pads, athletic tape, moleskin, molefoam, 2nd Skin®, tincture of benzoin, and scissors.

Wound Kit - include the following items in your wound management kit:

10% povidone-iodine, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, adhesive tape, butterfly bandages, non-woven adhesive knit, adhesive bandages, rolled gauze, tweezers, irrigation syringe, and sterile water or iodine tablets.

Topical Medication Kit - include the following items in your topical medications kit:

calamine lotion, insect repellent, aloe vera gel or lotion, hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) or sun block.

Prescription Medication Kit - Consult your physician for prescriptions to treat the following infections:

skin, gastro-intestinal, sinus, ear, eye, urinary tract, and respiratory.

Consult a doctor for additional prescribed medications such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and acute mountain sickness medications.

Over-the-Counter Medication Kit - include the following items in your over-the-counter medications kit:

aspirin, acetaminophen, decongestant spray, ibuprofen, antihistamines, motion sickness medicine, decongestants, antacids, diarrhea medicine, and oral rehydration salts.

Note:

• You may also want to include a snakebite kit if you'll be in an area where snake populations are high.
• Read all instructions for the medications contained in each kit and store this information with your medication. Be aware of possible complications.
• If you're interested in survival skills, consider taking a wilderness or survival class. Contact your local college or a local outfitter for more information.