First Aid for First-Timers

First Aid for First Timers

Japanese_World_War_II_first_aid_kit

World War II First-Aid Kit

We’ve Come a Long Way Baby…

Thankfully, we have come a long way throughout the past 50-60 years in what we now know as wilderness first aid. First aid really had it’s beginning in the battle fields as soldiers tended to their wounded comrades. Now days we are lucky to have classes, the internet, and loads and loads of blogs and internet friends to compare out first aid kits with. I have been lucky enough and really excited about finding a potential trail partner for my flip-flop hike next year. I was on tapatalk and got into a women’s thru hikers forum. I have been planning to go solo for the trip, but the more I thought about it the more I felt it would be more fun and probably safer to at least have a hiking buddy. Now, we have both agreed that there is no need for us to be attached at the hip with one another, but we will be able to be within the day from each other and keep up with each others progress. As part of our preparation we have been madly emailing back and forth about our plans and ideas. We have moved into comparing our gear and decided to coincidentally begin with our respective first-aid kits. I have been working on mine for a while, but there are so many ideas out there. Ultra-light, light, prepackaged, make-your-own…the choices and ideas and opinions of all of the hikers out there is overwhelming! As an EMT and firefighter I have had my fair share of experience in dealing with medical emergencies. However, it’s simple when it’s clean, when it’s sterile, and when you have a plethora of equipment to choose from that you don’t have to carry 2,181 miles!  I have done a lot of research and have come up with my first draft of my kit. I am striving for a balance between comfort and weight. I don’t want to be without things I need, but this list I have come up with is fairly comprehensive. I am sure I will get a lot of “leave that home” type of comments. Let’s take a look!

Experienced…BUT Still a Rookie In LDH

As I said I have a lot of medical experience, but I am still a rookie when it comes to long distance hiking. Please take time to look at what I have, maybe tear it apart, maybe steal something for your kit, I am open to suggestions and happy to be able to have this dialogue with all of you wonderful people! Without further ado, here goes!!

FIRST AID KIT

-Immodium – 6
-Aleve – 12
-Mucinex D – 6
-Benadryl – 6
-Neosporin
-Gold Bond
-Ace Bandage
-Leukotape
-Sunscreen/Lip Balm
-Nail Clippers/Tweezers
-Band-Aids (numerous sizes)
-Emergency Blanket
-Latex Gloves
-Purell (can be used for disinfectant)
-Bug Spray (DEET)
-Allergy Meds
-Multi-Vitamins
-Joshua Tree Climbing Salve (Excellent for feet!)

What should I add!? What should I subtract!? What does your kit contain!?

HAPPY HEALTHY HIKING EVERYONE! See you out there soon! (NOT SOON ENOUGH!) 🙂

 

 

 

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Comments 3

  • David Maltby : Jul 3rd

    Can you talk a little more about why you picked these things and the amounts? What things did you decide to leave at home and why/how are you going to do without them? I like when things I bring serve several roles, how does your kit work in that regard?

    Reply
  • Art Wray : Jul 3rd

    A small key chain type light source or hands free head lamp might be a good idea .

    Reply
  • Charlie Edwards : Jul 23rd

    I don’t see the need for the emergency blanket as you will have your sleeping system with you. My pack always carries plenty of Aleve (naproxen). I guess you’re planning on two a day for about a week with a resupply? While my feet have seldom been a problem, many I talk to say they wouldn’t leave without moleskin for blisters. Good luck

    Reply

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