When you’re headed outdoors for a backpacking trip, a simple camping trip, hike, or what-have-you, there’s a certain amount of risk involved. It’s not terribly difficult to get hurt in the backcountry, even if you take a lot of precaution. As is often the case, the nearest hospital or medical facility may be a ways out. It’s a good idea to have at least a basic knowledge of outdoor first aid and to be prepared just in case you need to treat minor injuries.
Find a good-sized kit
The first thing you need to do is find a solid first aid kit that hasn’t expired. Additionally, make sure it has enough supplies in it and is still weight and size efficient. You don’t want something terribly heavy, but you also don’t want to skimp on supplies. There’s no one kit that’s perfect for every person and every sport. You’re going to have to gauge it depending on your sport and length of time out (below are the considerations).
Pack your kit
Double-check to make sure you have the bare essentials in your outdoor first aid kit, whether pre-packed or put together yourself.
Always pack:
- A decent first aid manual: don’t rely on your personal knowledge in a potentially-emergency situation. Information and tips from a good manual can mean the difference between a nasty infection and a simple cut.
- Disposable gloves: whenever handling an open wound, be sure to use gloves. This protects you from another person’s blood and keeps germs out of the wound.
- Resealable plastic bags: it’s a good idea to have extra resealable plastic bags for ice in case of sprain or strain.
- Mineral ice: this awesome little gel will turn cold when you apply it to help bring down pain and swelling in an injury.
- Pain reliever: it’s always good to have a pain reliever to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Antiseptic towelettes: a must for cleaning out wounds and for cleaning hands before and after treating one.
- Scissors: it’s important to be able to cut bandages to the right size.
- Triple antibiotic ointment: though it might not kill all the germs in the area, a topic antibiotic ointment gives wounds the right environment for healing.
- Bandages: you’ll want to pack bandages of every shape and size you can think of, just in case.
- Gauze pads and adhesive tape: gauze makes a perfect cover for larger wounds.
- Allergy medication: pack antihistamines in case of a sting, bite, rash, or seasonal allergies.
- Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream: a good anti-itch cream is perfect for uncomfortable bug bites.
Know common treatments
There are a few common ailments you might have to deal with outdoors. This includes insect bites, minor scrapes, and cuts, blisters, and allergies. When it comes to cuts and scrapes, the trick is to stop the blood, clean the wound and maintain a clean environment around it as it heals to prevent infection.
When it comes to sprains, strains and muscle issues, remember the RICE method—rest, ice, compress and elevate—to promote healing and prevent further injury.
