First Aid Kit for a Wilderness of Uncertainties

The great outdoors can be a lot of fun. There are so many different fun activities to do, so it’s impossible to be bored. Yet, being active in the outdoors can also lead to many different types of accidents and injuries that are difficult to anticipate.

It is possible to avoid these mishaps by simply being prepared with a wilderness first aid kit. If it is equipped with the right items, a wilderness first aid kit has the potential to be a lifesaver - literally.

What Should a Wilderness First Aid Kit Contain?

A wilderness first aid kit is useless unless it includes most of the medical treatments you would possibly need. This includes both sterilization tools and various medications.

Sterilization solutions and tapes are very important parts of any wilderness first aid kit. If anyone were to get cut or step on something sharp, these tools would be necessary to prevent any sort of infection (and relieve the pain, of course)! Some basic things you should have in the first aid kit are: 4-inch rolled gauze, 2-inch rolled gauze, 4-inch elastic wrap, 2-inch elastic wrap, 4x4 sterile gauze pads, 2x2 sterile gauze pads, cotton swabs, adhesive tape, elastic and butterfly bandages, soap, acetic acid 5% (vinegar), hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, sterile eyewash, and a tourniquet.

In addition to these items, it is also important to carry a variety of non-prescription ointments and medications. These could help you out in many situations, such as if you encounter poison ivy or step on a beehive. However, make sure to check for allergic reactions before using any medication.

The ointments and medications you should include in your wilderness first aid kit include: ibuprofen, aspirin, hydrocortisone cream 1%, pseudoephedrine, and tropical anesthetic ointment.

Stay on the Safe Side

If you enjoy the outdoors and embark on enough adventures to require a wilderness first aid kit, then you should be fully knowledgeable about how to use all of the items in your kit. It is helpful to take a CPR course, or a first aid class.

However, if you have not taken one of these courses, then it is good to carry the Pocket Dive/Wilderness Emergency Handbook. This small guide can tell you what to do in many situations during which you might be uncertain.

Living Safely on the Edge

It is great to have a love for the outdoors and the wilderness. This passion can lead to many amazing, one-in-a-lifetime experiences. However, make sure never to put too much at risk. Carrying a wilderness first aid kit with you while adventuring in the wilderness will give you - and your loved ones - peace of mind.