First Aid/ Repair/ Fire--Kits


( I will be adding more here very soon still working on this page)

First Aid 

Training

Anyone traveling into the outdoors on day trips or multiple day trips should at a minimum have first aid training. When seeking out first aid training consider a Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, or a Wilderness First Responder course. In these courses, first aid is taught with more in-depth and hands-on methods, and these courses emphasize patient assessment, prevention, risk management, emergency care, environmental medicine, wounds management, backcountry medicine, and teach the practical skills for treating medical emergencies while in the woods and away from an easy to reach 911 call.
These courses range in hourly commitment from 16 to 70 hours of classroom time plus additional studying outside of the classroom. Wilderness Medical Associates offers classes throughout the country at reasonable prices. Here is a nice video that gives a good overview. If this is all new to you then you really need to take a class to learn more.

First Aid Kits


Sample lightweight first aid kit.
The following is an example of a first aid kit that I’ve come up with to meet my needs when out on trips with 2 to 4 people and up to 10 days. Depending on the products and supplies that I have on hand when I resupply, I vary the list, so that everything is about the same. In the event of a major injury, I count on being able to evac within a day or two.
Medication
__ 4 – Ibuprofen (200 mg)
__ 2 – Acetaminophen (500mg) (Tylenol)
__ 2 – Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25mg)
__ 6 – Diamode (Loperamide HCI 2mg)
__ 4 - Tums
Tools
__ 1 – Tweezers
__ 1 – Folding Sissors
__ 3 – Safety Pins

Wound Care/Cleaning/Splinting
__ 1 – Trauma Pad, 5″x9″
__ 4 – Gauze Dressing, Sterile, 3″x3″, Pkg/2
__ 1 – Syringe with 18 Gauge Tip, 10cc
__ 2 – Xeroform Dressing
__ 5 – Steri-Strip Adhesive Skin Closures (1/4″x4″)
__ 1 – Tincture of Benzoin Topical Adhesive, Vial
__ 4 – Benzalkonium Chloride Towelettes
__ 2 – Povidone Iodine Prep Pads
__ 1 – Tape, 1″x 10 yards
__ 3 – Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1/32 oz packs
__ 2 – Co-hesive, Elastic Vet Wrap, 2″ (Warning: Latex)
__ 1 – Triangular Bandage
__ 5 – Nexcare Waterproof Bandages (1-1/16 x 2-1/4 in. & 1-1/4 x 2-1/2 in.) 3M
__ 2 – Cotton Tip Applicators
__ 2 – Nitrile Gloves (Pair)
__ 2 – Hydrocortisone Cream 1%1/31 oz packs
__ 1 – Burn Gel (3.5g packets) Burnaid
Blister
__ 1 – Moleskin, 4″x7″
__ 1 – Duct Tape (See Below)
Diagnostic/Medical Information
__ 1 – WFR Cheatsheet

Repair Kit
__ 1 – Duct Tape, 2″x3yards
__ 1 – Emergency Light (Battery taped off)
__ 4 – 9″ Zip Ties bound together with a garbage bag closure
__ 1 – Plastic Thimble
__ 4 – Sewing Needles
__ 1 – Thread
__ 4 – Buttons
__ 1 – 2″x6″ Zipstop Nylon Tape

Fire Kit

  • Matches in water proof case
  • Mini Light My Fire 
  • Mini Bic
  • Cotton Balls w/ Vaseline
  • Char Cloth

Weight of the First Aid Kit

My standard first aid kit weighs a little more than a standard lightweight kit. Remember, your needs may differ from mine, so get the training and knowledge to create your own.
Weights
  • ?? ounces – First Aid supplies and Medicine
  • ?? ounces – Emergency and Repair Supplies
Additional Items that I Sometimes Carry

REI often has the best prices and selection and they offer some great kits, as well as smaller bulk 5 packs of hard-to-find medicine and ointments, like this Water-Jel Burn Jel – 5 Pack.

Other Lightweight First Aid Kits

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