A first aid kit is your best friend when you travel. No one can predict when an incident will happen. Oftentimes, a first aid kit is all that is needed to make things right.
Research indicates that a first aid kit is one of the essential items for outdoor travel. How many of us know what really goes into a first aid kit and what each item is used for?
You can find numerous kits in any adventure store but if you?re looking to optimize your kit, Here’s? a list you a list of 10 essential items that should go into your outdoor first aid kit.
- Adhesive Bandages
Travelling can result in cuts and bruises, which when left unattended can lead to infections. Adhesive bandages come in an assortment of shapes and sizes to cover these cuts and bruises. They are effective in closing the wound and weigh next to nothing. We recommend bringing various sizes.
- Tweezers
They are an important tool of any first aid kit. A pair of tweezers? can be used to remove foreign particles stuck in the skin, which includes thorns, splinters, debris, etc,.
- Antiseptic Creams
Treating an injury will be effective only if the area of the injury is clean with no dirt and germs. It is of utmost importance that before putting on a bandage that you clean the wound thoroughly. Apply ?antiseptic cream to clean the wound before treating ?the injury .
- Sterile Gauze Pads and Tape
In case of large wounds, gauze pads are essential to absorb fluids. First, clean the wound, dry it out, then apply the antiseptic cream, cover the wound with the gauze padding and secure it with tape.
- Pain Relievers
Headache and backache can be annoying on the trail but we don’t need to ?let that affect our ?trip. Pop some pain relievers such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen into your first aid kit and you are all set.
- Medical Gloves
Safety and cleanliness are most important when it comes to travelling. Be sure to pack disposable medical gloves in your kit as they are a shield against infection when administering first aid.
- Irrigating Syringe
In an outdoor environment, sand, soil and mud can trap bacteria, which hooks easily under your nails. Cutting nails might seem like very far-fetched for travel but ingrown nails or hanging nails can feel unpleasant, especially on a hike. Be sure to keep your nails short and clean and pack a nail clipper for the road.
- Blister Treatment
Travelling or trekking can sometimes cause abit of strain, especially when you are not used to carrying a load or walking long hours. Molefoam or other type of blister treatment in your first aid kit can provide ?you instant relief and make you more comfortable.
- Sewing Needles
In the event that you get a blister, it is best to drain it and let it dry (if possible).? ?A sewing needle, cleaned with alcohol, is the best way to drain a blister. If possible drain in the evening and place your foot in the open air if possible. Bandage in the morning before putting your socks on.
- First Aid Manual
Your customised first aid kit will be incomplete without a first aid manual. The manual will include directions on how to treat wounds, sprains, cramps and other common ailments. The manual should be studied by everyone who has access to the kit and get to know the basics of administering first aid.
Join us for our Taiwan Adventure, where we not only do the trek, but go thru pre trekking briefings and discuss the gear list in full detail.
