This article will discuss the importance of a Wilderness First Aid Kit in enhancing survival possibilities during a disaster. Being aware of the harsh nature of the wilderness, it is wise to be ready. I will outline how to assemble an effective first aid kit and reveal the contents we include in ours.
First, we need to consider the potential injuries that we may come across in the wilderness in order to construct an effective wilderness first aid kit. Having provisions for bleeding injuries, internal conditions, and bone/ligament injuries is crucial.
In order to treat bleeding injuries, it is necessary to have some materials like gauze to absorb the blood, anti-bacterial wipes to cleanse the wound, butterfly bandages and band aids to close and safeguard the wound, and lastly, antibiotic ointment to minimize the risk of infection. Burns can also be considered in this category as they are also treated with ointment.
Internal ailments such as digestive problems, headaches, nausea, allergies, bug bites, and rashes caused by plants can be effectively treated using lotions and medicine.
Bone and Ligament Injuries as well as other typical hiking discomforts like blisters are managed by utilizing splints and wraps. Mole-skin or duct tape are highly effective in treating blisters. To address such problems, we consistently bring along an ace bandage, a splint that can be easily folded, and a triangular piece of cloth, such as a bandana, which can be used to create a sling or other devices that limit movement.
It can be helpful to simplify your decision-making process for building your first aid kit by categorizing your thoughts into these three categories.
Design your first aid kit with your trip in mind
There is no standard first aid kit as its contents depend on the type and duration of the activity or expedition. Typically, the size of the first aid kit increases with distance from assistance. When planning a long trip, it is important to consider the need for resupply. The medical officer’s level of training also determines the amount of invasive equipment or prescription drugs that can be carried.
Expeditions have a distinct concept of first aid kits that differs greatly from the ones used by rescue teams. Expeditions aim to avoid using their first aid kits and instead employ the principles of improvisation. They focus on minimizing the presence of specialized items, prioritize the use of multipurpose equipment, and adapt their expedition gear for medical purposes. This may involve using skis as splints and sleds as litters. As one’s ability to improvise improves, the size of the expedition’s first aid kit typically decreases. Conversely, rescue teams anticipate using their equipment and often carry specialized gear specifically for rescue purposes, rather than relying on personal gear for improvisation.
In order to ensure the safety and well-being of every team member, it is crucial to assess their medical history. This may require the addition of special equipment or medication to your kit. It is important to take note of any allergies they may have. If you have limited experience in wilderness medicine, it is recommended to review the publications of the Wilderness Medical Training Center (WMTC) and consider carrying their Wilderness Medicine Handbook. To thoroughly document your assessment and treatment of injured team members, it is advisable to carry SOAP Notes. A free download of WMTC’s Patient SOAP notes can be obtained from their website, which can be printed on rite-in-the-rain paper, or they can be purchased directly from WMTC.
Organize your first aid kit effectively
Critical concepts to organization and packaging involve ensuring the protection of valuable and irreplaceable equipment, as well as facilitating quick and effortless access to emergency gear, without causing a disarray of the contents within the kit.
- Use different colored compartments or packs. DO NOT use plastic bags as pack or compartment substitutes.
- Clearly label each compartment or pack: In many expeditions each expedition member carries their own personal care kit (blisters, sun screen, OTC meds, personal Rx meds, minor cuts & scrapes, etc.) leaving the expedition first aid kit for emergencies and minor trauma (more serious wounds and unstable injuries). This helps ensure that the expedition first aid kit is complete when it is needed.
- Laminate a contents list for each pack and indicate the intended use for each item.
- Seal soft goods in plastic to protect them from moisture. Use individual mini zip-locks or “Seal-a-Meal” freezer type packages.
- Tubes break. Repackage ointments into one and two ounce wide mouth (or larger depending on group size) Nalgene bottles.
- Liquids leak. Package liquids in one and two ounce narrow mouth (or larger depending on group size) Nalgene bottles.
- Use a weatherproof drug log for ALL medications so that you know who is using them and why.
- Train your expedition or team members to use your kit. Until they are trained, only you know why you assembled the kit as you did. Without specific training most people will not know how to use the equipment you have so thoughtfully assembled. Restrict access to compartments or packs that members are not trained to use.
Anticipate possible problems
To create an efficient first aid kit, start by developing a detailed list of potential issues that may arise. Categorize these problems into Basic Life Support or Trauma, Environmental, and Medical categories. Then, select and prioritize the problems that are most likely to occur. Once you are content with your list, create a compilation of necessary first aid supplies to address these issues, ensuring to have a sufficient amount of supplies for the problems that WILL occur.
Final thoughts
It is important to note that the effectiveness of a first aid kit depends on your knowledge and ability to use it. Therefore, we suggest that individuals who frequently spend time in the outdoors receive Wilderness First Aid training or even more thorough Wilderness First Responder training. We hope this information has been beneficial to you as you assemble your Wilderness First Aid Kit, and we trust that it will enhance your chances of having a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Keep in mind the wise words of Ben Franklin, who said, “Prevention is better than cure.” Wishing you good luck and safe travels!
