What Should I Have In My First Aid Kit?

A first aid kit is one of the most important things to have with you at all times while hiking. The goals of first aid is to protect a person who is injured or ill from further harm, stop life-threatening medical emergencies, and get the person under professional medical care. Let’s hope that you never need to use it. Most of the time, you’ll just need the first aid kit for a simple cut or blister, and you’ll be glad you have one. It doesn’t have to be big and bulky, but should contain the basics for what you would need in the case of an emergency. While this isn’t everything, this is a good start!

Bandages: Assorted sizes for small cuts, blisters, etc.
4-inch closure strips or Butterfly Closures: For closing large wounds. 4-inch strips are more effective than butterfly.
4 inch by 4 inch sterile dressing pads (5 to 10): To apply pressure to a wound and stop bleeding
Non-adherent sterile dressing (around 2 inch by 2 inch): Use these or Second Skin to cover blisters, burns or lacerations.
Small gauze roll: Holds dressing in place.
Small roll of 1-inch adhesive first aid tape: Holds dressings in place.
Multi-use First Aid knife & scissors: Should include knife, scissors. A scalpel and blade are also useful for first aid.
Scissors: Trauma scissors, which have a blunt end to protect the patient, can be used for cutting away clothing from injury, cutting medical tape, etc.
ACE, Coban, or other rubberized bandage: Can be used as outer wrap on splints, wound dressings or support for joint injuries. Be careful not to wrap too tightly.
Antiseptic towlettes: For cleaning small wounds.
Cleansing pads with lidocaine: For cleaning. Includes a topical anesthetic for abrasions, stings, etc.
Topical antibiotic ointment: For application to wounds. Simple Vaseline can also be used in dressing a wound.
Moleskin: Prevents blisters. Cut and apply a section to your foot as soon as you discover a “hot spot.” Duct tape also works for this purpose.
Pain relievers, including aspirin and Ibuprofen: Provides relief for minor aches and pains, reduces fever, helps reduce inflammation of sprains and other injuries.
Antihistamines: For relief of pollen allergies, or to reduce reaction to bites and stings.
Immodium 2 mg capsules or tablets: For relief of diarrhea from intestinal infections.
After Bite or hydrocortisone cream USP 1 percent: Relieves skin irritation from bites, poison oak, stings, or allergic reactions.