Check Your First Aid

If you spend a lot of time in the outdoors or on the road I would like to encourage you to think about emergencies. All to often what is most overlooked in the outdoors is safety and first aid. So why do I bring this up right now? Well I have been hauling around the same backpackers first aid kit for quite some time and the other day while I was trying to organize the 4runner I decided to have a quick look at my kit. What I found was that I was lacking horribly. Most of my medicines had long since been expired, moisture had reached some of my band-aids and after looking at the kit I found that it was itself a minimalists kits. Lacking in many items Now this is the same kit I had taken with me hiking, camping, and hunting several times and I realized that IF something had happened at the beginning of one of my 3-4 day trips I probably would have been in a bind.

Now I realize that backpackers want fast and lite but if you skimp on your kit to much and end up needing it, your trip could turn south real fast. Also, not every type of trip requires the same kit and even location can play a major role in what you might need. Remember that just having the kit is not the same as knowing how to use it. A good First Aid class is priceless for those who spend a lot of time in the outdoors. Knowing what medicines you can take and when as well as how to stop bleeding, making splints etc can really change the outcome of a potentially horrible situation. Now many of these classes are not cheap, often more expensive than a regular CPR/First Aid course but you will learn a lot more about how to cope with emergencies in the outdoors. to give you an idea of the costs associated, classes from the American Red Cross here on the Space Coast of Florida average about $70 while a limited Wilderness First Aid course starts at $220.

Some things to think about when putting a kit together are;
What bandage materials you might need.
What you might need if the bleeding is more serious.
What you might need if someone else if bleeding.(gloves)
What you would need for blisters (moleskin)
What you might need if you broke a limb (Duct tape might be handy to help make a splint)
What tools you might need (tweezers, knife, scissors, syringe)
Medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, iodine, antiseptic, antibiotic, etc )

The items listed above are just a start and should be considered for the length of time you plan to be out. I am by no means an expert but it is very important to be knowledgeable and prepared for the worst to happen. I hear a lot of outdoors enthusiast say things to the tune of always being prepared and I have to admit that I caught myself in that same category, believing myself to be prepared when I wasn't. I have taken some time to find where my kit lacks and I plan to do a refresher course on my CPR/First Aid ASAP. Being self sufficient is something we should all strive for and if you spend a lot of time in the outdoors, that life you save just might be your own...

Check your First Aid kits and be sure that you have what you need and that it has not expired. There is nothing wrong with putting together your own kit either as long as it allows you to be prepared. have one stored under the seat of your vehicle with a majority of items you might need and another for hiking/biking etc.   Be organized, be prepared.

http://www.first-aid-product.com/
http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class
http://www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/wildfirstaid.shtml