If you’re headed outdoors, you should always carry either a prepackaged first-aid kit or a DIY kit that you can create using our list as a guide. Knowing how to use the items in a first-aid kit is as important as having them, so consider taking a training course.

This list is a good starting point. It also includes emergency essentials that you might carry separately from a kit. You’ll also need to include any prescription medications your group needs, as well as additional supplies you might need for where you’re going and how long you will be out.

First-Aid Basic Care

• • • • • Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
        • Antibacterial ointment
        • Compound tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive)
        • Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
        • Butterfly bandages / adhesive wound-closure strips
        • Gauze pads (various sizes)
        • Nonstick sterile pads
        • Medical adhesive tape (10 yd. roll, min. 1” width)
        • Blister treatment
        • Ibuprofen / other pain-relief medication
        • Insect sting / anti-itch treatment
        • Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
        • Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
        • Safety pins
        • First-aid manual or information cards

Wraps, Splints and Wound Coverings

• • • • • Elastic wrap
        • Triangular cravat bandage
        • Finger splint(s)
        • SAM splint(s)
        • Rolled gauze
        • Rolled, stretch-to-conform bandages
        • Hydrogel-based pads
        • First-aid cleansing pads with topical anaesthetic
        • Hemostatic (blood-stopping) gauze
        • Liquid bandage

Additional Medications/Treatments

• • • • • Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)
        • Sunburn relief gel or spray
        • Throat lozenges
        • Lubricating eye drops
        • Diarrhoea medication
        • Antacid tablets
        • Oral rehydration salts
        • Glucose or other sugar (to treat hypoglycemia)
        • Injectable epinephrine (for severe allergic reactions)
        • Aspirin (primarily for response to a heart attack)

Tools and Supplies

• • • • • Knife (or multi-tool with knife)
        • Paramedic shears (blunt-tip scissors)
        • Safety razor blade (or scalpel w/ #15 or #12 blade)
        • Cotton-tipped swabs
        • Standard oral thermometer
        • Irrigation syringe with 18-gauge catheter
        • Medical / surgical gloves (nitrile preferred; avoid latex)
        • CPR mask
        • Small notepad with waterproof pencil or pen
        • Medical waste bag (plus box for sharp items)
        • Waterproof container to hold supplies and meds
        • Emergency heat-reflecting blanket
        • Hand sanitiser
        • Biodegradable soap