Wilderness First Aid

Lesson 1: GENERAL EMERGENCY INSTRUCTION

THE MORE-THAN -ADEQUATE FIRST AID KIT

Steps to create a great first aid kit:

1) The first thing you will need to know when planning your first aid kit is that a small white box will NOT meet your needs. To stack a thorough kit, you will need a medium to large (depending on your needs) container to hold all of your supplies. A clear plastic container with a snap-on lid works really well, and can be bought at a store such as Walmart for relatively little money. Plastic storage containers offer many benefits: different sizes available to meet your particular needs (for instance, your car kit may be smaller than your home kit), the container will not rust if exposed to water, and while the lid will not keep out prying little fingers (ALWAYS keep your first aid kit out of the reach of children), most of them do a fair job of keeping out water.

2) Plan to stock your kit according to the size and ages of your family. For instance, a family of two adults will probably not need a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting), but it’s an essential item in a household with small children.

3) General Items:
*A list of your family’s medical information: any health conditions, allergies, medications, and even a copy of your living will/advance directive.
*Emergency phone numbers (TAPE THIS LIST TO THE LID OF YOUR KIT): the family doctor(s), local emergency numbers, and the number to your local poison control center.
*A basic guide to first aid (see the recommended reading list).
*Your thermometer. You will always know where it is!
*A list of all supplies included in the kit. Either tape this to the lid of the kit, or keep it inside, but be sure to update the list and replace supplies as you go along.
*A list of the expiration dates of all medications contained in your kit, so you can be sure to replace them as they expire.
*Several pairs of latex gloves.

4) Injury and wound care items:
*Assorted sizes and types of adhesive bandages.
*Gauze pads and rolls.
*Adhesive tape.
*Elastic wraps for sprains and strains.
*Large triangular cloths, used for wrapping and splinting.
*Scissors-rounded tip.
*Antiseptic wipes.
*Instant disposable cold packs.
*Tweezers.
*Hydrogen peroxide or an antiseptic wash for disinfecting wounds.

5) Medications:
*Aspirin and acetominophen (Tylenol) in age-appropriate formulas.
*Syrup of Ipecac, used to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning. Use only on the recommendation of your doctor or poison control center.
*Pepto-Bismol and antacids.
*Small plastic dose cups and oral syringes.
*A tube of antibiotic ointment.
*Calamine lotion for insect bites and plant reactions.
*A tube of hydrocortisone cream for rashes.
*Anything else you can think of that would be appropriate for your family’s health!